Hit Manitoba ’ s beach-town resort highlights or splash into some more secluded — but still spectacular — sandy spots .
GRAND BEACH Ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the world , Grand Beach ( called grand for a reason !) offers an idyllic vacation getaway — and it ’ s only an hour from Winnipeg . A shoreline of dunes , some as tall as 12 metres , stretches into three kilometres of powder-soft sand . Buy ice cream and beach gear from the shops along the bustling boardwalk , wade into the gentle waves of Lake Winnipeg ’ s eastern shore or spread a towel out on the prehistoric sand , left behind by Glacial Lake Agassiz .
PATRICIA BEACH Patricia Beach boasts the same velvety shoreline , but the water is shallower here , allowing sandbars , used as mini-island playgrounds , to breach the lake ’ s surface . Serene and private , Patricia Beach even has a designated “ clothing-optional ” area for devoted sunworshippers . ciao ! travels
Matlock Beach
HILLSIDE BEACH Hillside Beach , located directly south of Victoria Beach , is another hidden gem . A path of fine sand leads from the parking area through a beautiful lagoon perfect for birdwatching and boating to two kilometres of beach tucked into a quiet bay .
SANDY BAY BEACH AND ELK ISLAND PROVINCIAL PARK For those willing to put a bit of sweat into reaching beachy bliss , plan a trip to Sandy Bay Beach .
Sandy Bay Beach
Winnipeg Beach
Park on Highway 504 , carry a day pack down Olafsson Boulevard and climb the stairs that lead up and over the dunes , revealing a long stretch of beach . Walk across exposed sand bars ( swim or boat if the water level is high ) to reach beautiful and remote Elk Island Provincial Park . Visitors can hike the 16-kilometre Elk Island Loop Trail then take a dip to cool off , remembering to keep the island ’ s wilderness pristine by carrying out whatever they carry in .
18 ciao ! / summer / two thousand twenty-one