West Hawk Lake Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On West Hawk Lake

West Hawk Lake sits inside Whiteshell Provincial Park in southeastern Manitoba, about 160 kilometres east of Winnipeg via the Trans-Canada Highway. It is the deepest lake in Manitoba at 115 metres, and that depth has a striking explanation: the lake fills an ancient meteorite impact crater formed roughly 100 million years ago. The crater gives West Hawk its near-circular shape, unusually clear water, and a dedicated scuba diving community that comes specifically for the geology. For Winnipeg-area families and weekend travelers, it is one of the most memorable lakes in the province — a place where the story of how the lake got here is almost as compelling as the lake itself.

On the water

The crater’s depth and clarity make West Hawk one of the finest freshwater scuba diving destinations in Canada. Divers explore the crater walls and steep drop-offs that begin close to shore, with visibility regularly exceeding what most prairie lakes offer; wetsuits are standard equipment year-round given how cold the water stays at depth. For non-divers, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass draw a consistent fishing crowd — check Manitoba Fisheries regulations for current licensing requirements and size limits before you cast. The main beach, managed by Manitoba Parks, is the summer default for families driving out from the city, and the lake is calm enough for kayaking and canoeing on most days. Keep dogs out of the water during any blue-green algae advisories and check current provincial water quality bulletins before arrival. Confirm boating regulations and any aquatic invasive species inspection requirements with Manitoba Conservation and Climate before launching a watercraft.

What to do near West Hawk Lake

Whiteshell Provincial Park surrounds the lake on all sides, and the park’s trail network connects West Hawk to neighboring lakes for multi-day paddling and hiking trips. The Whiteshell River canoe routes extend the paddling options for those willing to venture further. The community of West Hawk Lake has a general store, a restaurant, and basic supplies for a weekend group; Falcon Lake, about 30 kilometres west on Highway 1, adds dining, a golf course, and fuller shopping for a day off the water. Manitoba Parks runs interpretive programmes across the Whiteshell that add genuine educational depth, particularly for school-age children — the meteorite origin story lands differently when a park interpreter explains the crater geology in situ.

When to go and where to stay

Canada Day weekend through August is peak season, and campgrounds fill weeks in advance for holiday weekends; book through the Manitoba Parks online reservation system as early as possible. Water temperatures in the shallows warm to comfortable swimming levels by mid-July. Late June and early September are underrated — the park is quieter, cottage availability opens up, and evenings reward wildlife activity along the forest margins. Scuba divers often prefer late August and September when near-surface water has warmed slightly and boat traffic has thinned. Cottages and vacation rental homes in and around the Whiteshell communities are the traditional choice for families who want more than a campsite — morning coffee on a deck overlooking the water, kitchen space for longer stays, and the flexibility to mix beach days with drives to other swimming and paddling spots in the park. Browse Lake.com for pet-friendly properties near West Hawk and neighboring Falcon Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba.