Your Guide to a Perfect Family Retreat at Winnipeg Beach Campground
My first visit to the sandy shores of Winnipeg Beach Campground was years ago during a week-long spring camping tour with friends. We made it our last stop after hearing many good things about the site.
Spring has long been my favorite season, so I was reasonably excited! But the long and short of it is that the campsite exceeded my expectations.
There’s something for everyone here: beautiful scenery, long walks, restaurants, live bands, and boutiques. Even the dogs are not left out and are allowed to swim.
Plus, it’s barely an hour’s drive north of the city, which makes it just as perfect for day trips.
My family has even made Lake Winnipeg an annual tradition after I brought them for an all-nighter the following summer. The best part? The camp has only gotten better each year.
So, if you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly destination with lots of activities to keep you occupied and excited, let me introduce you to one of the most celebrated camping destinations in Manitoba!
About Winnipeg Beach Campground
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Website: https://www.manitoba.ca
Address: DNR Rd, Winnipeg Beach, MB R0C 3G0
Contact details: +1 888 482 2267 or 948 333 (Winnipeg)
Price: $$
When locals say they’re heading to the beach, they mean the great Winnipeg Lake shorelines—one of the world’s largest and cleanest freshwater lakes in service.
The myriad of beaches and campsites around the historic lake offer some of the most affordable and convenient year-round getaways in the entire province.
Winnipeg Beach, in particular, rests on the southwestern shore of the lake, an idyllic beach town with three kilometers of sandy beaches to boot.
We got wind of this holiday spot right around the time when the initial buzz was at its peak following the site’s grand opening in 2011.
Safe to say, the park is way busier now, not just because of the inrush of visitors, but also the increase in activities and attractions around the area.
Aside from fishing, cycling, boarding, and other water sports, the beach hosts weekend jams and seasonal markets among other beachside attractions. There are also facilities for volleyball, tennis, and golf.
Best Time to Visit Winnipeg Beach Campground
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The best time to visit Winnipeg Beach Campground is late July during Boardwalk Days, the town’s annual summer festival.
This three-day event is usually held between July 26 to 30, with the dates being announced ahead of the camping season. You can attend Boardwalk Days for FREE.
Since the event is popular with both tourists and locals, many visitors book their camps as soon as reservations at Winnipeg Beach Campground open in April or early May.
Aside from the usual beachside activities, the town hosts a carnival, seasonal craft and vendor markets, and fireworks displays throughout the event.
Recreational Activities at Winnipeg Beach Campground
Enjoy weekend musical performances over the summer.
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The Winnipeg Beach Bandstand Performance Series is arguably among the town’s most wonderful traditions.
It’s not even a stretch to say that some weekend campers actively take the performances into account when picking their slots. After all, sets are released early into the camping season.
There are always performers on Saturdays, then some additional Sundays. If you love music, it means every year you get a few chances to discover new acts and revisit local favorites.
Personally, I love where the Bandstand is on the Boardwalk, particularly how it looks at night with a clear sky and the quiet lake looms as the backdrop. It’s absolutely relaxing!
If you want to enjoy live music during your stay, the performances normally start at 7:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m.
Visit the beach during Boardwalk Days.
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Boardwalk Days is the town’s summer festival, held across two to three days every year. It’s usually held toward the tail end of July, though the dates are announced well ahead of time.
One of the resident marquees during the event is Wonder Shows’ huge midway which I’d say perfectly establishes the festive atmosphere within the provincial park.
Wonder Shows is Manitoba’s iconic traveling carnival and a staple in the community. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re camping during Boardwalk Days.
You might have heard about the town’s moniker “Where Manitoba plays”, but you won’t get to fully experience that unless you’ve been to the festival.
Of course, the amusement park is just part of the charm. You’ll see an influx of food stalls, markets, and outdoor crafts, then a lovely parade and a firework show to ramp up the festivities.
Try camping during different seasons.
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Another thing I like about camping in Winnipeg Beach is that there’s always something marvelous going on. The area never ceases to make an impression whether it’s summer, fall, or spring.
While I favor spring, I’ve spent more years visiting the campgrounds during summer due to the magnetic energy that the festival brings.
Aside from the annual summer festival, the camp holds a summer market that often coincides with Canada Day festivities. Meanwhile, the annual spring market is usually held during the start of the season.
Exciting events happen all year round, but the most consistent one you can look forward to is the Winnipeg Beach Bandstand Performance Series that rages on every summertime weekend.
Tribute bands, independent musicians, and local favorites from different genres are featured during this period.
Explore Winnipeg Beach by bike.
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If you love biking, then I recommend bringing your gear during the trip.
The beach trail is an obvious choice for a quick out-and-back. More so in the morning when the breeze is just settling in and the activities around the area are low.
You can also explore the town if you’re game for a quick tour.
There aren’t many trails around the area, but biking during fall or spring is quite an experience on its own.
Engage in watersports and other beachside activities.
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The beach presents an opportunity to engage in various water-based activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and—on a good day—windsurfing.
If you plan to stay ashore, beach volleyball is a fun way to use the area!
There are also a few landmarks you can visit while exploring the beach, including a scenic wooden dock and a replica of a lighthouse that used to oversee the harbor.
The beach and the boardwalk also lend themselves well as picnic areas. So, do stop by whether you’re taking a day trip or staying in.
I always find it reasonable to include a proper picnic in our itinerary so we can just slow down and take in the surroundings better.
How to Make a Reservation at Winnipeg Beach Campground
Winnipeg Beach reservation is available throughout the camping season (May to October). You can make a booking online at the Parks Reservation Service website or call 1 888 482 2267 to make your reservation.
Online reservations can be paid by Visa, Visa Debit, and MasterCard only. On the other hand, phone and in-person transactions additionally accept cash, cheques, money orders, and traveler’s cheques.
Also, please note that a vehicle permit is required for entry so make sure to secure one before your visit. You can acquire and print this document online via a separate licensing account.
The sites get booked fairly quickly on weekends and you can expect a virtual queue if you’re looking to secure a spot as soon as reservations become available.
How to Get to Winnipeg Beach Campground
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Leaving Winnipeg by car, you can travel north through Provincial Trunk Hwy 9 or 8, then turn right at PR 229 to reach Winnipeg Beach Campground.
If you are driving from another location, use a GPS or map service to find the best route to Provincial Trunk Hwy 9 or 8.
There is no regular public transport that goes to Winnipeg Beach.