"Did we just land in the Caribbean?"

That’s likely what you’ll say when you set eyes on Little Limestone Lake, a stunning hidden gem located in Manitoba, Canada. With its breathtaking turquoise waters, this lake could rival the famous blue lakes of the Canadian Rockies—yes, we’re talking about Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake!

How to Get to Little Limestone Lake

From Winnipeg, head north on Highway 6. Keep going until you spot the sign on the left of the highway that reads: "Welcome to Little Limestone Lake Mosakahiken Cree Nation 312 Treaty 5 territory.”

Turn left, and you’re just a short drive from your destination. The lake is part of Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park, but don’t expect the typical amenities of a Manitoba provincial park. This spot is managed by the Mosakahiken Cree Nation and is not included in the provincial parks reservation system.

To camp here, you’ll need special permission from the Mosakahiken Cree Nation (details below). The good news? No day-use fees (for now). Actually, not sure if this is a good or bad thing...

What Makes Little Limestone Lake So Special?

Little Limestone Lake isn’t just another pretty lake—it’s a marl lake. What does that mean? The lake’s bottom sediments are rich in marl, a mix of clay and calcium carbonate. When summer heats up, the lake’s waters transform from clear to mesmerizing shades of turquoise or milky blue.

It’s the same magic that makes lakes in the Rockies so famous. The color changes with the temperature:

• Cool Weather: The water is crystal clear.

• Warm Weather: A vibrant, opaque turquoise takes over.

On clear nights at sunset, you might even see a purplish glow—a breathtaking reminder of Mother Nature’s artistry. In fact, experts say Little Limestone Lake is the largest and most remarkable marl lake in the world!

Before You Go: What to Know

• The Gravel Road Challenge: After turning off Highway 6 after seeing the sign reading “Welcome to Little Limestone Lake”, you’ll face a 10-minute gravel road. It’s riddled with potholes, so a 4x4 vehicle is ideal. That said, we once made it in our trusty old Mazda Protégé—just drive slowly!

• Wildlife Awareness: The lake is in a remote area, so wildlife sightings are possible. A friend once had a bear visit their campsite! So be prepared.

• No Amenities: If you choose to camp at Little Limestone Lake, it will be a wild camping experience. There are NO bathrooms, running water, or designated campsites. Camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring everything you need to be self-sufficient (we’ve got a packing list for you below).

• Respect Nature: Bring a lot of trash bags to pack out all trash. This gem deserves to be kept pristine for future visitors. Make sure to keep used trash bags inside your car and lock the car to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.

• Open fires are not permitted at Little Limestone Lake

• Bring lots of mosquitos’ repellants and bear spray: if planning on visiting between June-August. The surge of horse flies and mosquitoes is horrendous during those months.

• Gas Up: The last gas station is in Grand Rapids, about 43 minutes from the lake. Don’t skip it! Bring additional jerry fuel cans if you can!

When to Visit

The lake’s vibrant turquoise is at its peak during the summer months (June to August), but mosquitoes and horseflies are relentless mid-season. For the best experience, aim for:

• Early June: Warm weather with fewer bugs.

• Early September: No bugs, fewer crowds, and still-warm waters.

The lake’s color shifts throughout the day, so don’t be surprised if it looks clear in the morning or when it's cloudy; and robin’s egg blue by afternoon when the sun is shining bright.

Can You Swim at Little Limestone Lake?

The answer is: Absolutely! Unlike glacial-fed lakes (like Lake Louise) that are freezing year-round, Little Limestone Lake warms up with the summer heat. It’s not bathwater warm, but it’s perfect for a refreshing swim.

The pebble beach near the parking lot offers easy access, and the gradual depth makes it family-friendly.

Pro tip : Wear water shoes—the lakebed is rocky.

The weather at Little Limestone Lake can change quickly, shifting from calm waters to strong waves in no time. Be sure to stay aware of conditions and take necessary precautions.

