Major city · Canada
Falcon Lake
Give Falcon Lake one full day and one night: swim and hike the Whiteshell in the morning, drive back to Winnipeg (1 h 45 min) or sleep lakeside.
Falcon Lake is a hamlet of about 270 people inside Whiteshell Provincial Park, 152 km east of Winnipeg on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Ontario border. It is a lake-and-shield stop: beaches, trails, fishing and canoe routes. Most travellers come for a day from Winnipeg or break a Winnipeg–Kenora drive here; a night buys you a quieter morning on the water.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for swimming, paddling and trails; Feb–Mar for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling
- avoid Nov–Apr unless you are here for snow (ice, closed seasonal services); May long weekend and July–Aug weekends are the busiest
- Airport
- YWG
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Falcon Lake911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Manitoba conservation and park emergencies1-800-214-6497
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Falcon Lake, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a park hamlet: the real risks are cold water, highway wildlife at dusk, patchy cell coverage and weather that turns fast on the shield.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance · 1-800-214-6497 Manitoba conservation and park emergencies
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYWG Winnipeg Richardson International (About 1 h 45 min by car via the Trans-Canada Highway; no scheduled bus to Falcon Lake, so a car is needed).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the Trans-Canada Highway runs past the hamlet and PR 307 links the park's lakes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$5–10 (≈ US$4–8)
- Street or quick mealBistro burger or sandwich with a sideC$16–24 (≈ US$12–18)
- Budget bedProvincial park campsite (tent), a night, per roomC$20 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedProvincial park campsite (tent), a night, per roomC$30 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedProvincial park campsite (tent), a night, per roomC$45 (≈ US$35)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$60 (≈ US$45) · Mid C$130 (≈ US$95) · High C$250 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YWG Winnipeg Richardson International (About 1 h 45 min by car via the Trans-Canada Highway; no scheduled bus to Falcon Lake, so a car is needed)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
Feb
Care
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Mar
Care
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Care
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Care
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Dec
Avoid
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Best: Jun, Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar, Jul–Aug. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Falcon Lake: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
8 rd
Feb
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
7 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
8 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Nov
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
8 rd
Dec
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the Trans-Canada Highway runs past the hamlet and PR 307 links the park's lakes. Inside Falcon Lake you can walk between the beach, the bakery bistro and nearby cabins. Fuel, groceries and the nearest full services are at West Hawk Lake or in Winnipeg; fill up before you leave the highway.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
West Hawk Lake
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive 10 min west on the Trans-Canada Highway
Deeper, clearer lake for swimming; groceries and fuel.
Whiteshell Natural History Museum, Nutimik Lake
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive PR 307 north from the highway
Log building with mounted wildlife and boreal-forest displays; summer season only, free entry.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway
Easy return day if you start early; the drive is the reason to leave before dark.
Kenora, Ontario
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 17 in Ontario)
Fine as a through-stop on a longer drive, not worth a return day on its own.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Falcon Lake lakeshore (Park Rd and the beach)
Cabins, the bakery bistro and the boat launch within walking distance; book summer weekends weeks ahead.
West Hawk Lake, 10 min west
More services, campgrounds and a deeper lake for swimming; a good fallback when Falcon Lake beds are full.
Whiteshell campgrounds (Nutimik, Opapiskaw and others)
Provincial park campsites; vehicle permit plus campsite fee, reserve through the provincial booking system.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$60–110 (≈ US$45–80) excl. bed (park permit, groceries, fuel share)
- Mid
- C$110–200 (≈ US$80–150) excl. bed (one meal out, canoe or boat rental)
- High
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed (private cabin, guided fishing, golf)
Trip budget
| Lakeside cabin or resort unit1 × 1 night × C$250 | C$250 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$130 | C$260 |
| Whiteshell vehicle permit, per vehicle1 × C$5 · About $12 for 3 days. | C$5 |
| Canoe or kayak rental, half day2 × C$40 | C$80 |
| Fuel, Winnipeg return (about 320 km)1 × C$45 | C$45 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$64 |
| Trip total≈ C$352 per person per day, bed included | C$704≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; travel to Manitoba excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery item | C$5–10 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Bistro burger or sandwich with a side | C$16–24 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Gelato or ice cream | C$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Campsite, per nightPlus vehicle permit. | C$20–45 (≈ US$15–35) |
| Vehicle permit for the park | About C$5 (≈ US$4)/day, C$12/3 days |
| Fuel, Winnipeg return | C$40–55 (≈ US$30–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- A vehicle permit is required to stop in Whiteshell Provincial Park; buy it at the park gate or online (2026 estimate: about $5 (≈ US$4)/day, $12/3 days).
- Cell coverage is patchy on trails and back roads; download offline maps before you leave the highway.
- Black bears and ticks are present in the park: store food in the car or a locker, not in your tent.
- Lake water is cold even in August; the Canadian Shield shoreline drops off quickly.
- Moose and deer cross the Trans-Canada Highway at dusk: drive slower after sunset.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
- Manitoba conservation and park emergencies
- 1-800-214-6497
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Falcon LakeFalcon Lake
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Manitoba conservation and park emergencies1-800-214-6497
Embassy
No consulates in Falcon Lake; embassies and consulates are in Ottawa and Winnipeg.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Winnipeg → Falcon Lake by car: 152 km (94 mi), about 1 h 45 min on the Trans-Canada Highway94 mi (152 km), about 1 h 45 min on the Trans-Canada Highway
- Falcon Lake → Kenora by car: about 1 h 15 min east on the Trans-Canada Highway
- Park vehicle permit: about C$5 (≈ US$4)/day, C$12/3 days
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Do you take card? — Do you take card?
- Is the trail open? — Is the trail open?
Print this card: 911, park permit rates, and the drive times to Winnipeg and Kenora.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Falcon Lake. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for swimming, paddling and trails; Feb–Mar for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling · avoid Nov–Apr unless you are here for snow (ice, closed seasonal services); May long weekend and July–Aug weekends are the busiest · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YWG: last rental-car desk hours, winter-driving rung, overnight fallback in Winnipeg.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Falcon Lake beach and Park Rd, the boat launch and marina, the campground loops, West Hawk Lake village.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Whiteshell Natural History Museum, park gates, boat launch) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and hostile-weather fixtures (ice, smoke, storm closures) so gates A–D can go green.