Free Interlake Region Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Interlake Region
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Explore Manitoba’s Interlake Region for Icelandic heritage, lakeside towns, wetlands, wildlife, prairie landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Manitoba’s Interlake Region occupies the broad country between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, stretching northwards from the outskirts of Winnipeg into a landscape of water, wetlands, limestone country, farmland and boreal transition. It is not a single town-based destination but a spacious rural region whose character changes with the road: the southern districts are shaped by Red River heritage and agricultural settlement, while the northern areas bring larger lakes, forest margins and quieter communities. Allowing time for distances is essential, particularly when combining the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg with western destinations around Lake Manitoba.
Read more about Interlake Region
Gimli is the region’s best-known lakeside centre and the cultural heart of Manitoba’s Icelandic community. Its harbour, beach, public art and New Iceland Heritage Museum reflect the arrival of Icelandic settlers in the nineteenth century, while annual celebrations and local food traditions keep that heritage visible without reducing the town to a historical exhibit. Nearby communities including Arborg, Riverton and Lundar add further evidence of the region’s Ukrainian, Icelandic, Métis and wider prairie settlement history. Selkirk, at the southern edge of the Interlake, is closely associated with the Red River and has a stronger connection to the region’s fur-trade and river-port past.
Water is the region’s defining physical presence. Lake Winnipeg supports boating, fishing and beach recreation, while Lake Manitoba’s eastern and northern shores offer quieter bays, marshes and open horizons. Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park combines islands, shoreline trails, woodland and historic Icelandic settlement landscapes. Inland, Oak Hammock Marsh is an important wetland for migrating birds, and the Narcisse Snake Dens provide a notable seasonal wildlife experience based on the wintering grounds of red-sided garter snakes. These places reward patient observation rather than hurried sightseeing.
The Interlake also has a strong geological and agricultural identity. Limestone quarries, glacial landforms and fertile farmland sit alongside ranches, grain fields and small market towns. Stonewall’s quarry heritage, the wetlands near Stonewall and Teulon, and the open roads north of Arborg illustrate how closely natural history and working landscapes are connected. Cycling, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, hiking and winter activities are best planned around local conditions, as services can be widely spaced outside the principal towns.
Food and culture reflect both the lakes and the settlement history: freshwater fish, pickerel in particular, is widely associated with Manitoba dining, while Icelandic baking, Ukrainian-influenced cooking, seasonal produce and prairie hospitality appear in cafés, bakeries, community halls and local markets. The Interlake’s appeal lies in its combination of accessible heritage towns, expansive waterscapes and wildlife-rich wetlands, with enough geographical variety to reward a multi-day itinerary rather than a quick excursion from Winnipeg.

When is the best time to visit Interlake Region?

Best: June–August · 24–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-1030
February-725
March130
April1235
May2045
June (best)2455
July (best)2760
August (best)2555
September1945
October1135
November330
December-525

Getting to and around Interlake Region

How to get there

Most international visitors reach the Interlake via Winnipeg, whose James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and railway connections are outside the region but provide the principal gateway. From Winnipeg, roads lead north through Selkirk and Stonewall towards Gimli, Arborg, Hecla-Grindstone and western Interlake communities. There is no major international airport in the region, and public transport options to dispersed rural destinations are limited, so a hire car is generally the simplest choice for a multi-stop itinerary.

Transportation

The region is primarily explored by car, with distances between towns, parks and lakeshore attractions often greater than they appear on a map. Roads are generally the practical link between Gimli, Arborg, Ashern, Stonewall, Selkirk and smaller communities, while local taxis and limited regional services should not be assumed to operate regularly in rural areas. Walking and cycling work well within individual towns and on selected trails, but cyclists should plan for open roads, wind, limited shoulders and long stretches without services. Check seasonal road conditions before travelling to parks and remote lakeshores.

Best attractions in Interlake Region

Interlake attractions are spread across a large rural landscape rather than concentrated in one resort town. Gimli combines a harbour, beach, public art, the New Iceland Heritage Museum and cultural programming linked to Manitoba’s Icelandic community. Selkirk and the southern Interlake offer river heritage and access to Lower Fort Garry, while Stonewall presents the region’s limestone and quarrying story through its heritage landscapes. Oak Hammock Marsh is a major draw for birdwatchers, walkers and visitors interested in prairie wetlands. Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park provides beaches, woodland, trails, boating opportunities and island scenery on Lake Winnipeg, with historic settlement traces adding cultural depth. Around Narcisse, seasonal wildlife viewing centres on the famous red-sided garter snake dens. Smaller communities, farm roads and lakeshore settlements contribute museums, cafés, local events and fishing access, while the open terrain supports cycling, kayaking, hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing when conditions allow.

