Discover Lake Winnipeg
Lake Winnipeg is a magnificent freshwater lake located in the province of Manitoba, Canada. Spanning approximately 24,514 square kilometers, it is one of the largest lakes in North America. What sets Lake Winnipeg apart is its unique ecosystem, which supports a diverse array of wildlife, including over 80 species of fish. The lake is also renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes.
Visitors to Lake Winnipeg can enjoy a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring the surrounding parks and trails. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a serene escape, Lake Winnipeg offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Interesting Facts about Manitoba
01
Land of 100,000 Lakes
Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes, ranging in size from vast expanses like Lake Winnipeg to smaller, secluded bodies of water. This abundance of lakes contributes to the province’s rich biodiversity.
02
Royal Canadian Mint
Winnipeg houses the Royal Canadian Mint, where all of Canada’s circulation coins are produced. It is one of the most technologically advanced mints globally and has even produced coins for other countries.
03
Icelandic Heritage
Gimli, a town on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, has a strong Icelandic cultural influence. It hosts the annual Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, celebrating the town’s unique heritage.
Must See Attractions
Royal Canadian Mint
Speciality Museums
The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is a cutting-edge facility that produces all of Canada’s circulation coins, utilizing advanced technology to mint coins with precision and innovation.
Riding Mountain National Park
Nature & Parks
Riding Mountain National Park is a natural sanctuary featuring diverse ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and a wide array of wildlife, crowned by the picturesque Clear Lake.
Assiniboine Park
Nature & Parks
The park is a sprawling urban oasis, offering a harmonious blend of meticulously landscaped gardens, the immersive Assiniboine Park Zoo, and recreational spaces, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
Where to Sleep
Lakes to Explore
1. Cedar Lake
Nestled in the wilderness of northern Manitoba, Cedar Lake is a remote and serene destination, offering pristine natural beauty and excellent fishing experiences.
2. Lake Winnipeg
Lake Winnipeg is the largest lake in Manitoba and the sixth-largest freshwater lake in Canada. It offers stunning landscapes and various recreational activities.
3. Lake Manitoba
Lake Manitoba is famous for its diverse birdwatching opportunities, as well as being a popular destination for anglers seeking walleye and northern pike.
4. Lake St. Martin
Rich in indigenous history, Lake St. Martin is a significant lake in Manitoba, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and providing a setting for both relaxation and exploration.
5. Lake of the Prairies
Straddling the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border, Lake of the Prairies is renowned for its picturesque scenery and is a hotspot for fishing.
6. West Blue Lake
Tucked away in Duck Mountain Provincial Park, West Blue Lake is a tranquil gem with sandy shores, ideal for swimming and picnicking, offering a serene escape.
7. Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake in Riding Mountain National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring excellent opportunities for kayaking and camping.
8. Paint Lake
Paint Lake in the northern part of the province is a peaceful retreat known for its clear waters, making it a favorite for canoeing and wildlife enthusiasts.
Annual Events and Festivals
February 14 – 23, 2025
Festival du Voyageur
Festival du Voyageur, held annually in Winnipeg, Manitoba, stands as a vibrant celebration that pays homage to the region’s rich French-Canadian heritage and fur trading past. Transforming the city into a winter wonderland, this cultural extravaganza captures the spirit of the voyageurs, the French-Canadian fur traders who navigated the waterways in the 18th and 19th centuries. Attendees can explore elaborately crafted snow sculptures, witness thrilling lumberjack competitions, and partake in lively traditional dances.
TBA 2025
Manito Ahbee Festival
The Manito Ahbee Festival, held annually in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a premier celebration of Indigenous arts and culture, making it a significant and vibrant event in the region. The heartbeat of Manito Ahbee is the Indigenous Music Awards, recognizing and honoring the outstanding contributions of Indigenous musicians from across North America. The festival also features a powwow, a mesmerizing display of traditional dance, regalia, and vibrant cultural expression. Attendees can participate in workshops that delve into various aspects of Indigenous arts, from beadwork to storytelling, creating an immersive educational experience.
July 16 – 27, 2025
Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival
The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is a dynamic and vibrant celebration of the arts. As one of the largest and longest-running fringe festivals in North America, it transforms the city into a bustling hub of theatrical creativity and innovation. Over the course of 12 days, the festival showcases a wide array of performances spanning various genres, including drama, comedy, improv, and dance, presented by local, national, and international artists. The festival’s unique “fringe” nature means that performances are selected through an unjuried, lottery-based process, ensuring a diverse and unpredictable lineup that encourages artistic risk-taking and experimentation.
Top Hiking Trails
Hunt Lake Trail
Hunt Lake Hiking Trail, Trans Canada Hwy, Whiteshell, Manitoba
Renowned for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain, this trail stretches approximately 12.5 kilometers (round trip), taking adventurers through a diverse landscape of dense boreal forests, rocky outcroppings, and lake views. This trail, considered moderately difficult due to its uneven and sometimes steep sections, appeals to experienced hikers seeking a day-long adventure. Throughout the journey, the trail offers an array of natural wonders, from cascading small waterfalls and moss-covered granite cliffs to abundant wildlife, including various bird species, which adds to the trail’s allure.
Top of the World
Falcon Trails Resort, 100 Ridge Rd, Falcon Beach, Manitoba
This trail, renowned for its panoramic vistas, spans approximately 12 kilometers, leading hikers to the summit of Baldy Mountain, the highest point in the province. The trail’s climax at the peak rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the surrounding lakes, forests, and expansive prairies, creating a sense of being on top of the world.
