Whether you have a single day off, a weekend, or a week of holidays, I’ve created the perfect Whiteshell Provincial Park Day Trip itinerary! Summer 2020’s in full swing, and we’re all just trying to make the most of a summer that may not be going exactly as planned 6+ months ago…

Many of us had travel plans in the works for this summer, or simply just things we looked forward to from concerts to pro sports games to big get-togethers. Unfortunately COVID-19 may have thrown a wrench in those plans, but fortunately for us in Manitoba, we have a vast array of experiences right in our own backyard just waiting to be explored.

I’ve teamed up with Travel Manitoba to take you along on a Whiteshell Provincial Park Day Trip! Whether you have just a single day off to spare or heading out for a weekend, there’s so much to do in the Whiteshell, specifically in my neck of the woods: Falcon Lake and West Hawk.

As an avid lake-goer, I spend most of my weekends at the cottage in the summer. With this, often I get stuck in the same routine of waking up, going for a morning walk, then spending the day on the boat or the dock. While I typically enjoy that routine, there’s so much more to see and do around Falcon Lake in the Whiteshell, so whether you’re visiting a friends’ cabin or taking a short day trip to get out of the city, here’s my go-to itinerary for a day well spent.

8:00 AM:

Depart from Winnipeg. It takes about 90 minutes or so to get from the city to Falcon Lake, so it’s the perfect distance to get you out into lake country without spending half of your day in the car.

9:30 AM:

Arrive at Falcon Lake. Stop by the Falcon Lake Bakery right in town for a coffee or latte and the famous cinnamon buns (baked fresh daily) for some morning fuel.

10:00 AM:

Take a hike! Head over to the Falcon Creek Self-Guiding Trail for a ~2 km loop hike through the rocky, forest-filled landscape for a little morning exercise before it gets too hot. Note: bug spray is essential!!

11:00 AM:

Hit the links. Make your way to the Falcon Lake Golf Course, rated one of the top 5 courses in Manitoba. Whether you book a tee time or just want to practice your swing at the driving range. My boyfriend Nico golfs here multiple times per summer and as an avid golfer, it’s his favourite course. On the other hand, I prefer the range to practice my shot for a while and still have the rest of the day for other activities. So much to do, so little time! After finishing up at the range, we headed over to the restaurant patio for a caesar and a nice view of the 9th hole.

12:30 PM:

Tennis time. The Falcon Lake Sports Area (also part of the golf course) features 6 tennis courts, mini golf, lawn bowling, bocce ball and horseshoes. Basically something for everyone! If you’re up for an active day, there’s tons of fun ways to keep yourself moving. We opted for an hour of tennis, just enough time to play a game and feel ready for lunch.

1:30 PM:

Lunch! The Nest Restaurant is a Falcon Lake classic, with indoor seating and a big patio. They offer a delicious menu and wide array of sandwiches/wraps, burgers, soup, salads, and breakfast options. Not to mention a Sunday Poutine special with 6 different kinds… but that’s another story. I recommend ordering the Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap and taking a seat outside on the patio! Only $8.25 and it was VERY filling.

2:00 PM:

Beach!!! Falcon Lake is known for it’s clear water and sandy beach, perfect for swimming, lounging or playing volleyball or paddle ball. After a morning full of activity, we were due for a cool-off and some r&r on the beach. If you’re in need of a drink, snack, or ice cream, the fully licensed Beach House is right on the sand and stocked with anything you may need. There’s also a boardwalk leading to multiple docks where many people spend the day fishing!

4:30 PM:

Visit the shops. Anytime I’m in a new town, it’s a must that I check out the shops. In addition to the restaurants and grocery store in the main shopping area at Falcon, there are 2 fun shops I always stop by: The Sandcastle Shop and The Laughing Loon! The first has tons of candy, water floaties, towels, sandals — basically anything fun you may have forgotten at home. And the other is more of a gift shop filled with souvenirs, Falcon Lake/Whiteshell branded clothes and other products you’ll likely find yourself wanting.

5:00 PM:

Freshen up. After hours spent on the beach and swimming, time to clean up and get ready for dinner… or don’t. You’re on lake time, and lake hair is definitely allowed here.

6:00 PM:

A short drive to dinner. Under 15 minutes from Falcon Lake is West Hawk. Another beautiful lake and townsite with some great restaurants and my personal favourite: The Nite Hawk Cafe. A family owned restaurant since 1970, it’s a dinner favourite for sure. My go-to is the “Alida Bree”. A focaccia sandwich with chicken breast, brie cheese, pear and some kind of sauce that is TO DIE for. Opt for a spot on the screened in patio if possible, but be warned this place is a hot commodity so make sure you get your name on the list sooner than later!

7:30 PM:

Enjoy the scenery & sunset. Before you leave, take in the last bit of the day. I love walking down the main strip of West Hawk, passing by the shops, campground, cabins, right to the beach. There’s also a long boardwalk with an always amazing view of the sunset and the water.

8:30 PM:

But first, Ice Cream! Before you head home or call it a night, ice cream is a must. There are so many ice cream shops in Falcon Lake/ West Hawk including the Beach House, The Nest and the Nite Hawk, Meteor Mikes respectively. If you love unique concoctions, head to the Nite Hawk but if you want the biggest scoops? The Nest it is.

Next time you have a free day and need a way to spend it, head out for a Whiteshell Provincial Park Day Trip! With so much to do and see, you’ll be glad it’s just ~90 minutes from the city giving you tons of daylight hours to take advantage of! I know we sure did!

Interested in more local & travel love? Check out my favourite Winnipeg Staycation or my Local Winnipeg Shopping Guide with Travel Manitoba!