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Best landmarks in Interlake Region

Lower Fort Garry near Selkirk is among the Interlake’s most consequential historic landmarks. Its substantial limestone structures preserve the setting of a Hudson’s Bay Company post and the site associated with the signing of Treaty 1, linking the region to Indigenous diplomacy, colonial commerce and the formation of Manitoba. In Gimli, the harbour, lakeside pier, public Viking sculpture and nearby New Iceland heritage sites express the community’s Icelandic identity and its continuing relationship with Lake Winnipeg. Hecla-Grindstone’s island shorelines and wooded headlands are natural landmarks as well as recreational landscapes, while Oak Hammock Marsh represents the ecological importance of restored prairie wetland. Stonewall’s quarry landscapes and limestone buildings embody the geology and industrial history of southern Interlake communities. Near Narcisse, the karst terrain and snake dens form a landmark of both scientific and wildlife interest, best appreciated without disturbing the animals.

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Explore Interlake Region on the map

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Best restaurants in Interlake Region

Dining in the Interlake reflects its lakes, farms and immigrant settlement history. Pickerel, the regional name commonly used for walleye, appears in many Manitoba fish restaurants and seasonal menus, while freshwater catches, smoked fish and simple lakeside cooking are particularly associated with communities around Lake Winnipeg. Gimli and other larger centres offer cafés, bakeries, pubs and family restaurants, with Icelandic-influenced baking and treats forming an important part of local food culture. Ukrainian and broader prairie traditions can also be found in home-style cooking, community suppers and independent businesses. Farm stands and seasonal markets provide vegetables, preserves and baked goods during the growing season, although opening days vary. In rural districts, options may be widely spaced and early closing is more common than in Winnipeg, so visitors should plan meals around driving routes rather than expecting a continuous restaurant strip.

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Best bars in Interlake Region

Nightlife in the Interlake is modest and community-oriented rather than centred on large clubs. Gimli provides the broadest choice of evening pubs, restaurants and seasonal lakeside activity, while Selkirk, Stonewall and other larger towns have local bars, lounges and venues associated with community events. Traditional pubs are generally more significant than nightclubs, and live music, festivals, curling or hockey gatherings and summer waterfront events may shape evening life. Smaller settlements rely on social clubs, licensed halls and occasional performances, with schedules changing through the year. Visitors should not assume late-night transport between communities, particularly after drinking; arrange a taxi, designated driver or accommodation nearby. Breweries, bars and restaurants can be enjoyable parts of an evening, but the region’s night-time character is equally defined by dark skies, quiet roads and lakeside walks where permitted.

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Best nightclubs in Interlake Region

Nightlife in the Interlake is modest and community-oriented rather than centred on large clubs. Gimli provides the broadest choice of evening pubs, restaurants and seasonal lakeside activity, while Selkirk, Stonewall and other larger towns have local bars, lounges and venues associated with community events. Traditional pubs are generally more significant than nightclubs, and live music, festivals, curling or hockey gatherings and summer waterfront events may shape evening life. Smaller settlements rely on social clubs, licensed halls and occasional performances, with schedules changing through the year. Visitors should not assume late-night transport between communities, particularly after drinking; arrange a taxi, designated driver or accommodation nearby. Breweries, bars and restaurants can be enjoyable parts of an evening, but the region’s night-time character is equally defined by dark skies, quiet roads and lakeside walks where permitted.

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Best shops in Interlake Region

Shopping in the Interlake is concentrated in small-town high streets, independent shops, seasonal markets and businesses connected to local food production rather than large retail districts. Gimli has the region’s strongest visitor-oriented selection, including Icelandic-themed gifts, books, crafts, artwork and food products, while Selkirk and Stonewall provide practical shopping alongside independent cafés and services. Farmers’ markets, farm stands and community events may offer preserves, baking, vegetables, honey and handmade goods during the warmer months, but schedules are seasonal and should be checked locally. Regional souvenirs are best chosen for their connection to place: Icelandic cultural products, prairie foods, lake-related crafts, locally made art and books about Manitoba’s Indigenous, Métis, Icelandic or agricultural history. Visitors travelling into rural districts should stock up on essentials in larger towns, as retail choice becomes more limited between communities.