Little Limestone Lake is made up of several islands, including one that is said to be particularly large. It’s also believed to have a sandy beach that is only accessible by boat.

Important : Practice responsible behavior to minimize your impact on the lake ecosystem. Never use soap in the lake even if the soap is phosphate free and biodegradable, do not throw dirty water near the lake, be aware of local regulations, and swim with a buddy.

What to Pack

Manitoba summers are pretty dry and sunny, so here is a quick list of essentials to make your trip smooth:

Essentials

• Sun Protection:

  High SPF sunscreen and lip balm.

• Hydration:

Water bottle or hydration packs.

• Navigation:

Map and compass or GPS.

• Camera & Binoculars:

To capture the gorgeous views.

• First Aid Kit:

Including personal medications.

• Fully charged smartphone with offline maps

Pro Tip : Bring a solar power bank or portable charger to keep your phone charged.

If you are planning to camp at Little Limestone Lake, here’s what you need to pack:

Camping Gear

• Tent or small camper

The last time we camped at Little Limestone Lake, we rented a Boler trailer from My Little Boler (not an affiliate link). We hitched it to a 4x4 truck that we also rented, and made the journey there. The compact size of the Boler was perfect for the campsite, fitting snugly into the available space.

The trailer was thoughtfully equipped, featuring a cozy living space, a dining table, and a seating couch—both of which could be easily converted into beds within seconds. It also included an electric mini fridge, a countertop with a shelf, and electrical outlets, which required an external power supply to use. Since we didn’t have access to external power, we camped off-grid, relying on torches, headlamps, and flameless candles for lighting.

If you prefer tent camping, that’s an option too, especially if you’re comfortable with a more rugged experience. We strongly encourage non-invasive camping. If you’re considering bringing an RV, we’d recommend a small-size trailer due to the tight camping spots surrounded by trees and branches. Based on our experience, the park can comfortably accommodate around seven campers—anything beyond that would feel overcrowded for such an intimate natural setting.

A critical reminder : Pack IN what you Pack OUT to help preserve this precious gem. Sadly, we’ve noticed an increase in trash left behind, which is disheartening for a place as breathtaking as Little Limestone Lake. Please do your part to keep this spot clean and pristine, so it remains a source of inspiration and enjoyment for everyone. Let’s ensure it stays a place you’ll want to return to time and time again. We highly encourage bringing a few trash bags to clean up any litter left behind—it's a simple way to show love and respect for this beautiful spot.

• Sleeping bag, pad, and warm layers.

• Food & Cooking supplies (BBQ, utensils, portable stove, gallons of water, Non-perishable food and snacks, biodegradable dish soap)

Safety and Hygiene

• Bear spray and insect repellent (a must in summer).

• Biodegradable soap, trash bags, and a first-aid kit.

For Fun

• Paddleboard or canoe (but watch for windy weather).

• Fishing gear (with proper permits).

Things to Do

1. Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding at Little Limestone Lake is an incredible experience! We had a lot of fun, but be cautious not to venture too far. The lake is quite large, 15 km long and 4 km wide, and getting lost while exploring can quickly turn the fun into a challenge.

We love taking our inflatable paddleboard out on the water whenever we visit Little Limestone Lake. It allows us to explore the lake’s stunning waters far beyond the shore, making each visit even more memorable. If you’re in the market for a great inflatable paddleboard, we highly recommend the one from Canadian Board Co. It’s perfect for road trips—lightweight, compact, and easy to pack. Plus, it inflates quickly and stores neatly in a small corner of your vehicle when deflated, making it an ideal choice for lake adventures. You can use code REAL_DIARI_ADVENTURES for 10% OFF.

1. Canoeing

On our first visit, we went canoeing. While it started as an exciting adventure, the strong winds and waves made it quite challenging as we kept drifting in the direction of the wind. It was a valuable learning experience, and we were thankful to make it back safely to shore. We rented our canoe from Winnipeg Canoe Rental before heading to Little Limestone Lake, as there are no nearby shops offering water equipment rentals. You can however rent some from cabins and campgrounds located in Grand Rapids, 50 mins from Little Limestone Lake.

