Lake Winnipeg’s long, sandy shorelines, bird-rich wetlands, and friendly resort towns make it one of Manitoba’s most rewarding short road trips. Whether you only have a single day or a long weekend, you can design an easygoing itinerary that links classic beaches like Winnipeg Beach and Grand Beach with small-town stops in Gimli, Riverton, and Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park. This guide outlines a flexible one, two, or three day plan starting from Winnipeg, with realistic driving times, suggested highlights, and seasonal tips so you can experience the best of this vast inland lake at your own pace.
How to Use This 1 to 3 Day Lake Winnipeg Itinerary
This itinerary is built around a simple northbound route from Winnipeg that traces the western shore of Lake Winnipeg before curving onto Hecla Island and the protected shores of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park. Provincial Trunk Highway 8 is the main lakebound route from the city, connecting to resort communities such as Winnipeg Beach and Gimli and continuing all the way to Hecla. From Gimli, a secondary road runs north along the shore to Riverton, giving you plenty of chances to detour into beaches and small lakeside communities.
The drive from Winnipeg to Gimli is roughly 90 kilometres, or about an hour and a quarter in normal summer conditions, which keeps travel times manageable even on a one day outing. Many visitors treat this as an easy day trip focused on beaches and a single town. If you add a second or third day, you can comfortably include Grand Beach on the lake’s eastern side or the quieter landscapes of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park without feeling rushed.
Treat the following plan as a menu rather than a rigid schedule. Use the one day outline if you are pressed for time or the weather is unsettled, then expand into the suggested second and third day options if conditions are good and you want to see more of the lake. Distances are short enough that you can return to the same base each night if you prefer, or stay in different communities along the way.
Lake Winnipeg’s shoreline communities are busiest from late June through August when prairie heat sends locals to the water. Shoulder seasons in late May, early June, and September can be especially pleasant for quieter walks, birdlife, and cooler temperatures on the sand. Plan for variable weather even mid summer, as wind off the lake can change conditions quickly.
Day One: Winnipeg to Winnipeg Beach and Gimli
Leaving Winnipeg, follow Provincial Trunk Highway 8 north toward the Interlake region. As you leave the city limits, the road transitions into an open, straight route flanked by farmland and shelterbelts on its way toward Lake Winnipeg. The town of Winnipeg Beach sits along the western shore and is one of the province’s classic summer playgrounds, with about a kilometre of sandy shoreline, a long lakeside boardwalk, and a compact main street set just back from the water.
Plan to arrive at Winnipeg Beach by late morning so you can enjoy a substantial walk along the shore. The beach is one of Manitoba’s provincial park beaches that typically sees a formal beach safety program in the main summer holiday period, with buoys marking designated swimming areas closer to shore. Behind the sand, the boardwalk traces the arc of the bay, offering easy views across the lake and access to shaded spots for a picnic. The water here is shallow close to shore and can feel surprisingly warm by mid to late summer, though wind and waves can change the feel from one day to the next.
From Winnipeg Beach, continue north along the lakeshore highway toward Gimli, which is less than half an hour away by car. Gimli is notable for its Icelandic heritage, fishing harbour, and waterfront promenade. Once you arrive, head toward the harbourfront area where a long public beach and grassy lakeside park are backed by restaurants, small inns, and ice cream stands. This is a good place for lunch with a lake view before you explore more of town on foot.
After lunch, stroll the waterfront paths and small side streets off the main lakefront. Interpretive displays near the harbour outline the area’s New Iceland history, while small galleries and seasonal kiosks showcase local art and crafts. If you are visiting in mid to late summer, check local tourism offices or visitor centres in Gimli for festivals, cultural events, or harbourfront markets, which can add lively colour to a day on the lakeshore. Wind down your afternoon with one more swim or a relaxed drink on a patio before choosing whether to overnight in Gimli or return to Winnipeg.
