The Interlake is where Manitoba’s best summer days happen.
There is no more perfect day than one that blends beaches and boating with good food and big lake skies. From lively marinas to quiet sandy shallows, each shoreline offers a different kind of escape.
Here are three “perfect days” to help you choose the one that fits your mood (click on the links below to start your journey):
1. Gimli: No Hassle Family Fun
Theme: Casual Play, Family Fun, and Lakeside Amenities
Gimli is the ultimate destination for those who love a lively, casual beach experience paired with all the amenities of a bustling town. It’s a casual, family-friendly beach, great for meeting people and immersing yourself in history.
Morning: Gimli Beach, Coffee & Playground
(9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Before the beach toys come out and the sunscreen is fully rubbed in, take a gentle morning walk through town. Stop for a light breakfast treat, sip something warm, and enjoy the quiet energy of a beach town waking up.
Then, if you’re with children, continue toward Gimli Beach & Playground, just a few minutes away. The sand is well-groomed, and the playground sits close enough that kids can run between swings and shoreline.
Morning Treat & Coffee Options (recommended stops on your walk to the beach):
Sugar Me Cookie Boutique & Bakery – A cozy, family-run bakery known for its decadent butter tarts, iced cookies, Icelandic vinarterta, and seasonal pastries.
The smell alone feels like a warm welcome, and grabbing a tart or treat to-go makes the walk toward the beach feel even more indulgent.
Flatland Coffee Roasters – A beloved local shop where the morning hum blends barista chatter with soft acoustic music. Pick up a latte, brewed coffee, or iced drink to enjoy on the way to the shoreline.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with the sense that everyone’s heading somewhere sunny.
Lunch: Local Fish & Chips Shop
(12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
For lunch, wander up from the sand and follow the smell of food wafting on the breeze. This town is famous for its fresh lake fish, especially pickerel, and lunchtime is the perfect moment to taste it for yourself.
Lunch Options (all an easy walk from the beach):
Beach Boy Restaurant – A highly rated Gimli classic known for its iconic pickerel fish & chips, served hot and crisp just steps from the water.
Grab your order to-go, or grab a spot with a view. It’s casual, fast-moving, and deeply tied to Gimli’s beach culture. Has all the other suer classics for those looking for something other than fish, such as burgers, wraps, hot dogs and more.
Brennivins Pizza Hus – Cozy, rustic with a high-quality European feel, Brennivins serves up some of the best pizza in the Interlake at a down-to-earth, family-friendly price. Expect flavourful crusts, thoughtful toppings, and vegetarian options so good even meat-eaters won’t feel like they’re missing out.
Early Afternoon: Culture, Stories & Waterfront Wandering
(1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
By early afternoon, the sun is high, and the beach starts to feel a little crowded. It’s the perfect moment to slip into town for some shade, stories, and slow exploring. Gimli’s Icelandic roots are woven right into its streets and shoreline, and this is your chance to trade beach towels for history, art, and a bit of browsing.
Afternoon Options (all close to the harbour):
Harbourfront & Main Street Shops – Wander out toward the harbour and along the main street, where small galleries and shops spill over with local art, handmade jewelry, cozy knits, and lake-themed souvenirs.
Local Art, Galleries & Sea Wall Murals – Keep an eye out for small studios, galleries, and open-air art all within a few blocks of the lakeshore.
One standout is the Gimli Art Club Gallery, a community-run space where bold lake landscapes and delicate pieces share the walls.
Then follow the curve of the seawall, where colourful murals painted by local artists tell Gimli’s story, from its Icelandic heritage and fishing traditions.
Late Afternoon: Sailing, Paddling & Life on the Lake
(3:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
By late afternoon, the harbour is alive in that quietly exciting way only a marina can be. Kids lean over the railings with fishing rods, families stop for photos, couples wander the pier with ice cream in hand, and every few minutes someone heads out onto the lake, motors rumbling softly, sails catching the wind. Now it’s your turn to trade the boardwalk for the water.
Boating Options (all near the marina):
Sailing with the Gimli Yacht Club (book ahead!) – If you’ve arranged lessons in advance, the Gimli Yacht Club offers an unforgettable way to experience the lake from a sailor’s perspective. With guidance from experienced instructors, you’ll catch the wind, learn the basics of handling a keelboat, and glide smoothly past the harbour.
Kayaks, Canoes & Paddleboards – Seasonal rental options near the harbour let you slip into the water at your own pace. Paddle along the pier, drift quietly past the seawall murals, or explore where the lake widens, and the shoreline becomes a soft silhouette.
Want a guided experience? Prairie Sea Kayak Adventures offers tours of Willow Creek (just south of town).
Dinner: Easygoing Patio Vibes & Lakeside Comfort
(5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
By early evening, beach towels get folded into bags, and the town shifts from sunscreen and sandcastles to patios and plates of comfort food. This is the moment to sit down, sip something cold, and let the day slow right down.
It’s now time to enjoy the local flavours that make Gimli feel so welcoming.
