Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park

A Provincial Park On An Island And The Nearby Mainland, With An Icelandic Settlement History From 1876, The Hecla Village Heritage Site, Gull Harbour, Lighthouse And Moose, White Tailed Deer, Pelican And Bird Viewing Marshes. Mosquitoes Are Heavy In Early Summer. · Hecla, Manitoba

Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park covers Hecla Island in Lake Winnipeg and a stretch of the mainland shore, reached by a causeway north of Gimli. It suits families, cyclists, birders and anyone who wants a quiet lake weekend with some history. Icelanders settled this coast as New Iceland from 1875-76, and Hecla Village keeps that story in its old buildings and church. Gull Harbour has a resort and marina, there is a lighthouse, and marsh trails give a fair chance of moose, deer and pelicans. It is not dramatic scenery; it is flat, wooded and lakeside, and the pleasure is in the pace. Be honest about the insects: mosquitoes and deer flies can be fierce in June and July. Winnipeg is about 2.5 hours away, and Gimli and Lake Winnipeg Beach are nearby for extra stops. A day is enough for a visit; a night or two lets you slow down. Confirm the current park pass rules and check which services are open before you drive out.

Island park in Lake Winnipeg reached by a causeway north of Gimli, with the heritage village of Hecla, the Gull Harbour marina and resort, a lighthouse and wetland and forest trails, Hecla, Manitoba, Canada

The park is open all year, but most services are seasonal. Visitor services, the resort, the marina, campgrounds and heritage buildings run mainly from late spring to early autumn, with the busiest period in July and August. Exact opening times for the heritage village, the interpretive programs and the Gull Harbour facilities change from year to year, so check the Manitoba parks listing and the resort before you travel. The causeway road stays open in winter, and the island has groomed ski and snowmobile use in cold months, but food and fuel are limited then. Lighthouse and trail access follow weather and ice. Services on the island are small, so arrive with fuel and food.

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