Step Into the Spruce Hut
There's something about winter in Riding Mountain National Park that makes you crave warmth, good food, and memories that stick. This season, the iconic Spruce Hut at the Lakehouse in Clear Lake Country is back, and it's offering exactly that.
Tucked among snow-laden spruce trees with midday light filtering through the branches, this intimate dining hut feels like your own private corner of the winter forest. It's cozy without being cramped, rustic without sacrificing comfort, and designed to make you forget about the cold for a few hours.
The Perfect Start to a Winter Day
We arrived for lunch before heading out for a full afternoon of activities at the Winter Pavilion. The Spruce Hut turned out to be the ideal way to fuel up—warming us from the inside out before we hit the ice and snow.
Inside, Edison bulbs hung from dark wood beams, candles flickered on rustic tables, and a centerpiece fireplace cast everything in that perfect amber light. The seating was thoughtfully done—cozy benches draped with sheepskin rugs and flannel blankets, that made settling in feel like sinking into your favourite winter hideaway. And here's a nice touch: they have a Bluetooth speaker in the hut, so we could set the mood with our own playlist. It's those little details that make the experience feel personal, not staged.
The kids started with hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows and whipped cream, while I opted for the Campfire Hot Chocolate—a grown-up version with Baileys, caramel, and everything you need to thaw out on a frigid Manitoba day. It's the kind of drink you nurse slowly, letting the warmth settle in.
Then came the cheese fondue—the twins' first time ever trying it. Watching them figure out the whole dipping situation—bread, vegetables, the occasional dropped piece—was as entertaining as it was delicious. It's interactive, it's fun, and it's the kind of meal that makes everyone lean in and actually talk to each other. Honestly, what a way for them to be introduced to fondue.
For the main course, we all went with the ravioli. Fresh, hearty, and filling in the best way. The sauce was light but packed with flavour—the kind of dish that feels comforting without weighing you down. It was exactly what we needed before an afternoon of winter fun.
Service That Goes Above and Beyond
The staff at the Lakehouse are incredible. Our cups never went empty, they were patient and helpful with menu recommendations, and they made the whole experience feel effortless. But here's what really got us: after dinner, they brought the kids a s'more kit so they could roast their own s'mores over the fire pit right outside the hut. Obviously, we had to do it. Watching the twins toast marshmallows in the snow, surrounded by spruce trees and winter quiet, was one of those moments you don't forget. It's that kind of thoughtfulness that turns a good meal into an actual experience.
Why It's Worth It
This isn't your typical restaurant experience. The Spruce Hut is available in 1.5-hour time slots, and only one reservation is hosted at a time—meaning the hut is entirely yours. No sharing space, no nearby tables, just your group and the forest. It feels intimate, like you've been let in on a secret.
The whole setup is cozy, comfortable, and warm—the kind of place where you actually want to linger, even when you have a full afternoon planned. It's incredibly family-friendly. Our kids loved the novelty of it all—the candles, the sheepskin rugs, the s'mores. But it's just as perfect for a date or a small group looking for something different before hitting the skating trail or admiring the ice sculptures in the pavilion.
What You Need to Know
The Spruce Hut runs on reservations only, so don't just show up. The staff needs time to prep and get the hut heated to that perfect toasty temperature before you arrive. Trust me, you want them to have that time. Walking into a warm hut when it's well below freezing outside is half the magic.
If you're looking for a dining experience that's more than just a meal—something that feels like an actual winter adventure and the perfect complement to a day at Clear Lake—this is it. It's one of those experiences that makes winter in Manitoba feel less like survival and more like something worth celebrating.