1. Boating

During our camping trip, we noticed some campers had boats parked along the shore. They used them to explore further into the lake and for fishing—a great option for those looking to enjoy the water from a different perspective.

1. Fishing

Little Limestone Lake is a great spot for fishing, and Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, have traditional fishing rights here. If you’re not part of these groups, you’ll need a valid fishing license and special permits. Be sure to check regulations and requirements beforehand. Please note that fishing in general requires a fishing license at and doing so at Little Limestone Lake requires an additional special permit. For more information and guidance, you can contact Manitoba Conservation.

1. Camping

We once camped at Little Limestone Lake, and it was a memorable experience. To camp here, you’ll need to obtain a special permit from the Mosakahiken Cree Nation by contacting their office (204-678-2113). Note that open fires are prohibited, so bring a portable BBQ and all your camping essentials.

Where to Stay

1. Camping at the Lake

Call the Mosakahiken Cree Nation at 204-678-2113 to get permission. Remember, this is wild camping—no hookups or services—so pack wisely.

1. Nearby Accommodations

If camping isn’t your thing, here are some great accommodation options near Little Limestone Lake :

• Hobbs Resort

Located in Grand Rapids, about 40 minutes from Little Limestone Lake, Hobbs Resort offers cabins, RVs, RV sites, seasonal powered campsites. It’s a small, cozy resort that fills up quickly, so be sure to reserve in advance to secure your spot.

• Moak Lodge & Camping

Situated approximately 41 minutes from the lake, Moak Lodge provides Cabin rentals, Campsites for tents and RVs, Rental boats and additional amenities.

• Cook’s Campground and Cabins

Located around 41 minutes away from Little Limestone Lake, Cook’s offers fully equipped cabins with modern amenities

campground sites.

These accommodations not only provide comfort but also save you the hassle of obtaining a permit to camp overnight at Little Limestone Lake. The permit process can be quite tedious—expect long waits and multiple calls to finally reach someone who can help. We’ve experienced this firsthand, with endless back-and-forth calls to different representatives.

By staying at one of these nearby options, you can skip the logistical headaches and focus on enjoying the beauty of Little Limestone Lake!

Where to Eat

We recommend packing food from home for your trip to Little Limestone Lake. Don’t forget to bring trash bags so you can pack out everything you pack in—help keep this beautiful spot clean for everyone to enjoy.

There are very few dining options in the area. The closest eateries are located in Grand Rapids, about 40 minutes from Little Limestone Lake, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and prepare your meals to avoid overspending at convenience stores along the way.

Final Thoughts

We acknowledge that Little Limestone Lake is situated within the traditional territory of the Mosakahiken Cree Nation, in Treaty Territory 5.

Little Limestone Lake is currently a non-operational Provincial Park, meaning there are no fees for parking or camping. However, we believe that turning it into an operational Provincial Park with an entrance fee would be the best way to preserve this natural gem. Not only would this help regulate visitor numbers throughout the year, but it would also support regular maintenance of the campsite and gravel road leading to the lake. More importantly, it would help protect the lake’s delicate ecosystem and surrounding environment, ensuring a better experience for all.

Thank you for choosing to explore Little Limestone Lake with this guide!

Little Limestone Lake is a gem that feels like a slice of the Caribbean in Manitoba. Whether you’re swimming in its turquoise waters, paddling under a sunny sky, or simply soaking in the tranquility, it’s an adventure you won’t forget.

So, pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to discover one of the bluest lakes in Canada! Just remember to leave no trace, respect the land, to preserve this breathtaking destination for future generations, and savor every moment of this incredible experience.

If you’re looking for other incredible places to check out in Manitoba, stay tuned for our upcoming Epic 12-day itinerary to Northern Manitoba.