Welcome to
Grand Beach
The Park

THINGS TO DO

Grand Beach Provincial Park is managed by the Manitoba Conservation. There is a 1-3 day admission fee of $5.00 or you can purchase a seasonal pass for $20.00. The park is located on the eastern shore of the south basin of Lake Winnipeg.

See "The Beach" on main Page for a direct link to information on Grand Beach (West & East).

   

Camping & Accomodation

Camping is available in the park. The campground features showers, laundromat, store, amphitheatre and easy access to the East Beach.

To reserve a site call 1-888-482-2267.

For a secure reservation on-line, go to  http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/

Hotel accomodation in the park is available at The Surf Club . Contact them directly. Other accomodations including cabins and bed and breakfast are also available in the area. Consult our Main Page or the local telephone directory (Grand Beach Exchange)

Picnic in the park in many convenient areas.
 
Hiking
The Historic Walk along the boardwalk begins at the trainGrand Beach offers a wide variety of walking or hiking opportunities. From the informal trails like the historic walk along the boardwalk, which starts at the head of the boardwalk near the "train" to almost 30 km. of back country trail networks that let you stroll connecting routes to your hearts content. Hikers should be sure to wear appropriate footwear, avoid poison ivy and bring along insect repellent.

Ancient Beach Self-Guiding Trail
2.1 km, Allow 1 hour
Explore an old beach line of glacial Lake Agassiz. It is now covered by a mix of deciduous and evergreen forest that is home to a variety of forest birds and mammals. You'll enjoy a terrific view of Lake Winnipeg at about the half-way point. An interpretive brochure is available at the trail head.

Wild Wings Self-Guiding Trail
1 km, Allow 1 hour
Grand Beach Marsh is one of the park's undiscovered treasures. Also known as the lagoon, it has a great diversity of bird life. The trail winds through cattails, willows and deciduous trees to viewing platforms. Interpretive signs provide insights into special adaptations of the residents, which enable them to live in the marsh.

 The best times to visit are early mornings or evenings when birds are most active. April / May and September / October are the best seasons for observing birds in migration. Be sure to take binoculars and a camera along.

Spirit Walk Trail

1.1 km, Allow 45 Minutes
Highlights of this short trail are views of the lake, majestic oak and ash tress, and immense glacial erratics (boulders). An interpretive sign is situated about half-way along the trail.

Interpretation Program
Summer programs have been offered to park visitors since the early seventies. Park Interpreters lead guided tours, stage special events, provide children's activities, and present slide shows, films and special guests at the amphitheater located near the campground. See the "Events" link on the Main Page.
 
Boating
Boating on Lake Winnipeg is permitted beyond the swimming area but is often adversely affected by strong winds and large waves. The lagoon, which is sheltered and relatively calm, is recommended for boating, water skiing, board sailing and other water-oriented sports. For safety, part of the lagoon has been designated for non-motorized watercraft. Please observe the markers. Swimming in the lagoon is not recommended.

Fishing
The most popular fishing spot in the park is by the causeway bridge (Main road west of East Park entrance gate). Catches include perch, walleye, northern pike, silver bass, carp and the occasional catfish.

Berry and Mushroom  Picking
The mixed forest in most of the Eastern Beaches area offers a variety of berry producing plants and shrubs. Saskatoons are available towards the end of June or early July. Chokecherries blueberries and wild raspberries are ready for the picking mid-July to August. For those experienced in mushroom gathering the season begins in spring with the Morel and continues into the summer and fall with Chanterelles, Honey and edible Boletus.

Cross-country Skiing
In winter, Grand Beach offers some of southern Manitoba's finest cross-country ski trails. All five designated routes begin and end at the same staging area near the Park Camping Office. Each is rated for different skill levels: the Jack Pine (2.6 km) and Blueberry (3.2 km) trails are recommended for novices; intermediate skiers will enjoy the Boulder Hill (6.1 km) and Beaver Pond (13.3 km) trails; and expert skiers will find the Squirrel Run (2.6 km) challenging.

Snowmobiling
Snowmobile trails skirt the park boundaries and loop through the forested eastern section. They connect with other regional trails that lead snowmobilers to Belair Provincial Forest, Pine Falls, Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa and the Can-Am International Trail. Winter recreation maps are available at the park office.

Piping Plovers
Manitoba's most popular beach is ideal habitat for this rare and endangered bird species. To provide some measure of protection, sites are fenced during the June nesting period. Interpreters and volunteer plover guardians provide opportunities for visitors to safely view the birds, without disturbing them.