Day Two Option A: Eastern Beaches and Grand Beach Provincial Park
If you have a second day and want to experience the impressive dune-backed beaches on the eastern shore, plan an early start to reach Grand Beach Provincial Park by late morning. The park anchors the eastern side of Lake Winnipeg’s narrow “narrows” area, with long white-sand beaches, shallow nearshore water, and 30 metre class dunes backing parts of the shoreline. It regularly ranks as one of Manitoba’s best-known beaches and is most comfortable with plenty of time to walk and explore.
From Winnipeg or from the west side communities, reaching Grand Beach generally involves heading back toward the city’s outskirts and then northeast on a combination of provincial highways that cross the base of the lake. Expect around one and a half to two hours of drive time depending on your exact starting point and route. Once inside the park, follow signs for the main beach areas and day use parking. Arriving earlier in the day improves your chances of securing a good parking spot in peak summer.
At Grand Beach, spend your time walking along the sweep of white sand, exploring the dune systems behind the shore on signed trails, and swimming or wading in the shallow water where conditions allow. The park has designated swimming zones, a mixture of serviced and more natural-feeling stretches, and basic facilities such as washrooms and seasonal concessions. On calmer days, the lake can resemble an inland sea with light chop and wide horizons; on windier days, waves can be energetic and beach flags or local advisories should be followed.
For a quieter atmosphere, consider combining Grand Beach with a stop at another eastern shore location such as Patricia Beach Provincial Park or Hillside Beach, both of which sit on less developed stretches of shoreline. These areas tend to offer simple facilities and a more low-key experience with long walks on sand, birding opportunities in adjacent lagoons or marshes, and the possibility of seeing fewer crowds outside peak weekends. Return to Winnipeg in the evening or, if you prefer, spend the night in a cabin or small resort community nearby before rejoining the west shore route on day three.
Day Two Option B: Gimli to Riverton and Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park
An alternative second day focuses on continuing north from Gimli along the western shore toward Riverton and the island and peninsulas of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park. From Gimli, a secondary highway follows the lake for about 40 kilometres through rural countryside and small lakeside communities before reaching Riverton, a compact town perched along the Icelandic River near its outlet into Lake Winnipeg. This drive feels more remote than the Winnipeg to Gimli stretch, with a mix of open fields, patches of boreal forest, and glimpses of the lake.
Riverton makes a natural stop for fuel, supplies, and a short walk. The riverside area provides a shift in scenery from wide open lake views to a more intimate waterway environment. Depending on the season, you may see anglers along the banks or small boats on the river. From Riverton, continue north on Provincial Trunk Highway 8, the same main route that began at the edge of Winnipeg, as it edges into the more sparsely populated reaches of the Interlake region on its way toward Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.
Hecla Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway and serves as a central hub within the park. Once you cross, the road threads through mixed forest, wetlands, and occasional openings with views across Lake Winnipeg. The island contains a cluster of amenities: a resort complex, golf course, marina area at Gull Harbour, and trailheads leading to lakeside viewpoints and inland bogs. Old Hecla Village, near the south end of the island, preserves buildings and interpretive displays that reflect the region’s Icelandic settler heritage and the long importance of fishing on the lake.
Use your afternoon on Hecla to sample one or two short hikes and a shoreline walk. Popular options include paths to rocky points on the lake where you can watch waves break on limestone and dolostone slabs, as well as trails that cross bog mats and wetlands rich with orchids and birdlife in early summer. Lakeside picnic spots can be found near the marina areas and along sections of beach or shoreline. Evening on Hecla is usually quieter than the main resort towns further south, with dark skies and an open view across the lake if conditions are clear.
Day Three: Remote Shores, Small Parks, and a Relaxed Return
If you have a third day, you can continue to explore the quieter corners of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park or begin your journey back toward Winnipeg, stopping in smaller parks and roadside pullouts along the way. North of the main resort area, the park extends along the Grindstone Peninsula, which is dotted with cottage subdivisions, small marinas, and stretches of undeveloped shoreline. Roads here are narrower and often partly gravel, and driving times can be slightly longer than distances might suggest, so plan conservatively if you choose to explore this area.
