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More Small Town Beaches You Want to Hit Up This Summer
Summer is quickly approaching and so are day trips around the province. One of the main reasons for day tripping is to head to the beach! This summer, we recommend beaching off the beaten track. Forgo your go-to destination and take time to explore somewhere new to you. Local favourites are often located in small towns around Manitoba - not only are there fewer people, but often the water depth is perfect for young families.
RM of Pipestone
Reston Lake & Campground
Campfires & Sunsets
Reston Lake and Campground is located in the far southwestern corner of Manitoba, about 1 hour south of Brandon. There is no designated provincial park for miles, so the community developed a beautiful lake and campground on the west side of town in 2019. The lake features a swim-out dock and sandy shoreline. Next door is a spray pad and waterslide, alongside a spacious 18-site campground.
Pro tip: time your visit right and check out a summer blockbuster flick at Reston's Memorial Theatre.
Town Beach, Lac du Bonnet
Pier Jumping & Fishing
Lac du Bonnet's town beach is small, but packs a punch. It's located downtown, and there's plenty of mature trees banking the sand to take cover. A wide concrete pier juts out far into the lake giving brave kids a place to jump or cast a line (and the fishing is A+ here). There is also a wooden dock and a play structure for the tots.
Pro tip: visit on a Saturday and also check out LDB's fantastic farmers' market beside the community centre.
Pelican Lake Beach, Ninette
Splash & Play with Terry Fox
Pelican Lake and the sleepy hamlet of Ninette are a popular summer destination for families around the Westman region. DYK: Canadian icon Terry Fox spent many summers swimming and fishing in Pelican Lake because his maternal grandparents lived in Ninette? Terry Fox Memorial Park was designated in 2004 around the town's main beach that is located en route to the Pelican Yacht Club. The park features picnic sites, a play structure and a sandy beach with great views. There is also a memorial plaque dedicated to the national hero.
Pro tip: road trip to Ninette via Hwy 23 for one of the most scenic drives in Manitoba as you ascend and descend the Manitoba Escarpment.
Town Beach, Sandy Lake
Sunbathing & Boating
Tucked off Hwy 45 south of Riding Mountain National Park is the quiet town of Sandy Lake, which has a well-kept secret. At the end of Main Street is Sandy Lake Beach & Pier, where families have gathered for generations to watch the sunset, dip in the water and set off on a boat. The sandy beach is wide and welcoming, and so are the fish in this well-stocked lake.
Pro-tip: Sandy Lake is home to one of the prettiest golf courses in the Parkland region. Plan your day around 18 holes, followed by cooling off at the beach.
Sunset Beach, Plum Coulee
Picnics & Family Gatherings
Affectionately called Sunset Beach by locals in the RM of Rhineland, Plum Coulee's beach is technically a reservoir located near Railway Avenue. It sits under the watchful eye of the town's sleepy giant grain elevator and the beach has a few shaded spots thanks to permanent umbrellas fixed in the sand. The beach is small, so parents can keep an eye on the kids no matter how far they roam.
Pro tip: stop in a Annajo's Bistro to order lunch or a slice of their homemade tortes, pies and cakes to go.
Selkirk Park Pool
Sandcastles & Floaties
It's not really a beach per se, but Selkirk Park's Pool with its sandy shoreline is too quaint not to make this list. Technically, the watering hole has a concrete bottom, and doesn't get very deep as you move closer to the centre, but the surrounding grass and mature trees make you feel like you're more at a beach than civic pool. Located in Selkirk Park, the pool also has a splash pad and skatepark nearby. It's a great place to spend a full day with the kids.
Pro tip: the Marine Museum of Manitoba is also located in Selkirk Park and is well worth the small admission to tour these mighty vessels of Manitoba waterways.
About The Author
Hi, I'm Jillian, a marketer, communicator, traveller and Manitoba flag waver. Growing up in rural Manitoba during the '80s means I have a penchant for daytrips, maps (the paper kind), and prairie sunsets. I never tire of sharing stories about my home.
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