Cedar Bog Trail
Cedar Bog Self-guiding Trail, Birds Hill Rd, West Pine Ridge, Manitoba
This picturesque trail spans approximately 2.5 kilometers, leading hikers through a captivating landscape of lush cedar forests and serene wetlands. The trail’s well-maintained boardwalks guide visitors over the boggy terrain, providing an immersive experience without disturbing the delicate ecosystem below. Interpretive signs along the route offer valuable insights into the unique flora and fauna that call this environment home, including carnivorous plants and various bird species.
Best Golf Courses
Falcon Lake Golf Course
100 S Shore Rd, Falcon Beach, Manitoba
Nestled in the heart of scenic Whiteshell Provincial Park, Falcon Lake Golf Course is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a harmonious blend of natural beauty and challenging play. This 18-hole course winds its way through the boreal forest, offering golfers not only a dynamic and engaging game but also breathtaking views of Falcon Lake and the surrounding wilderness.
Pine Ridge Golf Club
66059 Pine Ridge Road, Sunnyside, Manitoba
Pine Ridge Golf Club, located in the scenic landscapes near Winnipeg, Manitoba, offers golf enthusiasts an exceptional blend of elegance and playability. This 18-hole championship course unfolds over meticulously manicured fairways, weaving through mature stands of pine and oak trees. The design, crafted by a renowned architect, seamlessly integrates natural features, creating an engaging and picturesque course. Golfers at Pine Ridge can expect a challenging yet enjoyable experience with undulating greens, strategically placed hazards, and fairways that reward precision.
Granite Hills Golf Club
Cape Coppermine Road Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba
Granite Hills Golf Club, situated on the picturesque shores of Lac du Bonnet in Manitoba, is a golfing gem that seamlessly combines stunning scenery with a challenging and meticulously designed course. Boasting 18 holes, this championship golf club takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, incorporating granite outcroppings, dense forests, and rolling fairways into a layout that demands strategic play. The signature holes, often framed by the sparkling waters of the lake, provide not only a thrilling golfing experience but also breathtaking views that enhance the overall ambiance.
Water Sports
Rip N Ride
Wakeboarding
With numerous bodies of water scattered across the province, enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of skimming the surface and performing tricks in a vibrant natural setting. One notable company that caters to wakeboarding enthusiasts in Manitoba is “Ride the Wake.” This rental service offers top-quality wakeboard equipment, ensuring an unforgettable experience for riders of all skill levels.
Paddle Manitoba
Kayaking
Exploring the waterways of Manitoba by kayak unveils a serene and immersive experience, allowing enthusiasts to paddle through the province’s diverse landscapes. Paddle Manitoba offers a fleet of well-maintained kayaks suitable for various skill levels, from tranquil river floats to more challenging lake excursions. With a deep appreciation for Manitoba’s natural beauty, Paddle Manitoba guides paddlers through some of the region’s most scenic spots, such as the Whiteshell Provincial Park or the meandering waterways near Riding Mountain National Park.
Manitoba Fishing Adventures
Fishing
Manitoba, with its myriad of lakes and rivers, offers an exceptional fishing experience, drawing anglers from all corners to its abundant waters. A premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, the province is renowned for its diverse range of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Manitoba Fishing Adventures provides a comprehensive and memorable fishing experience. They cater to both novice and experienced anglers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of the catch. Their expert guides are well-versed in the local waters and hotspots, whether it’s the deep, clear waters of Lake Manitoba or the secluded bays of Lake Winnipeg.
Resorts to Discover
Lakeview Hecla Resort
Recreational
MB-8, Gull Harbour, Manitoba R0C 2R0
Falcon Trails Resort
Lakefront, Family-friendly
100 Ridge Rd, Falcon Beach, Manitoba R0E 0N0
Elkhorn Resort Spa & Conference Centre
Family-friendly, Recreational
3 Mooswa Dr E, Onanole, Manitoba R0J 1N0
Tips on Vacationing in Manitoba
Wildlife in Churchill
If your budget and time allow, a trip to Churchill is a must. Known as the Polar Bear and Beluga Whale Capital of the World, it offers unique wildlife experiences. Churchill is accessible only by plane or train.
Indigenous Culture
Manitoba has a rich Indigenous heritage. Participate in cultural experiences, visit museums, and attend powwows to understand and respect the local cultures.
Beyond Cities
For more unique experiences, explore rural areas like the Icelandic town of Gimli on Lake Winnipeg, the scenic Riding Mountain National Park, or the mining town of Flin Flon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manitoba
Manitoba is famous for polar bears in Churchill, beluga whales in Hudson Bay, and diverse wildlife in its national parks, including moose, black bears, and hundreds of bird species.
Yes, there are pet-friendly vacation rentals in Manitoba. While providing specific listings is impossible, you can filter your search for pet-friendly rentals on websites like Lake, Airbnb, Rent By Owner™, and other vacation rental sites. Review the property’s pet policy beforehand to ensure your furry friend will be welcome.
Some cabin resorts in Manitoba may offer hot tubs as amenities. To find such rentals, you can search vacation rental websites and filter specifically by hot tubs. Additionally, consider reading guest reviews or contacting the property owners to confirm the availability of hot tubs at your desired rental.
Winter cabin getaways in Manitoba can be a true delight. Consider looking for rentals that offer cozy amenities like fireplaces and heated floors. Options might include ski resorts, lakeside cabins, or charming cottages in rural settings. Searching vacation rental websites and filtering for winter-specific amenities can help you find the ideal winter retreat.
Yes, you can find cabin rentals near Falcon Lake, Manitoba. Start your search by visiting vacation rental websites like Lake or Airbnb. Be sure to refine your search criteria based on your preferences, like proximity to the lake, property type, and amenities, to find the perfect cabin rental for your stay.