Public access points along Grindstone Point and nearby beaches typically offer a more subdued experience than the large sandy expanses of Grand Beach or Winnipeg Beach. Expect a mix of rocky shoreline, low cliffs in places, and patches of coarse sand where you can sit beside the water, watch changing light on the lake, and listen to waves. Simple picnic areas, small harbours, and boat launches provide focal points without overwhelming the sense of being close to a largely undeveloped lake coast.
On your return drive south toward Winnipeg, consider stopping again in Riverton or Gimli for a final meal, a walk along the harbour, or a last swim if conditions are suitable. If time allows, Camp Morton Provincial Park just north of Gimli is another worthwhile stop. Once a church camp, it now protects a mix of forest, open lawns, shoreline, and historic buildings, with trails used for walking in summer and skiing in winter. Its lakeside setting offers a more sheltered alternative to the open beaches if wind has picked up.
Continue south via Highway 8 to the outskirts of Winnipeg, watching as lake views give way once again to agricultural land and, eventually, urban streets. If you want to extend your time a little farther, you can make short detours into additional small communities along the western shore, such as Sandy Hook, Matlock, or Dunnottar, each with its own stretch of sand or lakeside park. These little stops help reinforce the itinerary’s theme: a chain of beaches and small towns strung like beads along one of North America’s largest lakes.
Seasonal Considerations, Safety, and Practical Tips
Lake Winnipeg’s character shifts dramatically with the seasons, and your experience on this itinerary will change with it. Peak summer from late June through August is defined by warm air temperatures, relatively warm lake water near shore, and the fullest range of seasonal services, from beach concessions to visitor centres and tour operators. It is also when provincial park beaches offer their most robust public safety presence, including marked swimming areas and seasonal beach safety officers at high profile locations like Winnipeg Beach and Grand Beach.
Shoulder seasons in late spring and early fall can be attractive for visitors who prioritize hiking, birding, and photography over swimming and sunbathing. In May and early June, wetlands and marshes around the lake are active with migrating and nesting birds, and trails in parks such as Hecla-Grindstone and Camp Morton can be quieter. September often brings stable weather and fewer insects, along with fall colour spreading slowly through the mixed forest. During these times, some seasonal businesses may operate on reduced hours or close entirely midweek, so it is wise to confirm opening times in advance.
Regardless of season, treat Lake Winnipeg with the same respect you would give a coastal body of water. Conditions can change quickly with wind shifts, creating waves and currents that challenge even confident swimmers. Provincial authorities caution that inflatable toys and floaties are not recommended for use in open lake conditions, as they can be pushed offshore quickly by gusts. Always watch for local advisories, swim near shore within buoy lines where they are present, keep a close eye on children, and be cautious about entering the water during high waves or thunderstorms.
On the practical side, remember that services thin out as you travel north of Gimli and away from the most popular beaches. Fuel up in larger communities, carry drinking water and snacks, and travel with basic emergency supplies. Lodging around the lake ranges from modest motels and bed-and-breakfasts to cabin rentals and a resort on Hecla Island. Booking ahead is important for peak summer weekends, especially during major festivals or long weekends when demand is highest along the shore.
Where to Stay and Eat Around Lake Winnipeg
Over one to three days, you can structure accommodations in several different ways. Many visitors base themselves in Winnipeg and treat each day as an out-and-back excursion, especially if they are comfortable with one to two hours of driving at the beginning and end of the day. This approach offers the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, and evening activities, and works particularly well for the one day or two day versions of the itinerary that focus on Winnipeg Beach, Gimli, and Grand Beach.
If you prefer to minimize backtracking and spend evenings right on the lake, consider splitting your nights between communities. A first night in or near Gimli places you within walking distance of beaches, the harbour, and lakeside dining. You can then spend your second night farther north on Hecla Island, where a resort complex provides on site accommodation, a restaurant, and amenities such as golfing or a spa, paired with direct access to trails and shoreline.
