interlake tourism mb

• 1 Cities and towns
• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 6 Get around
• 9 Stay safe

The Interlake is a region in Manitoba . Situated north of Winnipeg , between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, the Interlake offers visitors parks, beaches and outdoor recreation. The region's lakes and rivers are popular destinations for boating, swimming and fishing.

The Interlake's towns provide an interesting glimpse into the region's rural past. Gimli , the one-time capital of New Iceland, is the region's most popular tourist destination, with an annual Icelandic Festival drawing thousands of visitors every summer.

Cities and towns [ edit ]

• 50.632313 -96.988108 1 Gimli — the centre of Icelandic settlement in Canada
• 50.143611 -96.883889 2 Selkirk — home of the Marine Museum of Manitoba
• 50.4128 -97.9408 3 St. Laurent — historically-Métis settlement on the shore of Lake Manitoba
• 50.5058 -96.9742 4 Winnipeg Beach — a lakeside resort community

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 51.021667 -98.277778 1 West Interlake — rural muncipality that includes the communities of Ashern and Eriksdale

Understand [ edit ]

The region is located north of the Assiniboine River and the City of Winnipeg. On the east, the region is bordered by Lake Winnipeg (the 11th largest freshwater lake in the world) and on the west by Lakes Manitoba, Winnipegosis and Cedar.

Combined within the natural lake borders are features of the Red River Valley, the Prairie Parklands and the lake and marshlands of the northern fringe.

The principal ethnic groups are Indigenous peoples (First Nations and Metis), Ukrainian, Polish, Icelandic, Anglo-Saxon, German and French.

• Interlake Tourism Association , ☏ +1 204-322-5378 , toll-free: +1-877-468-3752 . ( updated May 2020 )

Talk [ edit ]

English is spoken everywhere, but don't be surprised to hear other languages including French, Ukrainian, Icelandic and Cree, among others.

Get in [ edit ]

The Interlake is most commonly accessed by road. Take one of Highways 6, 7, 8 or 9 north from Winnipeg. If you have access to a boat, you can take the Red River north to Lake Winnipeg.

There are three small airports in the Interlake that are capable of serving small passenger aircraft. The nearest airport with commercial service is in Winnipeg.

Get around [ edit ]

Getting around the Interlake generally means highway driving. The road system in the Interlake is excellent. The region is served by six paved provincial highways and a network of paved or gravelled solid provincial roads. Four of the paved highways (Provincial Trunk Highways 6, 7, 8, & 9) run north and south from the City of Winnipeg to the northern sector of the Interlake. The other two paved highways (Provincial Roads 67 and 68) run east and west. The region is also crossed by a network of well maintained provincial and municipal roads.

See [ edit ]

Most visitors to the Interlake gravitate to the shores of Lake Winnipeg or Lake Manitoba. However, there are a number of interesting sights in between that are not to be overlooked, including Oak Hammock Marsh and the Narcisse Snake Dens.

History buffs will enjoy the Maritime Museum of Manitoba and its six historic ships in Selkirk, and the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site near Selkirk, an old fur trading post.

The Prairie Dog Central is a vintage train that takes passengers from Inkster Junction station on Winnipeg's northern edge to Grosse Isle the southern Interlake. The trip takes 50-60 min, and there is a 75-90 min stopover before the return trip. Tickets from $22. Reservations required. May-Oct ☏ +1 204-832-5259 .

Do [ edit ]

Interlake really is about the lakes: boating, swimming and fishing . Winnipeg Beach and Gimli are particularly popular in the summer.

Take a self-guided tour on the Interlake Barn Quilt Trail . Visit over 50 barn quilt sites viewing the colourful, painted quilt art and the variety of designs, including the largest one to date on a wooden grain elevator in the southwest area.

In winter , there's ice fishing, and the Gimli Ice Festival in March.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

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South Beach, Gimli, Manitoba, Canada

Hidden gems of the interlake.

a high-walled, limestone crevasse located near Pine Dock, Manitoba, photo by Heather Hinam.

by Heather Hinam

Heather is the owner of Second Nature Adventures in Discovery, a tour company which offers visitors customized Interlake Experiences. She can be reached at 204-619-4119 or by visiting  www.discoversecondnature.ca

I have always been driven by the desire to explore new places and discover new things, whether I am in a different country or my own backyard. Questions like: Where does that trail go? or, What’s around that bend? can fuel hours of engaging adventure. Here in the Interlake, there is no end to the fascinating people, places and things you can unearth if you are willing to take yourself off the beaten track. To spark your imagination, here is just a tiny sampling of some of my favourite Interlake hidden gems and where you can find them.

