Once upon a time in the bustling halls of The North West Company, HR met IT. We both worked in the same building, shared the same gym, and harboured the same secret crush... but neither said a word. Our interactions were limited to shy smiles, awkward hallway hellos, and the occasional "I think they looked at me!" moment.

Courtney was busy managing humans. I was busy fixing machines. Tragically, neither of us were equipped to manage our feelings.

Then Courtney left the company. I stayed. The gym missed our awkward tension.

Three years later, Courtney was scrolling online when my profile popped up. She messaged me with the classic line: “It’s always funny when you see people you know on these things.” Translation: “Hi, I’ve been low-key crushing on you since 2015.”

I replied. Courtney replied. And suddenly, after years of missed connections and elliptical encounters, the conversation finally got cardio.

Now, we’re getting married. Because sometimes all it takes is a gym crush, a dating app, and years of dramatic silence to find your forever person.

A few important notes for the wedding!

- You will need a park pass to get to the Wishing Well - you can buy one when entering the park for the first time.

- If the weather is not looking good, there will be a location change for the ceremony - please stay tuned to this website for any updates.

- Directions to the Wishing Well - Take Hwy 10 north. Watch for signs that indicate Clear Lake golf course and/or the Wishing Well. You'll turn left and should see a parking lot on the right with boat launches on the left. Continue driving along the water, past the turn off for the golf course. You should see signs for the Wishing Well, which will be on your right, only a couple minutes after turning off Hwy10. There is a parking lot on the right - see parking notes below. If you google map Wishing Well Clear Lake, it should take you to the right place.

- Parking at the Wishing Well is very limited. Please carpool where possible. There is a parking lot with limited spots, however many people will have to park along the side of the road leading up to the Wishing Well, or in the boat launch parking lot once you pull off the main highway.

- The reception will be open bar and there are no taxis/Ubers in town. If you happen to be staying out of town, please plan accordingly and don't drink and drive.

Accommodations in Clear Lake tend to be booked very quickly, many months ahead.

If you’re able to make it to the wedding, we recommend booking your accommodations as soon as possible, before everything books up. If left until the spring, it’s likely that most things will be booked, except for the odd individual hotel room.

If you happen to be coming with others who you would like to stay with, there are a number of chalet/cabin type options available that are great for groups.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to either one of us if you have any questions about staying in Clear Lake!

Camping

Campground located at the edge of the townsite. Reservations typically open in January for the following summer.

https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/reserve

Hotel Rooms/Cabins/Chalets

Arrowhead

- This hotel is owned by the same people who own the wedding venue.

- This property is essentially right across the street from the venue.

- Booking code: COURTBRAY (This should be entered as a promo/voucher code and should take 10% off your booking.)

- They have individual hotel rooms; some are pet friendly.

- They also have cabins/chalets.- In summer, a three-night minimum stay is required. If a three-night stay isn’t possible for you, please reach out to us directly, as the hotel may be able to accommodate a few two-night stays for us.

Elkhorn

- Individual hotel rooms – most have a two-night minimum stay.

- They also have chalets which are great for groups. These include kitchens. Most of these will have a 3- to 7-night minimum stay.

- They are located just outside of town – a 20-minute walk, and you have to cross the highway.

- Attached to the Klar So spa!

Lakehouse

- This hotel is also owned by the same people who own the venue and the Arrowhead hotel.

- There is a great restaurant in the building, as well as a coffee shop.

- Also, only a few minutes’ walk from the wedding venue.

Idylwylde Cabins (https://www.idylwyldecabins.ca/)

- Another great option right in town, for groups.

- Minimum of a week rental during the summer.

Manigaming Resort

- Individual motel type rooms, but also a few chalets which are great for groups.

- It has a very nice outdoor pool!

The Stowaway Inn

- Also, almost directly across the street from the wedding venue.

- A newer, nicely renovated hotel with various types of rooms.

- One pet-friendly room.

Onanole – A nearby town that also has a motel – Smokey Hollow.

For links to the places above, and a full list of options: https://discoverclearlake.com/stay/

We're about to download a ton of information to you, but please don't hesitate to reach out to either of us directly, if you have any questions whatsoever, about things in Clear Lake. We're happy to answer them!

