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  • FREN

    • On the shores of Lake Winnipeg

    Drive north through the Interlake to find Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park, a peaceful and picturesque isle of gently crashing waves and rustling reeds. This quiet Lake Winnipeg settlement has a vibrant Icelandic history just waiting to be uncovered.

    Aerial shot of the two lighthouses on the peninsula at Hecla Provincial Park.
    Max Muench

    Looking for a quiet getaway this summer in Manitoba? Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park is the ideal destination for beach lovers and history buffs alike. From an historical village and an iconic lighthouse to beautiful rocky shores and scenic hiking trails, Hecla has all the makings of a perfect summer vacation.

    Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park can be as exciting or as relaxing as you prefer. Choose between campgrounds, bed and breakfasts or modern hotels; where you can dine, enjoy a round of golf or spend the day at the spa.

    Birders and wildlife enthusiasts should keep their eyes out for large flocks of pelicans, soaring eagles, gently swimming loons, white-tailed deer and more.

    Hecla/Grindstone is located on Treaty 2 territory.

    Summer Trip

    Top Stops

    • Historic Hecla Village: Take a self-guided tour of this historic village; complete with a fish station and a general store.
    • Gull Harbour Lighthouse: Hecla’s most iconic site is located at the end of a short hiking trail on the peninsula.
    • Sunset Beach: The best beach for rounding out a day of adventure; sit on a picnic table or pick your favourite boulder and enjoy the view.

    Where To Stay

    If There’s Time

    • Limestone Quarry: An abandoned limestone quarry with several picnic tables for enjoying a lunch on the shore.
    • Lakeview Hecla Golf Course: A public golf course set against the gorgeous backdrop of the park, with 18 challenging holes.

    Book Your Stay

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    PART 1 - Self-guided tour of the old Hecla Village

    Start your journey in Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park with a stroll along the Hecla Village Trail. This scenic walk will take you past the old shorefront properties on Lake Winnipeg, where informational plaques depict the community’s rich Icelandic past.

    Lighthouse at Gull Harbour in Hecla Provincial Park
    Historic Hecla General Store storefront.

    Learn the history and take in relics of days gone by as you walk past historic buildings and monuments (like the fish station, the church and the old community centre), along with the Hecla Island General Store – where you can pick up liquor, firewood, fishing licenses and more.

    While viewing the settlement, it’s also important to acknowledge the first peoples who lived on Big Island (now known as Hecla Island) long before settlers arrived. (View a complete list of Manitoba's Treaty Areas.) Or, on your way to the island, stop into Gimli’s New Iceland Heritage Museum to learn about John Ramsay – an Indigenous man who played an important role in the days of the first Icelandic settlement on Hecla Island.

    Gull Harbour's Express Cruiser Charter Service
    Hotels & Motels

    Gull Harbour Marina & The Lighthouse Inn

    Come stay with us Summer or Winter in our newly renovated property! We operate a completely new, 70 slip, full service marina, brand new nautical decor in our restaurant and lounge, two sunset patios to take in the sunset or sunrise and beer vendor. You...

    Seagull's Restaurant & Lounge Patio
    Hotels & Motels

    Lakeview Hecla Resort

    Located on 360 acres in Hecla Grindstone Provincial Park, MB, just past the village of Hecla, the Lakeview Hecla Resort is a uniquely contemporary and comfortable destination. We invite you to enjoy our functional and spacious guestrooms or luxurious...

    Prairie Sea Adventures
    Water

    Prairie Sea Kayak Adventures

    Prairie Sea Kayak Adventures offers guided tours on Willow Creek and Lake Winnipeg, in the heart of the Interlake Wetlands. This immersive experience will deepen your connection with the destination as you glean first hand knowledge of the area while...

    PART 2 - Hike the day away

    With a number of trails available, hiking is a must during your visit to Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park. Start with a short 30-minute hike to the lighthouse peninsula, where you’ll find the iconic heritage lighthouse that was built in 1898, and the second, taller lighthouse built in 1926.

    The West Quarry Trail is another popular option. This easy, 10 km hike is accessible from the campground and continues along a wide gravel path and a shaded forest. Get views of the marsh and end at an abandoned quarry and fishing hut.

    Located off Grindstone Road, Black’s Point Interpretive Loop has recently been expanded with an additional loop (rounding out the entire trail to 4.2 km). The trail is easy and flat, with interpretive signage along the way.

    Sunset over Lake Winnipeg at Sunset Beach in Hecla Provincial Park

    PART 3 - Splash into Lake Winnipeg

    A sunny summer’s day calls for time spent on the water. Head to one of the Island’s two designated beaches – Sunset Beach (pet-friendly) or Gull Harbour Beach, and set up for a day in the sand. Note that there are a number of other pebbled shores on the Island that you can also swim from – but always be cautious and practice water safety.

    For even more fun on the water, head to the nearby Gull Harbour Marina for a variety of rentals. Rent kayaks and jetskis, or book a spot on the scheduled charter cruise known as the Lil Viking – where you can take in the views of Lake Winnipeg while enjoying food and cold beverages.

    Two peole holding hands, walking on the rocky beach along the waters edge.

    OTHER ACTIVITIES

    Hecla Triathlon

    Manitoba’s only long course race began in 2015 and has been evolving every year since. Taking place annually in July, the course challenges racers with swimming, cycling and running -- set against the backdrop of the Island’s beautiful vistas.