Leaving The Pas and heading to Flin Flon, Manitoba, we noticed two provincial parks just off Highway 10, Clearwater Provincial Park and Grass River Provincial Park. As we were not in a hurry to get anywhere and needing a spot to stay the night we decided on the first park Clearwater just 20 kms from The Pas.

A beautiful drive in on excellent highway we ended up at 25 Mile Campground for the night. Early in May and a cool rainy Thursday we found the campground empty so had our choice of spots. We picked one overlooking Atikameg Lake which in Cree means “White Fish”, but it is mostly referred to as Clearwater Lake. The lake takes up almost half of the 593-square-kilometer park, is spring fed and lives up to its name as the water is pure and clear. We were told you could see to a depth of 33 feet or 10 meters. The lake is 120 feet deep in places and is home to lake trout in the cold waters.
We wandered down to the lake finding the area, although quite rocky, the lake was pure sand and not a weed to be found…on a great day perfect for swimming. We were not even tempted to go in for a dip, however while we sat and watched three cars pull up, kids bailing out everywhere and heading into the cold waters on that cool rainy day. Either age has made us smarter…or perhaps we are a couple of wimps.








We headed instead to Sam’s Snack Shack where we had noticed activity…their fries are the best! The couple who own the place live there most of the year and were very friendly and helpful. The park we were told is mostly lake and boreal forest and boasts a collection of deep crevices known as “The Caves”. These were formed when massive rocks were split from the cliffs along the shoreline. These caves are very cool and may have snow in them in July. A short self-guided trail on the south shore will take you past the caves.


Also referred to as Pioneer Campground, the one we called 25 Mile Campground, has approximately 27 electric-only serviced sites, all with lake views. We found very modern shower and flush washrooms, all kept very clean, change houses, volleyball courts and picnic areas. For some reason, maybe due partly to the weather or knowing we would probably be back for more exploring of the area, we took very few photos.



Standing under our awning in the drizzle cooking our humble fare we would refer to as “supper”, I noticed car after car arrive and pick up food at Sam’s Snack Shop. Pretty much the only traffic in the area that day…I’m getting to thinking that we should have checked out the menu at “Sam’s” a little closer.
Down the road towards Highway 10 there is another campground, Campers Cove, which is a little more commercialized, one can rent Yurts which can each sleep up to six people. There are 70 serviced campsites and eight basic tenting sites. I think due to it being closer to The Pas and the services, this is the busiest of the campgrounds, we however prefer the “not so popular” ones. Either way Clearwater Provincial Park is worth a visit. Next stop Grass River Provincial Park. We hope to see you “Down the Road”…Charlotte and Gerry, the RV Cowboy.