If winter has a true home, it’s the Interlake. Where big skies meet bigger fish, and where cold-weather adventure is just a short drive from Winnipeg.
Whether you’re dropping a line in Lake Winnipeg’s famous west shoreline or settling into a quiet corner of the Red River near Lockport, this region delivers the kind of hardwater fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
And the best part? You don’t have to pack up the truck for a full-blown expedition just to get a few hours on the ice.
We’ve made it easy to set up a weekend away in Gimli, Arnes, and Hecla, so you can maximize your ice time with cozy, close-to-the-action places to stay.
If you’re bringing the whole crew, there’s plenty for the non-anglers too: from skating and winter patios to pools, spas, snowy walks and a day out. Then when the fish start to snooze, gather back together each evening to warm up, wind down, and trade fish stories.
Where Big Catches Meet Big Weekends
The Interlake has trophy walleye and fat perch in spades, and it’s also where those big catches turn into family legends, cozy fireside nights, and stories your family will never forget.
This is your ice-fishing day turned into a winter getaway.
With cozy cabins, lakeside resorts, and warm fires waiting for you after the shack, you need to set aside some days this winter for the ultimate long-weekend destination for anglers, families, and winter lovers alike.
And attention all families: these are the winter memories your little ones will talk about for years. Sure, they might complain about the cold in the moment, but they’ll definitely remember the stories. Out here on the ice, you’re creating your own family mythos, one frosty breath and big fish tale at a time.
From the shack to the shoreline, from Gimli to Lockport, the Interlake is where those “remember when…” stories are born.
KALS Vacation Rentals
Your Private Four-Season Basecamp
Escape to paradise in the Gimli area year-round at KALS Vacation Rentals, your basecamp for big fish and cozy nights. Their lake access cottages are perfectly positioned for ice fishing on Lake Winnipeg, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or simply relaxing after a day on the ice, but the real magic is what you come “home” to.
At KALS, they offer two stylish tech and tackle-friendly options where comfort and charm aren’t an afterthought:
Their newly renovated Luxe Boho lakefront cottage offers plenty of room for your whole crew, and with an accessible garage, even your snowmobile and gear get space to spread out.
Designed with a perfect balance of bright lakefront style and cozy, home-away-from-home comfort, the cottage features vibrant white shiplap walls and ceilings throughout. After a full day of adventure, unwind in the sauna or settle in by the fireplace.
With three bedrooms, two washrooms, and generous lounging space overlooking the water, you’ll only be left wondering why you didn’t book sooner.
In their A-frame, think two private bedrooms plus a loft with queen memory foam mattresses, duvets, and hotel-quality pillows, plus two sectional sofa beds so there’s room for the whole crew.
The fully equipped kitchen (extra fridge, dishwasher, crockpot, rice cooker, griddle, wine cooler, and multiple ways to make coffee) means you can cook as you do at home, then sink into a warm seat, and there are three electric fireplaces.
Add in spa-lite touches (toiletries, hairdryer, flat iron), practical perks like washer/dryer and reverse osmosis water, and outdoor extras such as and fire table, comfy seating, and plenty of parking for trailers.
Both offerings are dog-friendly and include access to the main beaches at Spruce Sands, an outdoor fire pit, a BBQ and an immaculately maintained trail that leads to an ice-fishing village.
This is the kind of place where you fish all day, then only a few minutes from the ice you unwind in real beds with real coffee, a hot shower, and a crackling fire, dog at your feet, friends on the sofa, and the winter glow just beyond the windows.
Lakeview Resorts in Gimli & Hecla
Fireside Luxury After a Day on the Ice
Lakeview Resort Gimli is perfectly positioned for fishing crews who want to be in the heart of the action (with lots of nearby pubs and breweries).
With Gimli’s incredible Ice Village just steps away, it’s easy to set up your shack, drop a line, and spend the day pulling fish through the ice.
When you’re done, trade frozen fingers for cozy comforts: slip back to your room, burn off energy at the pool, and finish the night with a great meal without ever leaving the resort. It’s the ideal home base when you want big-lake fishing and a lively winter scene all in one spot.
And this winter, Lakeview Gimli’s Holiday Break Getaway makes it even easier to turn a quick trip into a real holiday: pay for two nights and get a third night FREE. That extra day means more time for snowy walks along Lake Winnipeg, hanging with the crew, or unwinding in the resort’s relaxing amenities.
It’s the perfect way to stretch your getaway, slow down, and make a few more memories together.
Lakeview Hecla Resortoffers a different kind of winter magic, quiet expanses of snow, big skies, and that deep calm you only get when you’re a little removed from everything.