Dinner Options (all casual, family-friendly, and close to the water):
Seagulls Restaurant & Lounge – A bright, relaxed dining room with big windows that keep you close to the lake, even when you’re inside. Seagulls leans into familiar, crowd-pleasing favourites. The lounge side offers a laid-back spot for a drink, while the restaurant keeps things easygoing.
Interlake Brewing Co. – A lively community hub where picnic tables, string lights, and locally brewed craft beer create the perfect early-evening atmosphere.
Alongside their rotating taps, you’ll find approachable comfort food: burgers, salads, and a satisfying grilled cheese. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels like a regular by the time they leave.
Evening: Wrap-up: Ice Cream & Boardwalk Stroll
(7:00 PM onwards)
By evening, everyone’s enjoying what feels like a home away from home. It’s not about packing more into the day now but savouring what’s left of it: a sweet treat, an easy walk, and a quiet moment with the water.
Evening Options (sweet, simple, and lakeside):
Ice Cream Parlour Stop – Make your way to one of Gimli’s favourite ice cream spots, like Icecan or Buskers by the Beach. Each has its own vibe: Buskers with its fun, beachy feel; Icecan with its piled-high frozen treats.
Boardwalk Stroll – Take your cone or cup and wander along the lakeside boardwalk. The sounds are softer now as streetlights flicker on, kids practice cartwheels on the beach, and couples lean on the railing watching the lake shift into deeper blues.
2. The Perfect Romantic & Adventure Day: Steep Rock
Theme: Shutterbugs, Kayak Adventures, and Natural Beauty
Steep Rock is where the Interlake feels otherworldly, with towering limestone cliffs, turquoise water, quiet coves, and lookout points made for photographers and daydreamers. It’s a place for couples, explorers, and anyone who wants a day built around natural beauty, fresh air, and a little thrill.
Morning: Limestone Cliffs & Caves Photo Expedition
(8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Arrive early, when the light is soft, and the cliffs glow with that pale morning gold.
At this time, trails are wonderfully still, perfect for shutterbugs and slow wanderers. Follow the cliffside paths toward the famous formations: the “keyholes,” the sculpted overhangs, and the narrow caves carved out by centuries of water and wind.
Every turn offers a new angle that feels made for a postcard.
Perfect for: photographers, couples soaking in quiet moments, and anyone who wants scenery that feels both wild and gentle.
Lunch: Roadside Picnic or Seasonal Snack Shack (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
By midday, you’ll have earned a good lunch.
Steep Rock is rural and a bit remote, which is part of its charm, but it also means planning your meal is key. You can keep it simple with a packed picnic or lean into local, seasonal spots right at the beach.
Local Options:
The Shoreline (Steep Rock Beach Cafe) – In season (starting in May), the on-site café serves classic beach-day food: burgers, fries, onion rings, and ice cream. It’s footsteps from the water, so you don’t lose any time shifting from adventure to appetite.
Seasonal Snack Shack or Food Truck (e.g., Gringo Loco’s, when operating) – On some weekends and peak summer days, you may find a seasonal snack shack or food truck set up near the main parking or campground area, offering casual favourites with a fun, beachy vibe.
Early Afternoon: Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard Adventure
(1:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
Once you’ve refuelled, it’s time to see the cliffs from their best angle: the water.
Head down to the lake and look for local rental options at or near Steep Rock Beach Park. Once on the water, you’ll get close to the limestone walls, slip in and out of tucked-away coves, and drift beneath overhangs that look so different from the trail above.
Recommended rental providers:
Steep Rock Kayak & Canoe Rentals – Located right at Steep Rock Beach Park, this friendly lakeside outfitter makes it easy to get on the water without bringing your own gear. They rent single and double kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and stand-up paddleboards, and provide life jackets so you’re ready to launch within minutes.
Late Afternoon: Beach Relaxation & Water Access
(4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
After a few hours on the water, your shoulders will be pleasantly tired, and a soft landing will sound pretty appealing. Steep Rock has small, quieter beach areas and access points that feel tucked away and peaceful. Spread out a towel or blanket, dip your toes in, or wade right in for a cooling swim.
Dinner: Café or Picnic by the Cliffs
(6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
When evening approaches, and appetites return, you’ve got an easy-going option nearby if the season is right. For couples, there’s always the most romantic choice of all: a sunset picnic brought back to the cliffs or beach.
Dinner Options:
When evening approaches and appetites return, you’ve got a couple of easy-going options. And for couples, there’s always the most romantic choice of all: a sunset picnic brought back to the cliffs or beach.
The Shoreline (Steep Rock Beach Cafe) (seasonal) – Just steps from the lake, this casual grill serves cottage-country favourites like burgers, fries, and ice cream. It’s relaxed, affordable, and keeps you close to the shoreline.
DIY Sunset Picnic at the Cliffs – For couples looking for something truly romantic, skip the restaurants and bring a picnic. Spread a blanket on the cliffs or a quiet beach cove, and watch the limestone glow as the sun drops over Lake Manitoba.
If you forgot any supplies, Ashern is just a 30 minute drive away to pick up any fried chicken, Chinese food or sandwiches.
