Summer weekend in Gimli
How locals do summer in Gimli — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Gimli
Gimli Harbour & Beach
FamilyLakeshore
Long sandy beach with the famous Viking statue.
Winnipeg Beach
Family20 min south
Boardwalk beach town with shallow warm-water swims.
Hecla Island Beaches
OutdoorsHecla / Grindstone PP — 1h north
Wild Lake Winnipeg shoreline inside a provincial park.
Ice Fishing on Lake Winnipeg
OutdoorsOffshore
Guided huts for trophy walleye and pickerel.
Lake Winnipeg Sailing
OutdoorsHarbour
Rentals and lessons all summer long.
Sandy Hook Beach
Outdoors10 min north
Quiet wide-open sand stretch loved by cottagers.
Where to eat
Beach Boy Restaurant
$Casual / Burgers · Centre St
Summer staple — fries, shakes, soft serve.
Brennivín Pizza Compania
$$Wood-fired pizza · Centre St
Icelandic-named pies and craft beer.
Lake House Restaurant
$$$Modern Canadian · Lakeview Resort
Sunset dining over Lake Winnipeg.
Seagull's Restaurant
$$Diner / Seafood · Lakeshore
Pickerel fillets with a lake view since 1972.
Live & on stage
Gimli Film Festival
Beach + Aspire Theatre · Jul 23–27 · Film
Gimli Ice Festival
Harbour · Mar 7–8 · Winter Festival
Íslendingadagurinn (Icelandic Festival)
Gimli Park · Aug 1–4 · Heritage Festival
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Gimli Harbour & Beach, Sandy Hook Beach, Hecla Island Beaches. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Gimli and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.