Take your travels off the main highways. A particularly fruitful journey is the one just up Provincial Road 224. This winding gravel road branches off Highway 8 between Riverton and Hecla. Marked with signs denoting a winter road and Pine Dock, it doesn’t really give you any hint to the treasures you might discover along its 80 km stretch.

Enjoy a picnic and panoramic views of Lake Winnipeg’s Washow Bay, at Beaver Creek Provincial Park, before heading further north. You can then venture way off the beaten path and pick a trail over the rocks, going south from the town of Pine Dock. When the water levels are low, you can scramble along the shore to a whole new world. The further you go, the taller the cliffs get. Suddenly, crevasses open up, inviting you to explore the hidden nooks and crannies in the limestone, from small caves to high-walled corridors, reminiscent of Tolkien’s Road Under the Mountain.

Once you pull yourself up out of the caves, this road still has more secrets to share. Continue north and eventually you will reach the water’s edge. It may seem like the ends of the earth, but you can still venture further. Hop aboard one of the only cable ferries left in Manitoba and discover Matheson Island.

fishers gloves drying on a covey near the shoreline at Matheson Island, a picturesque fishing village north of Pine Dock, photo by Linda M. Goodman.

This fishing community of about 100 people offers a picturesque combination of yawls, buoys, gulls and the occasional eagle as you travel along its shore. Come in the fall and watch hundreds of bald eagles as they take a break before winging their way south for the winter.

Actually, shorelines all over the Interlake offer up all sorts of hidden treasures, not the least of which is Sandy Bar. This thin strip of land curves out into the lake just east of Riverton, reaching its fingers over to a matching isthmus that stretches down from Hecla Island. Strolling along the shore on a late summer’s day, you would swear that you had been transported to the Caribbean.  Just take care to hold off your visit until August to avoid disturbing any nesting shorebirds.

As a resident of the eastern Interlake, I sometimes forget that we actually have two lakeshores to explore within our region. For a taste of something completely different, head northwest to Steeprock. Although they are carved out of the same bedrock, the waves of Lake Manitoba have left the Steeprock cliffs rounded and smooth, unlike their jagged counterparts to the east. To get there, follow Highway 6 north of Moosehorn and turn left onto Provincial Road 239. The cliffs can be found by hiking south of the docks.  It’s well worth the trip as you weave your way through tunnels and crevasses and clamber up to the top of the cliffs to view a stunning sunset.

Timing can make all the difference when searching for new adventures. Sometimes places we know well can offer up a whole new experience when we visit them at a different time of year. When you think of the Narcisse Snake Dens, most of us envision the yearly spring pilgrimage made by thousands of people in May to view the slithering masses of mating, Red-sided Garter Snakes before they disperse into the surrounding scrublands for the summer. A spring visit can be a little overwhelming, especially on weekends, with busloads of almost as many people as there are reptiles.

However, if you swing by the dens in September, you’re in for a treat. Most people forget that the snakes have to return in the fall. They have yet to discover the wonder of spending a warm late autumn afternoon marvelling at the equally large masses of snakes soaking up as much sun as they can at the mouths of their dens before having to slip into the darkness for the winter. If you time your visit on a weekday, you can sometimes have the place to yourself and take in the spectacle at your leisure.

While getting off the beaten path, both in terms of time and space, are great ways of finding hidden gems, you actually don’t have to go very far to make amazing new discoveries. Sometimes, just adjusting the way you look at things can reveal a wealth of new discoveries. Take aspen for example.  We see these trees every day in the Interlake, white trunks a bright contrast against the green leaves of summer. However, there is a lot more to these ubiquitous and, to some, unremarkable trees, than meets the eye.

As you stroll among their trembling leaves, you’re actually walking among clones. Trembling aspen reproduce by sending out runners beneath the ground, shooting up new trees. Entire woodlots are often one organism, with all the trunks genetically identical. While each individual tree might only live a hundred years or so, the entire clone can exist for centuries. Some are thousands of years old. So by shifting your lens ever so slightly, you can go from a simple walk in the woods to communing with the ancients.