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Interlake Region essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), as throughout Manitoba and Canada. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established hotels, shops, petrol stations and restaurants, especially in larger communities, but cash remains useful at small cafés, seasonal businesses, community events and some rural vendors. Inform your bank about travel if required and carry a back-up payment method, as mobile reception and payment connectivity can be less dependable in remote areas.
Safety
The Interlake is generally a low-density rural destination, but visitors should take ordinary precautions with valuables and avoid leaving belongings visible in unattended vehicles. Outdoor risks include changing weather, strong lake winds, slippery shorelines, mosquitoes, ticks, sun exposure and limited mobile coverage. Swim only where conditions and local guidance permit, remain alert near water, and keep distance from wildlife. Drivers should watch for gravel roads, agricultural machinery, animals and long gaps between fuel stations, particularly in northern and western districts.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in the region for police, fire or ambulance assistance. Give the dispatcher a clear location, road name or nearby community, as rural addresses and park areas can be difficult to identify. For serious incidents on or near the water, emergency services can coordinate the appropriate response; do not rely on a mobile signal in isolated areas. Carry basic supplies on longer drives and tell someone your plans when hiking, paddling or visiting less-developed lakeshore areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private farmland, Indigenous communities, park rules and posted access restrictions, and close gates if a route specifically requires it. Do follow wildlife guidance and avoid handling or feeding animals, including snakes at Narcisse. Do queue politely and allow extra time for service in small-town businesses. Do not drive onto beaches, trails or fragile wetland margins unless authorised, and do not assume that every shoreline is public access. Tipping practices generally follow Canadian norms in restaurants and for personal services, but the amount should reflect the service received.
Local Tips
Build time into journeys for farm stands, bakeries, museums and lakeside viewpoints, since many regional experiences are community-run or seasonal rather than continuously open. Gimli is particularly useful for combining heritage, food and Lake Winnipeg access, while Hecla-Grindstone requires more deliberate planning for accommodation and supplies. Morning and evening are often the most rewarding times for birdwatching and photography, and weather forecasts should be checked before boat trips, long drives or exposed shoreline walks.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHello[hɛloʊ]
GoodbyeGoodbye[ɡʊdˈbaɪ]
YesYes[jɛs]
NoNo[noʊ]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[pliːz/jʊr ˈwɛlkəm]
Thank youThank you[θæŋk ju]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[ɪkˈskjus mi/ˈsɔri]
How are you?How are you?[haʊ ɑr ju]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[faɪn. ənd ju]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[du ju spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI don't understand[aɪ doʊnt ˌʌndərˈstænd]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please[aɪd laɪk tə si ðə ˈmɛnju, pliːz]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[aɪ doʊnt it miːt]
Cheers!Cheers![ʧɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please[aɪ wʊd laɪk tə peɪ, pliːz]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Go away![ɡoʊ əˈweɪ]
Call the Police!Call the Police![kɔl ðə pəˈlis]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![kɔl ə ˈdɒktər]
I'm lostI'm lost[aɪm lɔst]
I'm illI'm ill[aɪm ɪl]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...[aɪd laɪk tə baɪ...]
I'm just lookingI'm just looking[aɪm dʒʌst ˈlʊkɪŋ]
How much is it?How much is it?[haʊ mʌʧ ɪz ɪt]
That's too expensiveThat's too expensive[ðæts tuː ɪkˈspɛnsɪv]
Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?[kæn ju ˈloʊər ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[ɪts wʌn əˈklɑk]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[hæf pæst (10)]
MorningMorning[ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
AfternoonAfternoon[ˌæftərˈnun]
EveningEvening[ˈivnɪŋ]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstərˌdeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɔroʊ]
11[wʌn]
22[tu]
33[θri]
44[fɔr]
55[faɪv]
66[sɪks]
77[sɛvən]
88[eɪt]
99[naɪn]
1010[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[wɛr ɪz ə/ðə...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[wɒts ði ˈædrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[kæn ju ʃoʊ mi (ɒn ðə mæp)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[wɛn ɪz ðə nɛkst (bʌs)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[ə ˈtɪkɪt (tə ....)]

