Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, also known as Winnipeg International Airport, is the primary airport in Winnipeg, and where you will land when flying into Winnipeg.

You can also rent a car at this airport if needed! Our go-to app for car rentals is Uber, where we've found great deals as low as CAD $19 per day!

Winnipeg, the capital and largest city of Manitoba, is a vibrant and diverse city located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It's known for its extreme seasonal weather, multicultural festivals, and sports teams like the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers.

Since we're based in Winnipeg, our road trip will start and end here. If you're not based in Winnipeg, don’t worry! Simply use Google Maps to adjust your itinerary, setting your location as both the starting and ending points. From there, you can create your own personalized route!

This Blue Lake in Manitoba is a cool spot where the water changes color like magic! When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, it turns a stunning turquoise thanks to some fancy science stuff with calcium carbonate. But when the weather cools down, the water goes crystal clear. It's like having your own little slice of the Caribbean right here in Canada. Plus, you can paddle around, and spot all sorts of wildlife. Just remember to leave only footprints behind and respect the land.

Getting There

From Winnipeg, take Highway 6 north and continue straight until you see the sign on the left that reads “Welcome to Little Limestone Mosakahiken Cree Nation 312 Treaty 5 Territory.” Turn left here to access the lake. While the lake is located within Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park, it is managed by the Mosakahiken Cree Nation, not Manitoba Parks. This means you won’t find it listed in the Manitoba Parks reservation system, and camping reservations must be made directly through the Mosakahiken Cree Nation (details below). Since it’s a non-operational provincial park, there are currently no day-use fees for now.

What Makes Little Limestone Lake Special?

Little Limestone Lake is the world’s largest marl lake. Marl lakes change color based on temperature due to their clay and calcium carbonate-rich sediments. When it’s hot, the lake transforms into a stunning opaque turquoise or milky blue, while colder temperatures turn it crystal clear.

For more details on how to prepare your visit, check out our Ultimate Guide to Little Limestone Lake available in our link in bio on Instagram.

Best Things to Do at Little Limestone Lake

1. Swimming

Unlike glacier-fed lakes like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, Little Limestone Lake isn’t freezing cold, making it a great spot for a refreshing swim. The pebble beach near the parking lot provides easy access, and the gentle depth makes it family-friendly.

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

1. Paddleboarding

Exploring the lake by paddleboard is a must! We love using our inflatable paddleboard from Canadian Board Co. because it’s lightweight and easy to pack for road trips. If you’re interested, use our code REAL_DIARI_ADVENTURES for 10% off your purchase (If you buy something with our discount code, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We haven’t been paid by any retailers; these are simply our genuine recommendations) . However, keep in mind that the lake is often windy, and conditions can change quickly, so don’t paddle too far from shore.

1. Canoeing

On our first visit, we went canoeing, but strong winds pushed us off course, forcing us to carry our canoe along the shore to return. If you choose to canoe, do so responsibly and be prepared for unpredictable weather. We rented our canoe from Winnipeg Canoe Rental before heading to the lake, as there are no rental shops nearby. You may be able to rent water equipment from cabins and campgrounds (Hobbs resort, Moak Lodge & Camping, Cook's Campground and Cabins) located in Grand Rapids, 40 mins from Little Limestone Lake.

1. Boating & Fishing

Some visitors bring their own boats for fishing. If you plan to fish, you’ll need a valid Manitoba fishing license and possibly, a special permit for Little Limestone Lake. Contact Manitoba Conservation for more information.

Where to Stay

1. Camping

Camping at Little Limestone Lake requires permission from the Mosakahiken Cree Nation at (204) 678-2113. Keep in mind that there are NO amenities like potable water, washrooms, or designated campsites, and mosquitoes are relentless in the summer. The available space in front of Little Limestone Lake is not that big, so to preserve this natural gem, we recommend non-invasive camping, like tent camping or camping in a little boler, or choosing a nearby campground instead.

1. Nearby Campgrounds

Here are 3 campgrounds in Grand Rapids, just a 40-minute drive from Little Limestone Lake:

• Hobbs Resort

• Moak Lodge & Camping

• Cook’s Campground & Cabins

Where to Eat

The nearest town, Grand Rapids (40 minutes away from Little Limestone Lake), has a few eateries, but options are limited, so plan accordingly.

