Take one part of this itinerary for a day trip or combine them for a multi-day trip. From white sandy beaches to peaceful hiking trails to so much more, this is the summer road trip that keeps on giving.

Part One: Connect with Nature

The first stop on this road trip is also one of the most impactful: the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail. This Manitoba must-see is a wetland trail through a sacred area that has been used by local Ojibway for hundreds of years. With excellent signage throughout, you can take a self-guided tour along the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk to learn about the land and its importance to the Indigenous peoples in the area. Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is the perfect place to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the warblers sing, and fully connect with nature.

Just minutes from the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail, east of the junction of Hwy 59 and Hwy 12, you’ll find Gull Lake. While many people associate the beaches of 59 with Lake Winnipeg, this sand-bottomed lake is popular for water sports including sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing. Head here for a picnic lunch and some relaxing time on the water.

Next, you’ll visit another one of the beaches of Highway 59, this time on Lake Winnipeg: Patricia Beach! Spend some time here to enjoy the silky-soft sand, swimming in Lake Winnipeg, a chipstand, and plenty of birdwatching in the marsh and lagoon.

Did you know? Manitoba has more than 100,000 lakes, and Lake Winnipeg is the biggest of them all. In fact, Lake Winnipeg is the sixth-largest freshwater lake in Canada, and the third-largest freshwater lake contained entirely within Canada!

Part Two: Life is Grand

You can’t talk beaches of the 59 and not mention Grand Beach. For many years, the only settlers in the area were Métis, but that changed in 1917 when the Canadian Northern Railway built a resort and a line to Grand Beach, making it an extremely popular destination. Although the train no longer runs to Grand Beach, it is still one of the most well-known beaches in Manitoba, famous for its velvety white sand, 12-metre-high sand dunes, and numerous amenities and activities. Play a game of beach volleyball or tennis, shop or grab a snack along the boardwalk, enjoy your favourite water sport, or check out one of the many hiking and biking trails (the Ancient Beach Trail is a good place to start, and popular for geocaching). One thing’s for sure: it’s impossible to be bored at Grand Beach.

If you’re after something a bit quieter - but with the same beautifully soft sand - check out Lester Beach. With rolling hills, pine forests, and shallow water for swimming, it’s an ideal spot for families.

After the sun and the sand, head into Grand Marais, where you’ll find a few restaurants, shops, and mini-golf at Pete’s Grand Putt. Visit the East Beaches Heritage Wing at the Grand Marais Community Centre to learn about the area’s past, present, and future, including a terrific exhibit on Lake Winnipeg’s history and ecology.

To wrap up the day, make your way to Bélair Beach. As Bélair sits a little bit higher than many of the other beaches on the 59, the sunsets and views over the lake are truly epic.

Part Three: Hidden Gems of Highway 59

A great way to start your day is with a sunrise on one of the most secluded beaches of Hwy 59: Wanasing Beach. Only a short walk from the highway, this quiet beach is used almost exclusively by local cottage owners. With beautiful sunrises looking east over Traverse Bay as well as some large sand cliffs to explore, it’s the perfect place to spend a morning.

Next, check out Albert Beach. Only a five-minute drive from Wanasing, you’ll discover more than two kilometres of soft sand and plenty of opportunity for swimming, fishing, and water sports. Albert Beach is a primarily French community and is home to many historic cottages as well as Saffie’s General Store, where you can go for souvenirs, snacks, and more.

Another five minutes down the road, you’ll find Hillside Beach. With sand dunes separating Hillside Beach from a large lagoon, it’s a unique place to explore; the lagoon is known for excellent birdwatching and boating. Hillside Beach Store and Eatery is popular with locals and has a relaxing outdoor patio for those end-of-the-day drinks.

Part Four: Golf, Hiking, and a Historic Manitoba Diner

Victoria Beach is one of the larger beach communities on the 59 and is often bustling in summer. With numerous hiking trails, beaches, and the Grand Pines Golf Course nearby, there are many outdoor activities to keep you busy. Open since 1929, a stop at The Moonlight Inn is a must; serving classic diner recipes, the restaurant simply oozes nostalgia. Also keep an eye out for the annual Summer Winds Family Music Festival, which is a fantastic display of local talent.

Only a short drive from Victoria Beach, avid hikers will love the chance to tackle the Elk Island Loop in Elk Island Provincial Park. This 17-kilometre trail involves walking across sand and/or through low water to get to Elk Island; once there, you’ll be rewarded with peaceful hiking trails and views over beautiful Lake Winnipeg. It’s also a wonderful spot for birdwatching!

Retro Vibes at the South Beach Casino

A Manitoba Star Attraction boasting memorable art deco design, South Beach Casino is an exciting addition to your Beaches of 59 road trip. There’s a lot to keep you entertained: try your luck at one of the slot machines, dine in one of the three top-notch restaurants, go for a swim in the luxurious indoor pool, or enjoy an evening of live music. It’s the ultimate place to unwind and have fun.

More Family Fun

Bélair is home to some of the best ATV trails in the province, including the North Star Trail. With a mix of forest trails and sandy trails, this area is an adrenaline junkie’s dream! The Bélair ATV Club has a map of all of the best public trails.