Beaches & Boating

Enjoy crystal blue skies, white sand shores and some of the clearest waters in all of Canada. Launch a motorboat, sailboat, kayak or canoe from dozens of sites tucked away in the forested folds of cottage country or on the inland oceans of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba.

Like Winnipeg Beach, Grand Beach has been a prime destination since the early 1900s, when folks came by train from Winnipeg to cruise the boardwalks and trip the light fantastic at dance halls. Fast-forward a century and the site is still a big draw, thanks to its powdery-white sand, rolling dunes and family-friendly charms. Head to the west beach to people-watch - it's packed with sunbathers, surfers and boaters - or try the east beach for secluded spots among sky-high grass-covered dunes.

Stroll the sand in sun-kissed Gimli, where you'll find sailboats, yachts and fishing trawlers in the harbour. Browse along the mural-covered seawall and pose for a photo with the iconic Viking statue. Whiteshell Provincial Park is one of Manitoba's favourite summer getaways, boasting countless lakes and beaches where you can go water skiing and tubing, as well as isolated spots where you can listen for quicksilver loon calls.

From Hecla, explore miles of beach running south along Lake Winnipeg or snuggle up on a blanket for an evening view of the harbour at Moonlight Bay. At Steep Rock Beach Park, you can launch your boat or go spelunking, and at Manipogo Beach on Lake Manitoba, keep your eyes peeled for Manipogo - the province's answer to the Loch Ness Monster.

Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services. For more information about this program, visit the Blue Flag website

In Manitoba, boat operators are required to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (also known as a boating license) whenever they are operating a motorized boat. To obtain your card, visit BOATsmart!