After leaving Montmartre, it was off to visit Manitoba. We wanted to visit Winnipeg but could not find any compelling reasons to do so (sorry). So we skipped the capital city and headed to Winnipeg Beach for three nights. When Camping At Winnipeg Beach, Make Sure To Visit Nearby Gimli. This is home to an Icelandic community and an impressive Museum detailing the struggles associated with them settling in this area.
We talked to a couple we met later from Winnipeg while camping at Longbow Lake, and they had no compelling reasons to visit Winnipeg either. Except maybe visiting the forks, which would take maybe half a day.
Winnipeg Beach Provincial Campground
Winnipeg Beach Provincial Campground can be found about one hour north of the city of Winnipeg on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. This is a nice campground with lots of space between sites. Full hookups are available, the price was thirty-three dollars a night, and we stayed three nights.
We arrived late the first night, around 8:00 pm, and went straight to our site, had a late dinner, and turned in after a long day on the road. We are trying to keep our traveling days to about 6 hrs, give or take. This gives you time to enjoy your new surroundings and not feel rushed.
Our first day at Winnipeg Beach was wet as it was raining, and this did not make visiting the beach practical or enjoyable. So we set off to visit Gimli for the day. Our second day was much nicer, with no rain and temperatures much nicer than the previous day. This made visiting the beach and dipping our toes in the water very enjoyable.
Winnipeg Beach
There is a Winnipeg beach to be found just steps from the campground with a nice cemented boardwalk that runs along the beach. You will find picnic tables along the grass and a nice play area for the kids. There is a change room bathroom building as well.
No lifeguard is on duty, but the swimming area is roped off. The water when we were there was a bit cool, but summer had not yet had a chance to warm it up. We did enjoy ourselves in the water and then took advantage of the walkway to see what else was nearby.
Four Things To Do In Gimili
Gimli is just up the road (15 Minutes) from Winnipeg Beach Provincial Campground. Icelandic families immigrated here from Iceland as life in Iceland had become very difficult, from natural disasters to diseases that devastated their sheep herds. It was time for many to move on to what they hoped would be a better life. Traveling to Canada, they settled in this area in the mid-1800s, they called it home, but it was a tough life in the early years.
Gimli, Icelandic settlers founded this lakeside community, and their Viking roots live on through Gimli’s festivals, museums, public art, and spirit for adventure on Lake Winnipeg.
The word Gimli means “heavenly abode” or “home of the Gods” in Icelandic. The community remains the largest population of Icelandic people outside Iceland.
Visiting The Icelandic Heritage Museum
When visiting Gimli, make sure to stop in at the Icelandic Heritage Museum. They have an excellent video presentation about the settling of the town of Gimli and the surrounding area. The museum is small but has a lot of information about the first settlers and their hardships; very well done.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-4:00 Saturday & Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm
Admission: Adults $7.00, Seniors & Students $6.00, Ages 6 (& under) Free
Family $15.00
Check Out the Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre
Make sure to drop by the Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre, as they have many ideas of what to see and do in the area. You can discover the lake’s mysteries in a 500-gallon fish tank containing local fish species. See a full-size 1940s whitefish boat and a miniature replica of the original fish packing plant that was once on this site.
Stop By The Gimli Pier
Another interesting stop is the Gimli Pier, which extends from the downtown shoreline to Lake Winnipeg. It features the Gimli Seawall Gallery, a cement wall 298 m long featuring 72 incredible murals depicting the community’s history and stories.
The harbor on beautiful Lake Winnipeg is the largest of its kind between Thunder Bay and the west coast of mainland British Columbia.
Get up Close and Personal With The Gimli Viking Statue
A 4.6-meter fiberglass statue of a Viking in Gimli was created as a Canadian centennial project by the Gimli Chamber of Commerce, and it was unveiled in 1967. A new Viking Park around the statue was unveiled in 2017 in recognition of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba’s 125th anniversary and in honor of Canada’s 150th birthday. Around the pathways are stelae of various Icelandic persons and families from the area.
Purchase Local caught Fish Or Vist One Of The Many Local Restaurants
Gimli has a commercial fishing industry, and fresh or smoked fish can be purchased at several fish stores in the area. Some fish that you might be able to find are walleye, sauger, whitefish, northern pike, perch, plus catfish.
We purchased a couple of packages of fresh pickerel (1lb package), along with smoked goldeye and catfish. The pickerel was very tasty, and we enjoyed these meals considerably. The smoke fish was another issue. Not sure how it is smoked. I’m used to dried fish after it is smoked; this was not dry but very moist and oily. I ate it but not my favorite; maybe ask to taste it first; not sure if they will do that.
Useful Accessories While Traveling In Your RV
As we drive across Canada in our 2011 Ford F350 Diesel and pull our 28′ converted Toyhauler down the road, we are impressed with several items we purchased and installed before our trip began. These items are TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), and a backup camera mounted on our trailer. They provided us with additional safety while adding peace of mind on the road.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
This TPMS works very well. We are impressed; it updates tire pressures, so you know what is going on with your rig. We have had no issues; it works great highly recommend adding this system as it adds peace of mind to your trip.
Wireless Backup Camera
We have found this to be very useful when passing, letting you see what is happening behind you. This lets you know when others are looking to pass you so that you are aware of the situation. Highly recommended, it adds to the safety of the trip.