But how do you know where to look? How do you decide which trail to take and where do you learn about those special little details that can shift the context of your experience entirely? Talk to people. Locals know and are often more than happy to share their insights into the places they call home. The fishers, farmers, artists and everyday people, all have stories to tell and many are willing to share them. Ask around and you might be surprised by the places you’ll be inspired to visit.

Take advantage of technology. With GPS units finding their way into most peoples lives, it’s easier than ever to explore some of the lesser known corners of our region. Searching for geocaches is a great way to find new areas to explore. Geocachers often place their treasures in unusual areas and more communities than ever are using geocaching to promote their special places. Check out  geocaching.com  to find the hundreds of caches awaiting your discovery in special locations all over the Interlake.

Get a guide. Publications put out by groups like the Interlake Tourism Association, Travel Manitoba and Manitoba Parks, and the H2O Guide you are holding in your hands, are all full of great ideas for places to begin your journeys and can be used as a springboard for more detailed explorations. There are also tour companies in the Interlake geared to helping people reconnect with the world around them and discover the people, places and interesting details that make this region unique.

So, whether you go it alone or you have help, just remember to keep your mind open to new possibilities, your sense of adventure and your inquisitive nature primed and you will be certain to enjoy yourself as you explore the fascinating ­hidden gems of Manitoba’s Interlake.

Story originally published in the 2012 edition of the H2O Gimli and Beaches Adventure Guide.

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Interlake Region Region

Discover the interlake region of manitoba.

The Interlake Region of Manitoba is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Located in the heart of Canada, this region is known for its pristine lakes, diverse wildlife, and rich history. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, the Interlake Region has something for everyone.

Outdoor Adventures

The Interlake Region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 100,000 lakes and rivers, this region is a haven for fishing, boating, and water sports. The region is also home to several provincial parks, including Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park, which offers hiking trails, beaches, and camping facilities. For those who prefer land-based activities, the region has several golf courses, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cultural Experiences

The Interlake Region is steeped in history and culture. The region is home to several Indigenous communities, including the Peguis First Nation, which has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Visitors can learn about Indigenous culture and traditions through guided tours, cultural events, and museums.

The region is also home to several historic sites, including the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, which was a major trading post during the fur trade era. Visitors can explore the fort, learn about the history of the fur trade, and participate in interactive exhibits.

Getting There

The Interlake Region is easily accessible by car from Winnipeg, which is located approximately 100 kilometers south of the region. The region is also accessible by bus and train, with several daily services available.

Accommodations

The Interlake Region has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose from hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. Many accommodations offer stunning views of the region's lakes and wildlife.

The Interlake Region of Manitoba is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a glimpse into Canada's rich history. With its pristine lakes, diverse wildlife, and welcoming communities, the Interlake Region is a true Canadian gem.

• Manitoba Tourism: https://www.travelmanitoba.com/interlake-region/
• Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/popular_parks/northeast/hecla_info.html
• Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/mb/fortgarry

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Box 370, #38 Main Street

Ashern, Manitoba  R0C 0E0

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Snowmobilers flock to snow-asis in west Interlake as warm weather closes southern Manitoba trails

Clubhouses in ashern area were often buzzing as influx of riders took rm by surprise.

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The final day of winter is a blustery one east of Lake Manitoba.

Clayton Gibson's black Ski-Doo Renegade kicks up a mist of snow on March 19 as he rips through the woods toward an Ashern Snowmobile Club cabin just north of the community. His friend and club president Jay Ruchotzke trails close behind.

"Everything about snowmobiling: the camaraderie, the friendship, meeting new people," says Gisbon. "You can really drift away ... have the rush."

That rush wasn't so accessible for riders in southern Manitoba this winter due to low snow, warm temperatures and poor riding conditions. Quite a few sleds sat idle in garages because many trails couldn't stay open long, if they opened at all.

But those in the know eventually learned of a couple snowy havens — in parts of the west Interlake and Westman — where the white gold was plentiful.

"This winter Mother Nature was being difficult in some places and fruitful in others with the snow," said Gibson, economic development officer for the rural municipality of West Interlake. The municipality — which sits against the northeastern shore of Lake Manitoba, about 130 km northwest of Winnipeg — includes the communities of Eriksdale and Ashern, among others.

