Caddy Lake: A Whiteshell Gem
Explore Manitoba's Caddy Lake: Canoe through historic tunnels, fish in pristine waters, and discover Whiteshell Provincial Park's beauty.
Caddy Lake, located in the southeastern part of Manitoba within Whiteshell Provincial Park, is a captivating destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The lake's name originates from J.S. Caddy, a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) construction engineer, in 1925. Spanning approximately 300 hectares, Caddy Lake boasts a maximum depth of 5.7 meters and is fed by McGillivray Creek. The lake is most famous for the unique canoe routes that traverse tunnels blasted through the Canadian Shield's granite rock during the construction of the railway in the early 20th century. These tunnels were created to maintain the natural water flow of the Whiteshell River system, which was disrupted by the railway construction. Paddlers can explore these historic tunnels, which connect Caddy Lake to South Cross Lake and North Cross Lake, by canoe, kayak, or small motorboat. Beyond the tunnels, Caddy Lake offers a variety of recreational activities. Fishing is a popular pastime, with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Several hiking trails surround the lake, providing scenic vistas of the boreal forest. The Caddy Lake Campground, operated by the province, offers 26 basic campsites for those wishing to extend their stay. Nearby, the towns of Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake provide additional recreational activities such as golf, scuba diving, and tennis. The lake is also home to several cottage subdivisions and resorts, including Green Bay Resort, offering cabin rentals and boat rentals. Caddy Lake is a destination steeped in history and natural beauty, offering a memorable experience for all who visit.
Local tips
- Check water levels before entering the tunnels, as high water can make passage difficult or impossible.
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp for navigating the tunnels, as they can be quite dark.
- Book campsites and boat rentals in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
- Be aware of wildlife and store food properly to avoid attracting bears and other animals.
- Pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent, especially during the summer months.
A brief summary to Caddy Lake
- Manitoba, CA
Getting There
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Driving
Caddy Lake is accessible via Highway 44, approximately 8 km north of Highway 1 in Whiteshell Provincial Park. From Winnipeg, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) east towards the Manitoba-Ontario border. Turn north onto Highway 44 and follow it to Caddy Lake. Parking is available at the Caddy Lake Access Parking Lot. Parking fees may apply, typically around $5-10 CAD per day.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Caddy Lake, you can take an Ontario Northland bus from Winnipeg to a nearby location on Highway 1, such as West Hawk Lake. From there, you would need to arrange for a taxi or shuttle service to complete the journey to Caddy Lake, which is approximately 8 km north on Highway 44. Bus fare from Winnipeg to West Hawk Lake is approximately $30-$45 CAD. Taxi or shuttle service from West Hawk Lake to Caddy Lake may cost an additional $20-$40 CAD.
