Hot weather leads to early start to summer tourist season in Riding Mountain National Park

Hot weather and an early start to the tourist season have many businesses around Clear Lake, Man., in Riding Mountain National Park already opening their doors for the season.

Several shops in the resort town of Wasagaming, about 100 km north of Brandon along Clear Lake, have opened weeks earlier than normal.Some setting records for the earliest opening date.

"My first week was very busy, but then it was midterm break as well as Easter," said Jeanne Waterman. She opened her clothing shop, Seagulls and Sandcastles, on Easter weekend, the earliest she has opened in the 18 years.

Many businesses open for the season on May long weekend, she said. People were seen mingling around the town on Wednesday and some were even taking advantage of the beach.

"It was an earlier spring and I think people were ready to come out and do things," she added.

She said at least one local resort was booked solid over Easter and the town has stayed relatively busy since, especially on weekends. She said the weather has played a major factor in the extra traffic, but also believes changes in the town have also played a role.

"There are some new businesses," Waterman said. "That always brings new blood in and new ideas."

Temperatures in Westman are expected to soar into the low 30 C range on Thursday and Watermanhopes a few people play hookey from work to come to the lake.

Other business owners excited

Across town at the Lakehouse Boutique, Karly McRae has been sensing the excitement as well.

"I think there has been a really great buzz with businesses being open over the winter," she said. "It's created a momentum that we haven't seen for a very long time."

She said while her business was one of the few that stayed open all winter, she has noticed others around her opening up early to accommodate those coming to take advantage of the weather.

"I think this is a sign of great things to come," she said.

"It definitely seems to be a lot busier this year," said George Hartlen,the CEO of the Friends of Riding Mountain National Park. "Things have kicked into high gear."

Hot weather sets the tone

Hartlen believes the earlier start to the summer tourist season sets the tone for a very busy summer.

"I get motivated more when the weather is like this," Waterman said. "When it's not nice you just don't want to open your door almost."

McRae suggested those wanting to take a trip out to Clear Lake take advantage of the weather right now. She said it's quieter and easier to find a place to stay in May and June than it is at the height of the summer tourist season in July and August.