"This influx of people took us by surprise ... our trails were the busiest they've ever been."

WATCH | West Interlake snowmobile trails 'busiest they've ever been':

Going for a rip in one of Manitoba's lone snowmobiling hotspots blessed with enough white gold this winter

The influx in snowmobile-related tourism was good for local business. Gibson said hotels were often booked solid. Grocery stores and restaurants were busier than usual.

The clubhouses, where riders can stop to warm up along trails, were often buzzing.

"Every cabin that you stop at there's 20 sleds there, sometimes more," Ruchotzke says from his yellow Ski-Doo Expedition. "There were people running into ... 60 sleds at one cabin, which is almost unheard of in our area."

Rossburn and surrounding areas of western Manitoba also had an uptick in snowmobile activity.

El Niño warmed winter

Both became riding hotspots during an El Niño season that brought warmer-than-normal temperatures across most of the Prairies this winter, said Natalie Hasell, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

• Spring-like early December sets temperature records around Manitoba

Hasell says El Niño pushes jets streams further north. Those streams bring colder air and higher amounts of precipitation, including snow. That's compared to parts of the south of the province, which got more warmer air and for longer periods.

The Interlake also experienced warmer temperatures than usual but it wasn't so frequently above 0 C, like what happened in the Red River Valley and other parts of the south, she said.

"Whatever snow we did get melted in a lot of places, Red River Valley included," she said. "Just a little north of us in the Interlake, they've managed to keep some of their snow and it sounds like they've managed to keep enough for snowmobiling to become popular."

Trail pass sales dropped

Though there were a few hotspots that reaped the benefits of snowmobile-related tourism, other rural communities lost out, said Yvonne Rideout, executive director of Snomobilers of Manitoba, or Snoman Inc.

On a good year, Manitoba may have around 13,000 kilometres of groomed trails, but many of the four dozen or so snowmobile clubs in the province that maintain those trails were hampered by conditions.

That was also reflected in the "drastic" drop in sales of trail passes, said Rideout. She said revenue was down about $100,000 this season.

"This was a winter of extremes ... it was all over the map," said Rideout, who hasn't experienced a winter like this in 10 years at the helm of Snoman.

• 'Not a whole lot of fun': Manitoba winter sports lovers hoping for more snow — and soon

"We were watching areas, you know, 'What's going to open? What's going to close? Oh my another trail system is closed.' So, it was a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat type winter.... We were victims of Mother Nature in a lot of areas."

Snoman had to cancel a ride with its corporate partners planned in Beausejour. 

The same happened for the annual "Making Tracks" ride in February, where Snowman staff take provincial ministers out to showcase the trail systems and discuss priorities. Attorney General Matt Wiebe, Tourism Minister Glen Simard and Tracy Schmidt, minister of the environment and climate change, were all expected to attend, said Rideout.

She hoped to pitch a snow groomer replacement or update program to ministers. She said some of the aging machinery operated by Manitoba clubs should be replaced by more environmentally-friendly models. They go for around $350,000, she said.

Snoman now hopes to meet with Finance Minister Adrian Sala to discuss that idea, as well as convey how the drop in snowmobile activity hurt rural economies. 

Ruchotzke said the snowmobile boom in Ashern meant more time spent grooming local trails and cabin upkeep. With just 20 or so volunteers in the Ashern club, it wasn't always easy.

"It's a struggle trying to find ... volunteers and people with the time to go out and help," he said. "It's a lot of evenings, lot of weekend work."

Despite the hard work, he and Gibson are already brainstorming ways to leverage the rush this year by pushing the trail system — and Ashern's amenities — more online in hopes of drawing riders back in droves again next winter.

"We can just start to market ourselves and put ourselves in the right place for the space," said Gibson.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bryce Hoye is a multi-platform journalist covering news, science, justice, health, 2SLGBTQ issues and other community stories. He has a background in wildlife biology and occasionally works for CBC's Quirks & Quarks and Front Burner. He is also Prairie rep for outCBC. He has won a national Radio Television Digital News Association award for a 2017 feature on the history of the fur trade, and a 2023 Prairie region award for an audio documentary about a Chinese-Canadian father passing down his love for hockey to the next generation of Asian Canadians.

• Email: [email protected]
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