Heck of a time at Hecla: part two

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/08/2014 (4155 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

While the recently reopened Lakeview Hecla Resort is beautiful on the inside, it’s what’s on the outside that truly makes the trip worthwhile.

Hecla Island itself is 6.5 kilometres wide and 26.5 kilometres long. It has a historic village with a self-guided trail, marshes with interpretive kiosks, a playground, tennis courts, beach volleyball, picnic areas, a campground, and vacation cabin rentals. There are rocky shorelines, sprawling beaches, rugged limestone cliffs, dense forests, over 180 species of birds, and 24 kinds of animals.

The outdoor adventure begins right out back of the resort, where you’ll find a pond adorned with decorative fountains and arched footbridges. Look closely, and you’ll also find hordes of tiny frogs hopping about the edges, capturing the childlike curiosity of onlookers of all ages.

Venture a little further, and on the edge of the Lakeview property is a public beach from which extends a peninsula. With Lake Winnipeg Narrows flowing along one side and Gull Harbour on the other, the three-kilometre scenic trail leads to a still-functioning lighthouse constructed in 1926 to replace the original one from 1898.

For a great vantage point of Lake Winnipeg from up above the treetops, the northernmost tip of Hecla Island sports a newly-built viewing tower. You have to climb eight alternating staircases and nearly 70 steps to reach the top. Once there, it’s an awesome place to linger and gaze at clouds drifting by overhead, and witness distant waves rolling in.

Gull Harbour Marina is the mooring zone for dozens of sailboats. It’s relaxing to watch them just rocking back and forth while anchored at the docks, and even more fun to see them zipping around, out and about on a windy day.

Lakeview Hecla Golf Course is must-play for those who like the game. The 18-holes are nestled into a forest setting, playing towards the lake. The first glimpse of water comes on the fourth tee, and the scenery gets better with each hole thereafter. I’m glad I didn’t skip the back nine, which offers the best sights of all.

Hiking is a must-do activity, whether you like it or not. There are 25 kilometres of established trails of varying length all over the island. Depending on the route you choose, you might skirt marshes, cut through dense forests, line rugged limestone cliffs, or even reach an old quarry.

Many of the trails are also ideal for biking, with mountain bikes available for rent at Lakeview Hecla Resort.

A trip to Hecla would not be complete without a stop at Sunset Beach. At sunset, of course. The evening I was there it definitely lived up to its name, with glorious colours lighting up the entire sky and bathing the full frame in fiery beauty. It was a breathtaking soul-soothing scene, and the perfect way to end an outdoorsy kind of day.

That’s my kind of getaway.  

RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller and music lover who seeks inspiration wherever
she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca