Grab the family and head out to one of these glorious beaches for some fun in the sun!
Whether you want a beach close to home or a beach just a car ride away, the Winnipeg area has you and your family covered!
1. Grand Beach Located on Lake Winnipeg, this glorious beach has an amazing view—not that you'll have much time to enjoy it with those busy kids. This beach is ideal for little tots and new swimmers because the water is shallow and calm. Your little one can practice floating and maybe even dunking her head. When she's tired of the water, she can build castles in the sand. Make sure to bring a beach umbrella, so you can sit in the shade. Unfortunately, Grand Beach does not provide lifeguards. When the kids get hungry, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach or check out one of the nearby restaurants. Then take a walk along the boardwalk (it's stroller-friendly) and look at the historical photos. This will give your little ones a bit of Winnipeg history to go along with their swimming adventures! If you would like to make this a weekend getaway, there are campgrounds on-site and cottage rentals across the street.
Go play: PTH 12 & Hwy 59, Grand Marais 204-754-5040 gov.mb.ca>
2. Winnipeg Beach Just 45 minutes north of Winnipeg, this beach has everything you could want. Older kids can go swimming or, if they're feeling daring, go jet skiing with Mom or Dad. You can also go boating and fishing! Your little tot can wade in the shallow end or go get their groove on by the bandstand, which has live music. If your kiddies do decide to swim in the lake, just be aware there are no lifeguards on duty. Local restaurants are within walking distance, or you can bring your own lunch and sit at the on-site picnic tables. And if you feel the need for some sugar, or you have a toddler screaming for ice cream, they have you covered there, too! Other fun amenities include a tennis court, soccer field, artist tour, bike lanes and a boardwalk.
Go play: Shores of Lake Winnipeg 204-389-5126 winnipegbeach.ca>
3. Patricia Beach Spend your whole day dipping your toes in the sand at this beach located on Lake Winnipeg in Balsam Bay. The beach seems to be never-ending and has lots of sand for your little one to dig in. And you definitely want to explore the sand dunes. There isn't much shade on the beach, so don't forget a big umbrella. For lunch, pack a cooler full of sandwiches and treats to enjoy in the picnic area. If your kids love animals then this is the beach for them. The marsh is home to many cool birds (like the Piping Plover), salamanders and more—see how many cool creatures you can spot. One tip, stay clear of the north end of the beach, as it's clothing optional. There are signs clearly stating when that area begins. Washrooms are on-site.
Go play: Beaconia, MB R0E 0B0, off Highway 59 www.gov.mb.ca>
Read more:
The best in family fun: Manitoba>
6 best outdoor pools in Winnipeg>
10 great Canadian road trips>
Canada's best weekend getaways>
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Ashley is a bookstore owner and photographer based in Ottawa, Ontario. She currently works as a photographer for Your Story Creative Co., a freelance social media manager, and a store manager in training at Starbucks.