You can also pack food from home and bring garbage bags to carry out your waste.

Important Reminder

To help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, always clean, drain, and dry watercraft and related equipment.

Herb Lake Landing is a small friendly community in Northern Manitoba, nestled on the south shores of Wekusko Lake. From fishing to hiking, Herb Lake Landing is a haven for those who love the great outdoors.

Best Things to Do at Herb Lake Landing

1. Ted Taylor & Snowball’s Trail

   A 15-minute hike with a 12-meter elevation gain leads to breathtaking views of Wekusko Lake. Near the trailhead, you’ll find a small shelter with a guest book and historical information.

2. Barry’s Beach

   A secluded beach near the road—keep an eye out for the sign.

The trailhead for the Ted Taylor & Snowball’s Trail and the sign for Barry’s Beach are both located along the gravel road, so be sure to watch for them in both directions. As you enter the Herb Lake Landing community, the Ted Taylor & Snowball’s Trailhead will be on your right (co-driver’s side), while Barry’s Beach will be on your left (driver’s side).

1. Other Activities

• Fishing, boating, and canoeing on Wekusko Lake.

Where to Stay at Herb Lake Landing

• Wekusko Falls Lodge or accommodations in Snow Lake (30 mins away).

• No official campgrounds—only backcountry camping is possible.

While in Herb Lake Landing, we came across a lodge, Tawow Lodge, that appeared to be permanently closed. May not be though, so that would be a lodging option in the Herb Lake Landing area. There’s also a possibility that new lodging options may become available in the future.

Where to Eat at Herb Lake Landing

Herb Lake Landing has no restaurants or grocery stores, so be sure to bring your own food and supplies. If you're staying at a cabin or campsite, plan to prepare your own meals. Alternatively, you can drive to Snow Lake, where you'll find a few dining options, including the Snow Lake Motor Inn Restaurant (pub-style food) and Good Times Coffeehouse.

Important Tips for Visiting Herb Lake Landing

1. Services are extremely limited—bring enough fuel, food, water, and supplies.

2. No Cell Service—download maps ahead of time and carry a GPS device.

The Ted Taylor & Snowball Trail is a lesser-known short, though somewhat hard-to-find, hiking trail located in the small Herb Lake Landing community near Snow Lake. This 0.3 km short trail offers a unique and scenic outdoor experience, with a 12 m elevation gain that will challenge the stereotype that Manitoba is flat. The hike takes you up steep inclines towards the top, with deep crevices along the way (be careful of your footing), and leads you to the top of the rocky limestone cliffs overlooking Wekusko lake. From here, you'll enjoy incredible views of Wekusko Lake. These cliffs were once at the bottom of Lake Agassiz, which covered much of Manitoba in prehistoric times. The orange color of the cliffs comes from a lichen that grows on the rocks.

Note that the trailhead is located off a gravel road and can be easily missed. Keep an eye out on the co-driver’s side of the gravel road for the sign to the trailhead as you enter the community. The trailhead will be on your right (co-driver’s side).

The interactive Google map should guide you straight to the trailhead.

The AllTrails hike is linked here

Please note that most residents of the Herb Lake Landing community are retirees, so we ask that you please be respectful during your visit. One thing we truly appreciate about this place is how clean and well-maintained it is. We encourage you to do your part and leave the area in even better conditions than you found it!

Please note there are NO public washrooms nearby, so plan accordingly. And as always, remember to pack out what you pack in to help preserve the natural beauty of this area of Manitoba.

Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is a stunning provincial park located in Snow Lake, offering scenic trails, including the popular 2 km Wekusko Falls Trail. This trail leads to 2 suspension bridges: the first offers breathtaking views of the rushing rapids, while the second provides an up-close view of the powerful Wekusko Falls. As always, be sure to carry bear spray while exploring.

This provincial park also offers campsites that serve as an ideal base for exploring Wekusko Falls Provincial Park and the Snow Lake area.

Wekusko Falls Lodge is a cozy retreat located in Snow Lake, offering comfortable accommodations ideal for exploring Wekusko Provincial Park and the surrounding Snow Lake area.