As winter’s chill fades away, Interlake comes to life with the vibrant sights and sounds of spring. One of the most enchanting experiences this season offers is the opportunity to witness the region’s diverse wildlife awakening from their winter slumber. From majestic birds to elusive mammals, Interlake’s natural landscapes provide an ideal habitat for an array of fascinating creatures. Join us as we explore some of the top wildlife-watching hotspots in the Interlake region, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of spring and observe nature’s wonders up close.
Photo credit ^Oak Hammock Marsh
Oak Hammock Marsh
Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area Nestled in the heart of Interlake, Oak Hammock Marsh is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Spring brings an influx of migratory birds, including Canada geese, ducks, and shorebirds, making it an ideal time for birdwatching. Take a leisurely stroll along the network of trails or embark on a guided birding tour to spot some of the area’s most sought-after avian species. Did you know that Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area covers 36 square kilometers? Explore their tail maps to discover more.
After 30 years in operation, the Wetland Discovery Centre has been temporarily closed, since November 2023, for much-needed renovations. The trails remain open year-round as they are part of the Wildlife Management Area. Programming continues to be offered onsite and in our new building, the Willow Retreat, located at the south end of the parking lot as well as virtually. Snowshoes, bicycle, and canoe rentals will also be available on certain days. Any programming and events will be advertised on our website. If you have any more questions check out their FAQ page on their website!
Photo credit ^ Netley-Libau Marsh Website
Netley-Libau Marsh
Home to one of the largest marshes in southern Manitoba covering an area of approximately 22,000 hectares, Netley-Libau Marsh is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Springtime heralds the return of waterfowl and shorebirds, including elegant herons and graceful egrets. Explore the marsh’s winding waterways by kayak or canoe for a chance to glimpse beavers, muskrats, and other aquatic mammals in their natural habitat.
The marsh is in danger of disappearing and needs our help. A group of organizations are working together on a pilot project to restore the vegetation of the marsh and bring the fish, birds, and wildlife back to the marsh. Learn more about how you can help save Netly-Libau Marsh. You can also watch a video and explore the marshlands.
Photo credit ^ John Dalebozik | Location: Patricia Beach
Patricia Beach Provincial Park
For those seeking solitude amidst nature’s splendor, Patricia Beach Provincial Park is a hidden gem worth exploring. Wander along the sandy shoreline and scan the skies for ospreys hunting for fish in the crystal-clear waters below. Spring is also prime time for spotting nesting shorebirds, including piping plovers, whose delicate presence adds to the park’s serene ambiance. Patricia Beach is one of the many Interlake parks, and we have many more that have a lot to offer.
Manitoba’s provincial parks provide dramatic settings to learn and discover the natural wonders, heritage, and cultural stories of Manitoba. Make memories to last a lifetime as you explore unique landscapes, paddle around a wetland, walk through the past on a historic site tour, enjoy the ambiance of a campfire, learn new skills at an outdoor workshop, and more.
Their Park Interpreters connect you with their sites, stories, and landscapes in parks. Interpreters are trained to engage you in dialogue and spark inspiration to care for the special places in our parks. They believe that through learning and discovering comes understanding, appreciation, and protection of our parks, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come. Learn more about Manitoba Parks below!
Public Programs, Workshops & Events
School Programs
Group Tours
Activity Booklets
Passport to Adventure Program
Visitor Centres, Museums & Interpretive Exhibits
Be sure to follow Manitoba Parks to learn and discover other hot Interlake hotspots that will connect you with nature & wildlife.
Narcisse Snake Dens
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the Narcisse Snake Dens is a unique wildlife spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide. Each spring, tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes emerge from their hibernation dens, creating a mesmerizing sea of slithering reptiles. Witnessing this annual migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Check out this cool video on the snacks slithering around their dens.
From vast marshlands teeming with birdlife to tranquil beaches frequented by ospreys and shorebirds, Interlake offers an abundance of wildlife-watching opportunities in the springtime. Whether you’re an avid birder, a nature photographer, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, these hotspots are sure to captivate your senses and ignite your passion for the natural world. So grab your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on a springtime adventure in Interlake, where every turn of the trail promises a new and exciting wildlife encounter.
There are restaurants in Teulon and Inwood, and general stores and gas stations in Teulon, Inwood, Narcisse, and Poplarfield so be sure to stop in and support local. If you have any more questions about this fantastic day adventure be sure to click here and read up on their FAQ page.
Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park
Located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park offers a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife watching. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer grazing in the forested areas, while bald eagles soar overhead in search of prey. Hiking trails meander through diverse ecosystems, providing ample opportunities to encounter a variety of bird species, from warblers to woodpeckers. Take a peek at their park map, this will help you prepare for your next outdoor adventure. Have you been to the wildlife viewing tower? The trail begins in an area of mixed forest and in a short time one reaches the tower on the fringe of Grassy Narrows Marsh. Return distance 1 km. Allow 30 min. Make sure to take plenty of photos and tag us @interlaketourism
While you are there be sure to stop in at Gull Harbour they have a fantastic menu and word on the street it’s the place to be for all your culinary cravings. If you are tired from all of your exploring you should check out the Salka Spa and experience peace. As in Nordic tradition, Salka Spa embraces the elements of Fire, Ice, and Water. Heat to relax and soothe. Cold to repair and rejuvenate.
From vast marshlands teeming with birdlife to tranquil beaches frequented by ospreys and shorebirds, Interlake offers an abundance of wildlife watching opportunities in the springtime. Whether you’re an avid birder, a nature photographer, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, these hotspots are sure to captivate your senses and ignite your passion for the natural world. So grab your binoculars, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on a springtime adventure in Interlake, where every turn of the trail promises a new and exciting wildlife encounter.