Perfect for: couples wanting a memorable evening and a more romantic experience.
Sunset Wrap-up: Golden Hour on the Cliffs
(7:30 PM onward)
If East Interlake is for sunrises – West Interlake is for sunsets!
As the evening stretches into golden hour, Steep Rock saves its most unforgettable moment for last.
Head back to your favourite vantage point and watch Lake Manitoba shift through gold, pink, and deep blue. It’s an incredible time for photos: families framed against the sky, couples tucked in on a blanket, paddlers gliding past as dark shapes on shimmering water.
3. The Perfect Quiet & Hidden Gems Day: St. Laurent Beaches
Theme: Quiet Beaches, Easy Boating and a dash of Métis History
The St. Laurent shoreline offers some of the most peaceful, crowd-free beach experiences in the Interlake. With warm, shallow waters, deep Métis roots, and long stretches of sand, this is where you come to unwind, wander, and savour a day that feels unhurried.
Morning: Big Tree Park at Sandpiper Beach
(9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Begin your day at Big Tree Park on Sandpiper Beach, a quiet haven anchored by a cottonwood tree more than 325 years old!
This peaceful shoreline sets the tone for the day: gentle waves, shaded picnic areas, and a sense of history woven through the region’s Métis community.
Don’t forget to take a family photo with the old cottonwood; it’s a local tradition.
Lunch: Breezy Options for Every Appetite
(12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
By midday, it’s time for something easy, precisely the kind of lunch that fits a relaxed beach day. Whether you’re craving something hot, something sweet, or a simple picnic by the water, you’ve got a couple of low-key options that keep the day flowing.
Comfy food fun:
Lakeview Garden Restaurant – A friendly, community-rooted spot offering take-out Chinese food alongside ice cream treats, milkshakes, and banana splits. Portions are generous, service is welcoming, and it’s close to the lake.
Faamii Café – A seasonal food truck at the corner of Highway 6 and Laurentia Beach Road N, serving up fresh Manitoba pickerel alongside classic beach-day favourites like burgers, poutines, and hot dogs. It’s beach food at its finest: simple, satisfying, and made to enjoy at their picnic tables or carried back to the sand.
Grab-and-Go Picnic – Make a quick stop at the MTT Food and Gas and pick up buns, sandwich fixings, chips, fruit, and cold drinks. Then head back to the beach, spread out a blanket or claim a picnic table, and enjoy lunch with the lake.
Early Afternoon: Exploring Local Roots
(1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
Start your early afternoon with a bit of exploring that connects you to St. Laurent’s deep Métis roots.
Heritage Tour:
Community Sites to Visit – From the historic Roman Catholic Church and Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine to the developing Métis Heritage Centre and Métis Days celebrations on the August long weekend, St. Laurent offers meaningful ways to connect with the community’s deep Métis roots, living culture, and mission-era history.
Ideal for visitors seeking cultural context alongside their beach time.
Late Afternoon: Hidden Sandy Paradise
(3:30 PM – 5:30 PM)
Spend the rest of the afternoon Meindl Parc (Parc Meindl), this beloved hidden gem, where the water stays shallow and warm far from shore, ideal for long wades, floating, and kid-friendly swimming.
The park itself traces back to a gift from Dr. Alex Meindl, who donated this beachfront land in 1970 so people could enjoy the lake. If you did the grab-and-go picnic stop at lunch, this is the perfect pairing.
Perfect for: young families, cautious swimmers, and anyone who loves calm, shallow waters.
Dinner: Resort Dining or a Local Cookout
(5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
As evening settles in, dinner in St. Laurent is all about ease, simple choices that let you stay close to the shoreline and keep the relaxed pace of the day. You can pop into the local resort or create your own cookout on the beach, or from the comfort of a cottage or campsite.
Dinner Options (near St. Laurent):
Lake Manitoba Resort Restaurant – This resort restaurant offers one of the area’s few true dine-in options.
Expect hearty, familiar favourites served in a relaxed setting that feels like a comfortable step up after a full day at the beach.
Feel like golfing? Lake Manitoba Resort has a 9-hole course, driving range and fully stocked pro shop.
Their quickly growing amenities (RV Park, Massage Therapy, Hole in One Challenge and growing events) shows that this article will soon become out of date with everything they’re planning to offer.
Evening Wrap-up: Beach Bonfire & Cottage Relaxation
(7:00 PM onward)
As the sun dips low, St. Laurent becomes one of the most peaceful places on Lake Manitoba. Where permitted, build a small beach bonfire, pull your chairs or blankets close, and watch the sky fade from coral to purple before stars take over.
On clear nights, the stars really pop here thanks to the wide-open lake and low light pollution. Bring a pair of 10×50 binoculars, and you can gaze deeper into the cosmos without needing much equipment.
Bringing it all together
Whether you choose Gimli’s energy, Steep Rock’s drama, or St. Laurent’s calm, each shoreline offers its own rhythm.
Three beaches scenes.
Three very different days.
One amazing region shaped by water, history, and room to slow down.
