On the shores of Deep Bay in Riding Mountain National Park, a nearly century-old cabin is tucked away from society. It’s provided a thinking space for Manitoba artists to hone their craft. “Clear Lake, an old log cabin — how could you get anything better,” said Winnipeg author Sharon Hamilton. Typing at her desk deep in thought, the 82-year-old writer was working on her latest literary work when CTV News spoke with her. “I’ve put my hand to writing Agatha Christie type mystery novels,” Hamilton said with a smile. Today, the log cabin in Deep Bay is being used by artists and writers putting pen to paper. It was built by Parks Canada in 1934 as a landing spot for pilots. “It was originally built for pontoon planes that would land here at Deep Bay, and the pilots were able to stay over here on their trips further north or coming back from the north,” said Ken Romaniuk, executive director of Wasagaming Community Arts. As time and aviation improved, pilots didn’t need to stop by here any longer according to Romaniuk and the cabin sat empty for decades. In 1988, it was recognized as a federal heritage building by the federal government. By 2005, the Manitoba Arts Council decided to transform the cabin into the home of their artists in residency program. Working with Wasagaming Community Arts, Manitoba Arts Council choose artists each year to come and spend two weeks inside the 92-year-old cottage between June and late September. The cabin is two kilometres away from the Wasagaming townsite. Hamilton was the last artist to call the cabin home for the summer of 2026. “For a lot of the artists that have never been up there, it’s a discovery,” said Martine Friesen, program consultant with Manitoba Arts Council. “It’s a beautiful setting to be able to take some time out of your life and reflect and work.” Friesen said it was originally a Parks Canada employee looking after the Wasagaming townsite who approached the arts organization over a phone call. It was an opportunity they could not pass up. “Art and the national park, there’s so many inspirational moments I think that can be found here, if that’s what you’re looking for,” Romaniuk said. “It is a hidden gem.” Hamilton agrees. She said an isolated place like this is perfect for her to reflect and sit on an idea before knowing the writing is right for her readers. “It’s starting to flow, all because I have this quiet time, right here in this beautiful cabin with this beautiful view,” Hamilton said. Artists wishing to apply for the 2027 artists in residency have until the deadline of Jan. 15, 2027. More information on how to apply can be found on the Manitoba Arts Council website.
