Where to be on the Canada Day Long Weekend in Manitoba

 They say Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes and for every lake there are multiple beaches. When’s the last time you unwound and took in a relaxing beachside long weekend? Manitoba is an ideal place to make this a possibility because of its abundance of clean fresh water lakes. For many of us, summer happens by the water and what better way to celebrate Canada Day than going to the beach!  Grand Beach Provincial Park On the east shore of Lake Winnipeg about 100km north of Winnipeg you’ll find Grand Beach. There’s no question where Grand Beach got its name from as this beach is very large. Known as Lake Winnipeg's most popular beach you can be sure that on a hot day you're going to be where the action is.Sand Dunes line the 3km long beach with an adjacent lagoon situated behind it. The lagoon is home to many species of birds and other wildlife. The beach is divided east and west by a channel leading into the lagoon. A footbridge connects the two for easy accessibility. The channel creates strong currents so if swimming, be aware and maybe pick another spot to jump in.This summer hotspot offers many amenities and endless activities including boating, windsurfing, hiking trails and much more. Water quality tests are performed weekly so be sure to check Swim Guide for details on current conditions.If you’re looking for fireworks this Canada Day and headed out that way, you’re in luck. Grand Beach is hosting a fireworks show right on the beach near the channel so be sure to check it out if you’re in that area this weekend. Falcon Lake (Main Beach) This lake is named after Metis poet/songwriter Pierre Falcon. It is located about an Hour and a half east of Winnipeg down Highway 1. It is known for its clear, clean and deep waters popular for canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Falcon Lake is sampled biweekly during the summer months and consistently passes the water quality tests for recreational use.If you’re not into water activities there are many other things to do in the area including  hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. There are campgrounds in the area as well as hotels so if staying overnight you have a few different options.The abundance of activities makes this place wonderful for families and people of all ages. This is a great place to unwind, relax, and enjoy the long weekend. Gimli Beach Gimli is a popular beach town located on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg, an hour north of Winnipeg down Highway 8. The main beach is located on the waterfront at the end of Centre Street, but there are many other beaches in the area as well.The beach in Gimli has soft white sand and is popular for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and a great place for a picnic. Water quality tests are done weekly so don’t forget to check conditions before enjoying the water. The town of Gimli is touristy and amenities such as shops, restaurants, and hotels are all close by. This is a popular summer vacation spot and with the Canada Day long weekend right around the corner, consider making the trip out to Gimli for a change of scenery and some beach town fun. Lac Du Bonnet Beach Located about an hour west of Winnipeg is the town of Lac Du Bonnet. A beach and pier are right in town making this a popular spot for summer enthusiasts.Lac du Bonnet is popular for fishing, boating, and many more recreational water activities. The beach area features a grassy hillside with a playground, a great place for fun and games with family and friends.This beach is sampled and tested monthly during the summer months so be sure to check swim guide for water quality conditions.  Also, Lac Du Bonnet claim they’re home to the best Canada Day firework display Manitoba has to offer. So if you’re wanting to take in some pyrotechnics this weekend with some lake activity too, this is definitely a place you should check out on Canada Day. (http://rmoflacdubonnet.com/p/swimming-water-skiing) We encourage you to take advantage of the endless beachside opportunity that Manitoba has to offer. Make the most of your long weekend and summer by visiting the Swim Guide website or downloading the app. We want to share your experience along the water. This weekend, post a photo along the water or share your location via Swim Guide and use #swimdrinkfish.Remember to bring reusable drink and food containers with you to the beach, fireworks show, or wherever your long weekend takes you. Litter and plastic pollution is a huge problem and we need to keep our parks and beaches clean for future sustainability and enjoyment. Above Photo: Attribution 2.0 Generic