A Traveler’s Guide to the 10 Best Beaches near Winnipeg for Perfect Summer Escapades
Winnipeg is known for its hip culture, scenic riverfronts, and friendly people. But did you know it’s also blessed with an impressive 316 days of sunshine a year? That means there’s plenty of time to hit up some amazing beaches just outside the city!
From sandy shores to refreshing lakes, Winnipeg’s got the perfect spots to chill, swim, or soak up those rays.
We’ve put together a list of the best beaches around Winnipeg. So, grab your towel, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of sunshine and good vibes—here are our top picks.
St. Malo Beach
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Website: https://www.travelmanitoba.com/directory/st-malo-provincial-park/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st-malo-beach/
Address: Provincial Trunk Hwy 59, Saint Malo
Hours: Open mid-May to September
Contact: +1 800-214-6497
St. Malo Beach is a local favorite and the perfect spot for a laid-back family beach day just 38 minutes from Winnipeg. This friendly park, set around a man-made lake created by damming the Rat River, is a hit with families for good reason.
With two sandy beaches, a large picnic area, and a fun playground for the kids, it’s an ideal place to relax while the little ones burn off some energy. The park’s picnic areas and shady spots by the aspen trees are also perfect for a peaceful lunch.
The calm waters make it great for swimming, and you can also rent a watercraft for a paddle around the lake.
| Pro Tip: Want to explore the trails near St. Malo? Check out the hiking map here and plan your adventure! |
Winnipeg Beach
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Website: https://winnipegbeach.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipegbeachrecreation/
Address: St. Andrews
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: (204) 389-2698
Just 45 minutes from the city lies Winnipeg Beach, a classic summer getaway, where you can feel the nostalgia of its resort-town roots. Back in the day, visitors arrived by train, but now families are rediscovering this gem on the shores of Lake Winnipeg.
Its three-kilometer stretch of sandy beach is the perfect spot to kick back, swim, or catch a cool breeze off the water while windsurfers glide by. There are even dog-friendly swimming areas, so your furry friend can join in on the fun.
Water sports are a big deal here too—if you’re up for some action, you can try water skiing, boating, or board sailing. Beyond the beach, the town itself offers a bunch of restaurants and shops nearby, so grabbing a bite or exploring the local scene is easy.
| Pro Tip: For those who want to make a weekend of it, the new campground offers 120 full-service sites, including buddy sites for families and friends who want to camp together. It’s the perfect setup for a longer stay by the lake! |
Birds Hill Park
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Website: https://gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/central/birds.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birds-hill-provincial-park/
Address: Oakbank
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 11 PM
Contact Details: (204) 654-6730
Birds Hill Park is a fantastic escape just 30 minutes from Winnipeg, offering the perfect mix of nature and outdoor fun. With a family-friendly beach featuring shallow waters, it’s great for little ones to splash around while parents relax on the sandy shore.
The park is also super accessible, with bike paths leading all the way from the city. And if you’re looking for more than just beach time, the area has a ton to explore—from an old homestead to wildflower-filled trails.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the beach—it’s a hub for activities all year round. For instance, it hosts cool events like horse shows, polo tournaments, and cycling races, so there’s always something going on.
| Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the annual Winnipeg Folk Festival, held right in the park. It’s one of North America’s largest folk music events, and the atmosphere is electric! |
Twin Lakes Beach
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Website: https://twinlakesbeach.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twin-lakes-beach-manitoba/
Address: St. Laurent
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Twin Lakes Beach is one of Manitoba’s hidden gems—clean, quiet, and perfect for a relaxing day trip from Winnipeg. Located just off Twin Beach Rd., this beach is shared between two municipalities, but the vibe is always the same: peaceful and laid-back.
It’s an awesome spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just unwinding by the lake. If you’re spending the day, head to Meindl Park at 656 Venice Rd. South, where you’ll find easy access to the water and plenty of room to spread out for a family picnic.
And if you’re into spectacular sunsets (and come on, who isn’t?), this is the place to be. Plus, if you’re into camping, the Sunshine Beach Campground is nearby, with beachfront camping and stunning views of the Walton Lighthouse!
| Pro Tip: Guests who need a snack or supplies during beach day can stop by The Beach Shack along Twin Beach Rd. It has groceries and a restaurant—everything you need to keep your day going smoothly. |
Patricia Beach
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/patricia_beach.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelynatashalee/
Address: Beaconia
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (204) 948-3333
Patricia Beach is just over an hour from the city—a natural escape with soft sand and scenic views. Stretching along the southeast shore of Balsam Bay on Lake Winnipeg, this beach is perfect for long walks on velvety soft sand.
A highlight is its diverse landscape, including marshes and lagoons that attract birdwatchers from all over. You might even spot rare birds like Piping Plovers nesting along the shore.