History of Interlake Region

Indigenous Homelands and Lake Networks

Long before European settlement, the Interlake was travelled and inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including Anishinaabe, Cree and Dakota communities, as well as Métis families whose lives were connected to the lakes, rivers, wetlands and prairie. Waterways provided routes for travel, fishing and trade, while the region’s forests and grasslands supported hunting and gathering. Indigenous presence remains part of the region’s contemporary identity, and place-based knowledge continues to shape understandings of wildlife, seasonal change and the responsibilities associated with the land.

Fur Trade and Red River Connections

The southern Interlake became linked to the fur trade through the Red River and Lake Winnipeg drainage system. Lower Fort Garry, established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1830s near present-day Selkirk, was a major site for commerce, administration and communication. The fort also hosted the signing of Treaty 1 in 1871. Its stone buildings provide an important reminder that the region’s history was shaped by Indigenous diplomacy, company authority, river transport and the expanding political framework of Canada.

New Iceland and the Settlement of Gimli

In 1875, Icelandic immigrants established New Iceland along the western shore of Lake Winnipeg, with Gimli becoming its principal community. The settlement faced difficult early conditions, including isolation, unfamiliar agricultural circumstances and disease, but gradually developed through fishing, farming, commerce and community organisation. Icelandic language, foodways, literature and cultural celebrations remain especially visible in Gimli and neighbouring communities. The story is also part of a broader history of Indigenous and Métis communities encountering, adapting to and being affected by new immigration and Canadian settlement policies.

Railways, Agriculture and Small-Town Development

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, railways and improved roads connected Interlake farms and lakeside settlements with Winnipeg and wider markets. Grain growing, livestock, fishing, quarrying and local commerce supported towns such as Stonewall, Teulon, Arborg and Ashern. Rail transport encouraged the movement of settlers and supplies, while agricultural institutions and cooperatives helped communities manage the region’s short growing season and variable soils. Many modern roads, town layouts and grain-related landscapes still reflect this period of rural development.

Quarrying, Limestone and Built Heritage

The Interlake’s limestone geology supported a significant quarrying tradition, particularly around Stonewall and other southern communities. Stone cut from local quarries contributed to buildings, walls and infrastructure in Manitoba, while quarry work created an important industrial livelihood alongside agriculture. The remains of quarry landscapes and the surviving stone architecture of historic settlements reveal how geology influenced both employment and visual character. Today, former quarry areas are interpreted through heritage sites and public landscapes rather than functioning solely as industrial spaces.

Conservation and Contemporary Recreation

In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, parts of the Interlake increasingly became valued for conservation, wildlife research and recreation as well as production. Oak Hammock Marsh protects a major wetland and migration route, Hecla-Grindstone preserves island and shoreline environments, and the Narcisse Snake Dens have become an important site for public education about seasonal wildlife. Tourism now joins agriculture, fishing, forestry and local services as part of the regional economy. The continuing challenge is to provide access while protecting fragile wetlands, shorelines and wildlife habitats.

Interlake Region in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Interlake Region, Canada

Discover the Interlake Region with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide offering insights on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Plan your perfect trip to the Interlake Region with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Explore top attractions, book tours, and experience local culture effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive history of the Interlake Region
  • Essential travel tips and curated local advice
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Imagine stepping into the heart of the Interlake Region with a personal guide right in your pocket. Evendo is designed to make your trip to this beautiful area of Canada seamless and unforgettable. Whether you're interested in exploring the stunning Gimli Beach, learning the history of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, or dining at the renowned Beach Boy Restaurant, Evendo has got you covered.

The app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in the Interlake Region. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

No more endless searching for what to see, do, and experience. With Evendo, you can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Whether you want to visit the historic Lower Fort Garry, enjoy bird-watching at Oak Hammock Marsh, or take a scenic tour along Lake Winnipeg, Evendo simplifies your travel planning.

The app also features the history of the Interlake Region, essential travel tips, and curated local advice to ensure you get the most out of your visit. The easy navigation and 'Near Me' feature allow you to effortlessly find attractions and amenities around you, no matter where you are.

Best of all, Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Beyond the Interlake Region, it covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, so once you have it, you have the world in your pocket.

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