THE BRANDON SUN • Lake Life • SPRING 2026
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But Martins said for students, relaxation does not come without planning. “Balancing work and summer life is not easy,” she said. “It takes intentionality. You cannot just wake up and decide to go to the lake. There has to be planning and financial capacity.” Her experience of lake life in Manitoba contrasts sharp- ly with what she knew back home in Nigeria. “Back in my country, everything is fast-paced, loud and very social,” she said. “Here, the lake is calm. It gives you time to slow down, relax and just be yourself.” That sense of calm is echoed across student experiences. Oluwatoyosi Babalola, another college student, said lake life in Manitoba serves both social and personal pur- poses, especially during high-stress academic periods. “I think lake life is an important part of the student ex- perience in Westman,” she said. “It helps us relax, recon- nect with others and take care of our mental health.” Babalola said Clear Lake has also become personally meaningful to her, including major life moments. “I’ve been to Clear Lake several times with friends and church groups,” she said. “It’s more than just fun, it’s a place to recharge and reflect.” However, she said there are persistent barriers. “The biggest challenge is transportation,” she said. “Without a car, it’s difficult to access these places. Even bus schedules can be limited, especially on weekends.”
Oluwatoyosi Babalola. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
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