Boating and paddling

Voted Westman’s ‘Best Lake’, Clear Lake certainly lives up to its name. Considered the clearest lake in the southern prairies, Clear Lake is a premiere destination for boaters.

Motorized boats are allowed on Clear Lake and Lake Audy. Boat launches are found on Clear Lake and Lake Audy.

Only non-motorized watercrafts are allowed on Deep Lake, Lake Katherine, Moon Lake and all backcountry lakes.

No personal watercraft (sea-doos/jet-skis) are allowed on any waters in Riding Mountain National Park.

Attention Boaters!!

Older, outboard motors, particularly conventional 2-strokes, can release up to 30% of their fuel unburned into the water or air via exhaust.

Marine motors that produce lower emissions contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Parks Canada and its partners are committed to protecting our environment and the ecological integrity of our national parks and national marine conservation areas. As a result of public consultation, a decision was made by Parks Canada in 2001 to move towards protecting park waters by only permitting cleaner marine motors. In order to reduce emissions within Riding Mountain National Park of Canada, all internal combustion marine outboard motors used within the Park must be either 4-stroke or direct fuel injected 2-stroke engines effective January 1, 2007.

Accepted Outboard Motors

• Four-stroke and direct fuel injected two-stroke. 
• New low emission technologies will be assessed on a case-by-case basis as they become available.

Compliance and Monitoring

• Park staff will be conducting inspections at various times and locations throughout the summer. 
• Boaters will be asked to provide basic data for reference to show that their watercraft has a motor that meets the new emissions standards.  
• Should any motor be found non-compliant, the operator will be formally advised to take action to comply with the Superintendent's Order and may be required to immediately remove the watercraft from all park waters. Continued non-compliance may result in formal charges. 
• Park Wardens will be enforcing the Superintendent's Order in Riding Mountain National Park of Canada.

Lasting Benefits

• Boaters will benefit from less fuel consumption and can take pride in keeping our waters clean for future generations. 
• Riding Mountain's lakes will be healthier and will continue to support sustainable fish and aquatic populations. 
• Park visitors and residents will enjoy cleaner water for drinking and recreation.

For more information or questions about watercraft engine requirements or motor inspections, please contact us at 204-848-7275.

Learn more about aquatic invasive species (AIS): Facts and FAQs about AIS

• Visitor Safety
• Weather

 Safe Boating Guide

 Watercraft Engine Requirements (446 KB)