Cabins, cottages, and small inns are scattered along both the western and eastern shores, including neighbourhoods such as Sandy Hook, Dunnottar, Grand Marais, and cottage areas within Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park. These typically offer kitchen facilities and a more private experience, which can be ideal for families or small groups planning a three day stay. Availability and minimum stay requirements often vary by season, so it is helpful to check details well in advance and to be flexible with dates if you are booking in late summer.
When it comes to food, expect a mix of relaxed lakeside favourites. Fish and chips, pickerel dishes, burgers, and ice cream are staples in many shoreline communities. In summer, you may find food trucks, seasonal patios, and pop up stands near high traffic beaches and harbourfronts, especially in Winnipeg Beach and Gimli. North along the lake and on Hecla Island, dining options are fewer but often emphasize local fish and regional ingredients. If you have dietary restrictions or prefer specific foods, it can be wise to pick up extra supplies in larger centres such as Winnipeg, Selkirk, or Gimli before heading into the more remote segments of the route.
The Takeaway
A 1 to 3 day Lake Winnipeg itinerary is less about checking off individual sights and more about sinking into the easy rhythms of beach towns, provincial parks, and open horizons. With relatively short driving distances from Winnipeg, you can combine classic strandlines like Winnipeg Beach and Grand Beach with a taste of small town culture in Gimli and Riverton and the wilder, more remote feel of Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park.
By choosing how far you want to travel each day and which side of the lake you prefer, you can match the trip to your interests, whether that is family-friendly swimming, quiet hikes and birdwatching, or simply watching changing light on one of North America’s largest lakes. With a bit of planning around weather, seasonal openings, and safety, Lake Winnipeg offers an accessible yet substantial escape that feels a world away from city streets, even when you are only gone for a single long day or a relaxed long weekend.
FAQ
Q1. How long does it take to drive from Winnipeg to Gimli?
In normal summer conditions, the drive from Winnipeg to Gimli via Highway 8 is typically around one hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, covering roughly 90 kilometres.
Q2. Can I visit Winnipeg Beach, Gimli, and Hecla in a single day?
It is technically possible but not ideal. You would spend much of the day driving, so it is better to focus on Winnipeg Beach and Gimli in one day and save Hecla for a second or third day.
Q3. Is Lake Winnipeg warm enough for swimming?
Nearshore water can feel comfortable for swimming from roughly late June through August, especially on calm, sunny days, but temperatures vary with wind and weather.
Q4. When is the best time of year to follow this itinerary?
Late June to early September provides the warmest beach conditions and the widest range of open services. May, early June, and September are excellent for quieter visits and hiking.
Q5. Do I need a park pass to visit the beaches and parks?
Most provincial parks around Lake Winnipeg require a valid vehicle park pass, with daily and longer-duration options. Check current Manitoba Parks information before you travel.
Q6. Are the roads to Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park paved?
The main access route along Highway 8 to Hecla Island is paved. Some side roads and sections on the Grindstone Peninsula are gravel, so drive more slowly and watch for wildlife.
Q7. Is Lake Winnipeg safe for using inflatable floaties?
Inflatable toys and floaties are not recommended on the open lake, as wind can quickly push them offshore. Stick close to shore and follow posted safety advisories.
Q8. Can I do this trip without a car?
Public transportation to small lakeside communities is limited and seasonal. To follow this itinerary flexibly and reach parks and beaches, having your own vehicle is strongly recommended.
Q9. Are there family-friendly activities besides swimming?
Yes. Options include easy lakeside walks, playgrounds in some beach parks, ice cream stops, small museums and visitor centres in Gimli, and short hikes on Hecla Island.
Q10. How many days should I plan if I want a relaxed pace?
For a relaxed pace that includes both the west shore towns and either Grand Beach or Hecla-Grindstone, plan at least two full days, with three giving you time to slow down and explore.