Whiteshell Provincial Park

About Whiteshell Provincial Park

Whiteshell Provincial Park is situated in southeastern Manitoba, approximately 120 kilometers (105 km east) of Winnipeg. The park was established in 1961, though the province established the Whiteshell Forest Reserve in 1931 which preceded the provincial park designation. The park encompasses areas representative of the Lake of the Woods Ecoregion within the Boreal Shield ecozone and holds particular significance for Indigenous communities, as the park's protection specifically extends to the Tie Creek basin, an area of great spiritual significance to Indigenous peoples. The landscape features three river systems creating interconnected lake chains: the Winnipeg River along the northern boundary, the Whiteshell River running through the south-central section, and the Rennie River forming a third chain. Notable lakes include West Hawk Lake (the province's deepest, formed by meteorite impact) and Falcon Lake. The park supports diverse wildlife including black bears, moose, timber wolves, and lynx, alongside numerous bird species and fish populations. Recreational opportunities span both seasons, from canoeing and hiking in summer to snowmobiling in winter. The park contains several museums and interpretive centers documenting natural history, Indigenous heritage, and local trapping traditions.