Calm lake with campground

West Hawk Lake Vacation Rentals

Swim the cool, clear water with your family at West Hawk Lake inside the scenic Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Swim Cool Clear Water at Whiteshell Provincial Park Together

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West Hawk Lake, Manitoba, Canada

Why Rent On West Hawk Lake

West Hawk Lake is the deepest lake in Manitoba at 115 metres, its circular basin the result of a meteorite impact approximately 100 million years ago and the geological backstory that makes every swim in its crystal-clear water feel slightly more remarkable than it otherwise might. The lake sits within Whiteshell Provincial Park near the Manitoba-Ontario border, just off the Trans-Canada Highway about 160 kilometres east of Winnipeg, and the surrounding granite cliffs of the Canadian Shield give it a dramatic framing that most Manitoba lakes lack entirely. West Hawk Lake Resort offers cozy cabins, family-sized townhomes, and year-round access for guests who want a four-season base, while the broader Whiteshell rental market supplies a range of lakefront homes and private cottages for families who prefer the autonomy of their own kitchen and outdoor space.

Scuba Diving, Hiking the Rock Ridges, and the Petroform Trails

The lake’s exceptional clarity and depth make it one of the finest recreational scuba diving sites in Manitoba, with visibility reaching into the deep basin in a way that flatland lakes rarely permit. The rock ridges and cliffs above the shoreline invite exploration by foot, and the views from the high granite outcrops are genuinely striking. The Whiteshell Provincial Park petroforms, ceremonial rock arrangements created by First Nations peoples scattered throughout the park, are one of the most culturally significant and least widely known heritage sites in western Canada, and the trails leading to them are well-maintained and accessible for families with older children. The nearby falcon Lake townsite, a short drive west, adds the option of a golf course, a marina, and restaurant facilities when the wilderness needs a contrast.

Why a Rental Beats a Hotel Here

West Hawk Lake has limited accommodation in the traditional hotel sense, with the resort cabins and vacation homes the primary overnight option for families visiting. A cabin at West Hawk Lake Resort or a private rental near the lake puts your group at the edge of the Canadian Shield with cliffs, clear water, and meteor-crater geology within easy walking distance of your front door. The combination of the Whiteshell’s lake system, the petroforms, and the Falcon Lake golf course makes a week-long rental stay considerably richer than any single-day visit could be.

What To Know Before Travelling

The main beach area at West Hawk Lake is popular and gets crowded on summer long weekends, when the Trans-Canada delivers visitors from both Winnipeg and the Ontario side of the border. A rental property with private lake access solves this entirely.

Best time to go
Best time to visit West Hawk Lake is summer (June to September) for warm weather (18-22°C), calm waters, and activities like boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, and scuba diving. Winter offers ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No specific annual festivals or named shops mentioned.
Water Quality
West Hawk Lake in Manitoba is renowned for its deep blue waters, offering crystal-clear clarity that enhances its pristine beauty.
Surface area (km)
16.2
Max depth (m)
115
Elevation (m)
361
Shoreline length (km)
19.3

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on West Hawk Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what West Hawk Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, it is generally safe to swim in West Hawk Lake. The lake’s water quality passes tests at least 95% of the time, with E. coli levels below Manitoba’s recreational water quality objective of 200 bacteria/100 mL.

  • West Hawk Lake is a popular destination because of its diverse activities and unique natural features. The lake, formed by a meteor, offers hiking, paddling, and skiing, as well as ice fishing and snowshoeing in the winter. Its location in Whiteshell Provincial Park provides extensive trails and scenic landscapes.

  • In West Hawk Lake, Manitoba, all trout must be released. This regulation applies to the Whiteshell River between West Hawk and Caddy lakes as well. Fishing for trout is closed from November 1 to April 15 in this area.

  • West Hawk Lake has a single main beach area that is suitable for families. It features a nice beach where kids can play, and the lake’s crystal-clear waters are formed by a meteor, making it a unique and safe spot for swimming and other water activities.

  • West Hawk Lake is located in Whiteshell Provincial Park in southeastern Manitoba, Canada. The nearest town is West Hawk, which is a short walk from the lake and has several restaurants. The lake is also about 90 minutes east of Winnipeg.