The abundant beaches of Lake Winnipeg

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/07/2024 (466 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Here in Manitoba, we are blessed with more than our fair share of beaches. We have more than 100,000 lakes in our province, with beaches of all shapes and sizes. On Lake Winnipeg alone, there are dozens of easy-to-get-to options where one can lay down a blanket and stake a claim on the waterfront for the day.

Here are three popular options from each side of the lake:

• On the eastern side, Grand Beach is renowned for its powdery white sands that stretch on for three kilometres. It has been listed among the best beaches in North America, attracting tourists and locals alike. Its shallow waters and gradual slopes into deeper depths make it ideal for swimmers of all ages. It has family picnic areas and playgrounds. Beyond the beach, hiking trails amid large sand dunes provide opportunities for exploring the unique landscape of Grand Beach Provincial Park.

• About 30 kilometres north of Grand Beach, you’ll come upon Hillside Beach – a quieter alternative to the larger busier locations. The beach itself is nestled amongst cottages and vacation homes, making for a relaxed cottage-country vibe. Known for its silky sands and calm-water cove, it’s the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, and kayaking.

• Go another 10 kilometres past Hillside Beach, and you’ll arrive at Victoria Beach. The tranquil and charming atmosphere here provides a peaceful escape from the hustle bustle of urban life. Visitors can explore the historic Victoria Beach Pier, enjoy picnics on the shore, or stroll picturesque paths that wind through wooded areas, offering shady reprieve from the hot summer sun.

• Across Lake Winnipeg, on the western side, Winnipeg Beach waits to be discovered by the next generation of beachgoers. The historic ‘beach destination’ dates back more than 120 years, when the Canadian Pacific Railway purchased 330 acres of land to develop a waterfront resort town. By 1901, railway tracks from Winnipeg were in place. By 1903, the first CPR train arrived with 500 passengers wanting to go to the beach. Today, the day-tripping tradition lives on, in the boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and arcades, and a myriad of events held throughout summer months.

• A little further north of Winnipeg Beach is the quaint ‘seaside’ town of Gimli, Manitoba’s hub of maritime history and heritage. Gimli Beach offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape, with amenities including picnic tables, playgrounds, and volleyball courts. The historic pier and harbour are home to working fishermen, while setting the stage for sailing and boating excursions. Explore the town’s unique stores and cultural attractions, while experiencing the distinct charm of a lakeside community proudly steeped in Icelandic culture.

• Hecla Island Beach, on Hecla Island (of course) is a hidden gem offering a tranquil escape far away from all the other Lake Winnipeg beaches. The pebbled shoreline runs most of the length of the island’s west side, allowing for plenty of space for just chilling by the lake. Hecla Island Provincial Park is abundant in its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems, with limestone cliffs, thick forest, and marshlands teeming with flora, fauna, and flocks of feathered friends. You can also witness epic views of the sunset here, so if you do plan to visit, make it an overnight stay and take ample time to soak it up.

Because there’s simply no better place to watch the sun sink below the horizon than from a beach – especially in Manitoba. Where the next beach could very well be just a stone’s throw away.