Food... A favourite topic!

So many great places to eat while in Clear Lake Country!

- An absolute must-do is Whitehouse Bakery - specifically their cinnamon buns! They have an amazing bakery counter full of other items, and a coffee bar, that you can take and go. They also have an dine-in restaurant, serving other great food. If you want to dine-in for breakfast, don't be deterred by the long line, as the longest line is often for the bakery counter (but it moves fairly quickly!).

- Lakehouse Hotel - a great option for all meals of the day, delicious cocktails, or a quick coffee stop. We stopped here for a celebratory lunch right after we got engaged! (They also own Danceland, the wedding venue!)

- 1929 Dining & Lounge - another one we visit every year. Casual lounge with lots of options - the bison burger is a favourite!

- Ice Cream - it's not a trip to Clear Lake without some a daily ice cream fix. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with the options at The Boardwalk, or stop by the Velvet Dip.

- If you're in need of any groceries - Clear Lake Trading Post or The Boardwalk are you best options!

- Several other options in and around town, but those are just some highlights!

- One other note - there are no retail sales of liquor in the actual park itself, so if you're wanting anything to drink for your room/campsite (i.e., anything outside a restaurant), the place to stop is Home Hardware in Onanole. They actually have a pretty good selection!

Shopping... Another favourite topic! (well at least for Courtney)

Lots of great little shops throughout the town, depending what you're looking for.

- Camp Cantina - lots of unique and delicious food items.

- Friends of Riding Mountain - If you want any Clear Lake Country or Riding Mountain souvenir type stuff, this is one of our favourites. Some great gift ideas here.

- Several store throughout town with clothing - beach/surf type stuff.

- The Park Bench is another favourite - lots of unique kitchen items, kids toys and gift ideas.

- The Spinning Wheel is another good option for any souvenirs.

- Wow! Mabuhay Clothing, Gift Shop and Christmas store also has a ton of Christmas decor and some of the most beautiful and unique ornaments you'll find.

So many more options than what's listed here too!

The world is your oyster when in Clear Lake Country! You can shop, eat, drink, relax at the beach, take a nice easy walk along the water, go for longer hike on nearby trails, check out a movie, golf, get in a game of tennis, try to see some wildlife, head to the spa - there's something for everyone! Here are a few of our favourite things to do and some notable mentions.

- The Visitor's Centre on the main street is a great place to start, especially if you have any questions. They have Parks Canada employees who can provide advice on activities, trails and trail conditions, events, etc.

- Lake Audy Bison Enclosure - About a 45 minute drive (mostly on gravel) from town. You'll take hwy 10, then use the Lake Audy turnoff. Best time to see them is first thing in the morning. It's a huge enclosure that you can do a loop through and hopefully catch a glimpse of some bison. It's hit or miss as to what you'll see of course. On the worst vists? We've seen nothing. On the best of visits? They've licked the car, they've been playing right in front of the car, so close that we had to stop driving. We've never been in danger, and it's one of the coolest things to check out!

- Swim in the lake - it's called Clear Lake for a reason - the water is so clear! But that means cold, too. Take a dip on a hot day, but just be sure to towel off as soon as you get out of the water (no one wants swimmer's itch! you'll be fine if you towel off!).

- There's a great path that you can talk along the water, for a nice leisurely walk.

- If you're looking for something a bit more intense, check out one of the many hiking trails - something for all levels! https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/visit/activ4/activ6 Bald Hill is one of Courtney's favourites - a tougher one, but the view at the end is so worth it! Just bring some bear bells - you never know when you might encounter one. You are in Bear Country after all! (even around the campground and edge of town - just be aware!)

- Golf - one of the most beautiful courses is located right outside of town - Clear Lake Golf Course. There's also Poplar Ridge Golf Course nearby.

- Spa - Head to the newer Klar So Nordic Spa (like Thermea!) for a day of relaxation! Great restaurant here too!

- Lots of other rentals and things you can do - bike rentals, play a game at the tennis court, mini golf. Depending on the situation with the zebra mussels - you may or may not be able to rent different watercraft - pedal boats, kayaks, etc.

- Catch a movie at one of the most unique movie theatres you'll visit - The Park Theatre.