Just a short trip north of Winnipeg, Hecla wraps your ice-fishing weekend in unmatched Manitoba scenery and views that might just steal the show from the fish.
One thing about ice fishing around Hecla: it pays to know the little quirks of the place. Sunrise isn’t always king here, locals will tell you the late-morning push can be the real show. If the early bite is slow, don’t get discouraged. Stick it out until 10 or 11 a.m., when the walleye often slide through Gull Harbour in steady waves.
And don’t think you need to run miles across the lake to find them. On Hecla, a 10–20 foot move can make all the difference. Shift over one contour, one edge, or even alongside a pressure ridge and you can go from dead quiet to non-stop action.
When the fish get fussy (and they will), a simple downsize works wonders. Swap the noisy rattle bait for a smaller spoon or just a minnow head on a plain hook, and suddenly those look-but-don’t-bite marks turn into real hits. In winter, the scent and oils from the head stay active longer, even in cold water, and the fish key in on that smell more than the full body.
This winter, you can stretch your stay with Lakeview Hecla’s Buy 2 Stay 3 Package. It’s exactly what it sounds like: pay for two nights and stay for a third on them. That extra night gives you more time to wander the trails, or simply sink into full-on relaxation.
On-site, you’ll find Seagulls Restaurant & Lounge, an indoor pool and waterslide, an adults-only pool area, Salka Spa, free high-speed Wi-Fi, DVD movies, and plenty of cozy corners to warm up and wind down.
Unbeatable Ice-Fishing Hotspots
Hardwater Fishing at its best: RM of Gimli
Gimli is one of the Interlake’s most iconic ice-fishing hubs. Each year, a full Ice Fishing Village pops up on the lake, a community of shacks connected by maintained roads so you can drive out by car, truck, or snowmobile and settle in for the day.
Getting onto the ice is straightforward: the main access is off Goldfield Drive, with a gradual slope onto the lake that’s often maintained by the RM of Gimli. Once you’re out there, you’ll find options for warm, permanent shelters you can rent, as well as guided trips if you want local expertise.
Anglers come for the famous greenback walleye and perch, with productive spots in the deeper water near the harbour breakwall. It’s the kind of place where you can set up the shack, get the rods down, and settle into a full day of “just one more fish” with the family.
When the fish have been biting, and the kids (or your toes) need a break, you barely need to move the vehicle; in fact, it’s better if you just walk. Brennivins Pizza Hus is a must-stop for post-ice pizza, with cozy vibes and the kind of slices that disappear fast after a cold day on the lake.
Interlake Brewing Co. is perfect if you’re craving something craft and cozy. Grab a beer and, if you time it right, check out their winter rooftop patio. Yes, a rooftop patio in winter. Yes, it’s awesome.
For that classic dark-wood, pub-style ambiance, Ship & Plough delivers: hearty comfort food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a great spot to swap fish stories and warm up before you head back out or turn in for the night.
A Hop, Skip & Jump to: Lockport Ice Village
If you want ice fishing made easy, Lockport Ice Village (LockportLIVE) on the Red River is your spot. This is a world-class hardwater experience built around accessibility, community, and fun.
Each winter, LockportLIVE hosts a full-on ice village geared toward families and anglers of all experience levels. Multiple ploughed roadways and approximately 27 bays give you plenty of room to spread out. Each bay can fit 3 to 4 ice shacks, so it’s easy to meet up with friends or bring a few families together for a day on the ice.
And here’s the best part: everything is free. This is a community- and sponsorship-funded effort, designed so anyone can join:
No shack? No problem. Bring your fishing gear, the kids, grandparents, and friends. Drive your vehicle right onto the ice using the maintained roads, drill a hole, and start fishing. No reservations, no fees, there’s always room.
Have a shack or tent? Bring it, set it up, and if you don’t feel like hauling it home that day, you can leave it for your next visit (just keep an eye on removal notices during the season and at the end).
Want to level up in full comfort? You can rent an Ice Fishing Trailer from Red River Cats and fish in warm style.
The entrance to LockportLIVE is easy to find; it’s right next to Red River Cats at 669 River Road.Got folks in the crew who’d rather do anything but fish? LockportLIVE still delivers: think smooth ice for skating, plus Crokicurl and Slingshot Alley for some off-the-wall winter fun.
Make It More Than a Day Trip
With KALS Vacation Rentals and Lakeview Resorts just minutes from the action, you don’t have to choose between rugged winter adventure and cozy winter comfort.
Fish all day. Warm up by the fire at night. Wake up and do it all again.
