Gimli Staycation: A Weekend Itinerary
While travel may be limited in some capacities these days, there’s no better time to explore your own province. So I took to the road for a weekend-long Gimli Staycation!
A short drive from Winnipeg, Gimli is a stunning town on Lake Winnipeg, filled with a beach, a beautiful harbour, scenic nature views, boutique shopping, incredible dining, and a culture that you can feel from each and every street corner.
Growing up, I remember heading out to my grandparents’ nearby home in Sandy Hook with my eyes full excitement over spending time in the magical beach town of Gimli. Over 17 years later, it feels just as magical at 24 as it did at 7.
Whether you’re aching for a vacation or relaxing staycation, I teamed up with Travel Manitoba to share a weekend itinerary! While I took this trip in October, it could easily be adapted for a summer or winter Gimli Staycation!
DAY 1
Arrival:
Check in to Lakeview Gimli Resort and settle in to your home base for the weekend. Situated right on the water, you may likely get a view of Lake Winnipeg, perfect for sunrise or sunset! We were lucky to stay in a 2-bedroom suite, with 2 bathrooms, a common area, kitchenette, pull-out couch, and balcony. It’s the perfect place to sip your morning coffee. The large, plush beds stacked with pillows offered the best sleep ever for a busy weekend of adventures.
Dinner:
Whether it’s your first time to Gimli or your fifteenth, Manitoba pickerel fish for dinner from Kris’ Fish n’ Chips is a non-negotiable. Caught right from Lake Winnipeg, Gimli is famous for its fresh pickerel. You can opt for either battered or pan-fried — both are delicious, but I’ll let you be the judge of that!
Evening Walk by the Water:
After dinner, head right across the street to the beach and walk along the boat-filled harbour, and take in the mural-covered Seawall. This breathtaking, picturesque view looks like it’s right out of a beautiful painting.
DAY 2
Morning
Breakfast:
After a good night’s sleep at the Lakeview, head downstairs to Seagull’s for a delicious (and very reasonably priced) breakfast to start the day strong. I couldn’t resist a classic Eggs Benedict, but the Fishermen’s Breakfast featuring — you guessed it, pan-fried pickerel and eggs — was a very close second. Enjoy your meal while taking in the lakeside view thanks to the large windows or the beachside patio (open during summer season).
Local Farmer’s Market:
As someone who loves a good market, the Arnes Farmer’s Market is a must-see! Under 15 minutes from town, local vendors set up on weekend mornings to sell artisan goods, jewelry, pottery, books, food, and much more. The owner, Dennis, showed us around the property which also features a petting zoo and a super cool kids play park filled with swing sets, a teeter totter, zipline, playhouse and more, all handcrafted out of trees from in and around the property. Be sure to take a peek inside Barrymore Antiques for unique vintage finds like furniture, decor, knick-knacks and more. Note: Bring cash, open May Long Weekend – Thanksgiving.
Discover the Icelandic History:
Get acquainted with the history of Gimli, also known as New Iceland at the New Iceland Heritage Museum. Full of a surprising amount of exhibits and information for its small space, I loved learning about the immigration of Icelandic settlers to this piece of Manitoba land back in the 1870’s. Particularly inspiring was the story of John Ramsay, an Indigenous man who played a critical role helping them survive their new homeland, located on Cree and Anishinaabe land.
Selfie with a Viking:
If you want to really live your best Gimli life, stop at Viking Park for a selfie with the Viking Statue. Standing 15 ft tall, the massive statue is a symbol of the town’s Icelandic roots and a local tourist attraction.
Afternoon
Take a Lunch Break:
When you finally decide to put a pause on the adventures and take a break for lunch, Ship & Plough Tavern is the perfect mid-afternoon rest stop. We opted for their delicious (and huge) nacho platter and of course — pickerel tacos (which are a MUST order!!) washed down with their house beer, Winnipeg-based Torque Brewing‘s “Shipwreck Ale”.
Walk the Strip and Window Shop:
Situated along the main strip, Gimli offers a wide variety of boutiques and shops for both the tourist and the local. My personal favourite being H.P. Tergesen’s, the oldest operating store in Manitoba and one that I believe many Manitobans will have a soft spot for! Stocked with both brand names and locally-made items, Tergesen’s offers clothing, novelty gifts, books, and much more. The store is carefully curated in a way that will make you want things you never knew you needed. A must-visit on your walk through town.
Get Cultured:
Through FOOD! Venture over to Sugar Me Cookie Boutique to pick up traditional Icelandic cake, Vinarterta, made from Amma Stina’s beloved recipe. “Seven layers of sugar cookie with prunes sandwiched between each layer and almond buttercream on top”. I took a quarter cake home to share!
Take in the Local Art:
Warm up (or cool down) at the Gimli Art Club. It’s right across the street from the hotel and a nice place to take in some local artists’ work or take a workshop!
Evening
Relax at the Lakeview:
After a busy day, it’s time to relax. We poured a glass of wine and sat on the balcony, then took an evening dip in the indoor pool! For summer months, there’s even an outdoor pool, situated right on the beach. Because a pool on the lake is the absolute best of both worlds!
Order In Pizza:
After swimming, we were ready for a snack but wanted to rest up for another busy day, so we opted for delivery pizza from Brennivins Pizza Hüs. We chose the Bruschetta and Tropical Chicken pizzas from their specialty menu which were both delicious!
DAY 3
Early Morning:
Wake early and energize for the day with a coffee from Flatland Coffee Roasters. This coffee shop and roaster features Instagram-worthy drinks and a comfy spot to sip your brew.
Afternoon in Nature:
Drive over to Camp Morton Provincial Park, just 15 minutes from town to explore the stunning grounds of the historic “church camp” turned idyllic summer vacay spot, featuring incredibly unique, abandoned buildings. Today, the stack-log cabins, a light blue, decorated chapel, and water tower look straight out of a movie set. After exploring (and planning next year’s stay at the lakeside campground or yurt), walk along one of many trails. We walked 5 km through a couple different trails, taking in sights of the water and colourful fall leaves throughout.
While it would be easy to spend a week in Gimli and surrounding areas, a weekend was all we had to spend in this beautiful vacation town. I’m already looking forward to our next visit, but until then, I’ll leave you with this dreamy getaway itinerary for a Gimli Staycation!
Interested in more local getaway ideas? Check out my Winnipeg Staycation or my Whiteshell Provincial Park Day Trip Itinerary with Travel Manitoba!
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Gimli? Check out www.exploregimli.com