The park also has picnic areas and washroom facilities, making it easy to spend the whole day there. Just don’t forget to bring your essentials like water, sunscreen, and some snacks since it’s a more natural, less commercialized spot.
| Pro Tip: While other beaches are also lovely destinations during winter, the best time to visit Patricia Beach is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is perfect for swimming and birdwatching. Winter here can be harsh, with limited access! |
Beaconia Beach
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Website: https://beaconiabeach.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaconia-beach/
Address: St. Clements
Hours: Mon – Sun: open 24 hours
Contact: 1-877-468-3752
Beaconia Beach is located north of Patricia Beach, nestled along the southeast shore of Lake Winnipeg. Basic amenities are available, like bathrooms and outdoor showers, and you can even bring your pup along (just remember to keep them leashed).
And here’s a fun bonus: it’s one of the top places in the area to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Make sure to visit on a clear night—preferably with a picnic spread and blanket—so you can witness that stunning Aurora Borealis show.
With a wide, walkable channel and lagoon separating it from its neighboring beach, Beaconia feels extra peaceful and secluded. For the adventurous, head south for about 5 minutes, and you’ll find a spot in the sand dunes with a clothing-optional beach.
| Pro Tip: Feeling a bit peckish? Half Moon Drive-In is a local favorite for burgers and fries, or if you’re feeling fancy, South Beach Casino and Resort has plenty of dining options to choose from! |
Gimli
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Website: http://www.gimli.ca/p/gimli-beach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/259472376/gimli-beach/
Address: Lake Ave, Gimli
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact Details: (204) 642-7517
Gimli Beach is a popular spot just an hour north of Winnipeg, and it’s easy to see why! While it’s a classic northern lake beach, meaning no white sand, the cozy, small-town vibe more than makes up for it.
Water shoes are a smart choice here, as the shore can get a bit rocky. But once you’ve got them on, you’re all set for a day of soaking up the sun or splashing around in the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent jet skis!
Families will love the expanded playground, and there are picnic tables galore if you’re planning to bring lunch. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, and first aid stations are available for extra peace of mind.
| Pro Tip: There’s a great little boardwalk running along Gimli Beach that’s perfect for a stroll or a bike ride. Plus, the pier has some awesome local artwork painted on the wall—definitely worth checking out! |
Grand Beach
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/central/grand.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grand-beach-manitoba/
Address: Grand Marais
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact Details: (204) 945-6784
Grand Beach is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a fantastic day trip from Winnipeg. Just an hour away, this beach is famous for its stunning 12-metre-high sand dunes and stretches of soft white sand—like something out of a postcard!
This beach is perfect for families and tourists who want a little bit of everything; you can take a dip in the lake or get active with windsurfing and hiking. The area also has a boardwalk, restaurants, picnic shelters, and even an outdoor amphitheater.
For those who love to explore, Grand Beach offers two fantastic self-guided walking trails: Spirit Rock Trail and Ancient Beach Trail. These take you through some beautiful natural scenery, making it easy to spend the whole day.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to stay overnight or make a weekend of it, there’s a campground with both basic and electrically serviced sites, as well as cottage rentals just outside the park. Book your camping spot early, especially during peak season. |
Falcon Beach
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/falcon_lake_beach_campgrd.pdf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falcon-beach/
Address: Falcon Lake
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (204) 349-8930
Located in Whiteshell Provincial Park, Falcon Beach is a well-known Manitoba campground. It offers a variety of sites, from basic to fully serviced, perfect for whatever kind of camping you’re into.
Here, you can go birdwatching or boating; nature lovers will also enjoy the surrounding hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. For some family fun, there’s lawn bowling, miniature golf, and plenty of picnic shelters for a relaxing meal outdoors.
Fishing, boating, and watercraft recreation are also big here. And if you need a break from all the outdoor activities, the town offers plenty of services like restaurants, a bakery, a grocery store, and even a doctor’s office.
| Pro Tip: If you love summer community activities, don’t miss the Family Fishing Weekend, held the second weekend in June when you can fish without a license. Another cool event is the annual flea market during the August long weekend—it’s a local favorite! |
Rainbow Beach
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Website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/western/rainbow.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbow-beach-provincial-park/
Address: Ochre River
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact Details: (204) 638-9493
Rainbow Beach, just outside of Dauphin, is a provincial park that offers spacious and private campsites—perfect for RVs, campers, or tents and complete with electricity and water hookups. We love that the beach itself is never too crowded.
The water is surprisingly warm (for Manitoba!), and the sandbars create a safe space for kids to splash around. There’s also a boat launch for water lovers and a seasonal canteen to grab some snacks.
There are a few rocky spots near the shore, but once you’re past those, the water is calm and shallow. You can also walk out as far as 250 meters, and the water still won’t go past your waist, which is great for non-swimmers.
| Pro Tip: Up for a little extra adventure? The Dauphin Lake Golf Club is just 3 kilometers away—a perfect spot to practice your swing. |