The weather may not be that favourable for it, but it is the May long weekend, which also marks the official return of motorized boats to Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park.
On Thursday, Parks Canada released the rules for motorized boat use on the lake this summer.
It follows a crackdown on motorboats on the lake where invasive, destructive zebra mussels were discovered in 2023, prompting a ban on personal boats in 2024 and 2025.
The rules prohibit motorized boats on Clear Lake on Mondays and Tuesdays, or overnight from 8:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
The exception is the Martese tour boat.
It was the only motorboat allowed on the lake in 2024, but was also banned in 2025.
Until June 7, motorized or trailered watercraft that have not entered the water this year can be inspected and registered for an annual permit and can immediately launch on Clear Lake.
However, after June 8, all motorized and trailered watercraft must complete a 45-day quarantine before they can launch there.
The decision to allow motorboats and put new management measures in place followed several months of public engagement sessions, consultation with Indigenous groups, environmental monitoring and a review of literature.
