Paint Lake Provincial Park is one of Manitoba’s most stunning parks. If you’ve always wanted to witness the northern lights, you’re in luck—this provincial park is an ideal spot to watch the aurora dances across the sky from late August through March. The park is also dotted with islands, rugged Precambrian shield landscapes, and pristine waters.

Best Things to Do at Paint Lake

As an operational provincial park, Paint Lake offers a variety of activities:

• Swimming

• Hiking (Try Liz Lake Trail – 2-hour hike, or Coffee Cove Trail – 30-minute hike)

• Boating, paddleboarding, and fishing (valid fishing license required)

• Beach volleyball & basketball courts

• Stunning sunset views

• Exploring the marina, where you’ll find boats, many used for fishing

Where to Stay

1. Camping at Paint Lake Provincial Park

If you’re visiting between late May and early September, you can camp at the park, which offers both basic and electrically serviced sites. You can stay in a tent or reserve a yurt (Check out our Travel Tips to know how to reserve a campsite in Manitoba and What a yurt is).

1. Other Accommodation Options

If camping isn’t your style, stay at Paint Lake Lodge, located inside the provincial park. They also have a restaurant on-site.

Where to Eat

You can dine at Paint Lake Lodge or stock up on groceries in Thompson (30 min drive away). Be mindful—Thompson has a reputation for being rough in some areas, so stay aware, especially at night.