Major city · Canada
Gimli
Go for one night in summer or a day trip from Winnipeg: 1 h by car, walkable harbour, beach and Icelandic museum. Skip if you have no car.
Gimli is a small Lake Winnipeg beach town about an hour north of Winnipeg, with 68 km of shoreline, a walkable harbour and a New Iceland story: Icelandic settlers landed here from 1875. There is no intercity bus, so a car decides the trip. One night covers the museum, the seawall murals, the Viking statue and a pickerel dinner; two nights if you add the beach and the film or Icelandic festival.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the beach and harbour; early Aug for the Icelandic Festival; early Mar for the Ice Festival
- avoid Nov–Apr unless you come for ice fishing or the Ice Festival
- Airport
- YWG
- Nights
- 1–2
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 Gimli911 ▾
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 Gimli, 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
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime small town; the real risks are the cold lake, winter ice and wildlife on Highway 9 at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Health links / nurse advice (Manitoba)
- 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 15 min by car to Gimli; no bus link, so rent a car or book a transfer).
- Getting aroundThe town is small enough to walk end to end in about 20 minutes; parking near the beach is tight on hot weekends.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealPickerel (walleye) dinnerC$22–32 (≈ US$16–25)
- Street or quick mealBurger or sandwichC$14–22 (≈ US$11–16)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry, adultC$7 (≈ US$6) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or B&B bed, a night, per personC$55 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$170 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ 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 15 min by car to Gimli; no bus link, so rent a car or book a transfer)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
Feb
Avoid
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Mar
Care*
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Apr
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best*
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Feb. 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 (11 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Gimli: 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)
7 rd
Feb
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
6 rd
Mar
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
7 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
7 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
Nov
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
7 rd
Dec
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
7 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
The town is small enough to walk end to end in about 20 minutes; parking near the beach is tight on hot weekends. A car is needed for the Gimli Glider site at the industrial park airport, about 2 km west, and for the wider Interlake.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Winnipeg Beach
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive south on Highway 9, about 20 min
Smaller beach town with its own boardwalk and summer events; easy half day.
Selkirk
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive south on Highway 9 then Highway 204, about 40 min
Red River town with a marine museum and waterfront; pairs with a Winnipeg run.
St. Laurent
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive south on Highway 9 then Highway 6, about 1 h
Métis community on Lake Manitoba; check the ferry if you continue north.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive Highway 8 or 9 to the Perimeter, about 1 h
Use it as the airport run or a full city day; not worth a return trip for dinner.
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.
Harbour and 1st Avenue
Walk to the beach, museum, murals and most restaurants; the Lakeview resort sits on the water here.
Main Street and 7th Street
Cheaper motels and the Viking Inn, 10–15 min walk from the harbour.
Cottages along the south shore
Weekly rentals fill fast in Jul–Aug; book months ahead.
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$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × C$170 | C$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Car hire from Winnipeg, one day1 × C$70 · check | C$70 |
| Museum entry, adult2 × C$7 · check | C$14 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$59 |
| Trip total≈ C$327 per person per day, bed included | C$653≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Pickerel (walleye) dinner | C$22–32 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Burger or sandwich | C$14–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Museum entry, adult | C$7 (≈ US$6) (check) |
| Fuel, Winnipeg return, about 200 km | C$25–35 (≈ US$19–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No intercity bus serves Gimli: without a car you are dependent on a taxi, transfer or tour from Winnipeg.
- Beach parking fills on hot summer weekends; arrive before midday.
- Lake Winnipeg is shallow and cold even in August, and there are no lifeguards on most stretches: check locally before swimming.
- Winter lake ice is used by locals but is never guaranteed safe: go with an operator, not on your own judgement.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Health links / nurse advice (Manitoba)
- 811
Pocket card
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GimliGimli
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health advice (Manitoba)811
Embassy
No consulates in Gimli; the US consulate and most embassies are in Winnipeg or Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Winnipeg airport → Gimli, taxi or transfer: about C$130–180 (≈ US$95–140), 1 h 15 min (check)
- Car hire, Winnipeg, one day: from about C$60 (≈ US$45) plus fuel (check)
- Museum entry, adult: C$7 (≈ US$6) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach?
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis. Prices are shown before sales tax.
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 Gimli. 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 the beach and harbour; early Aug for the Icelandic Festival; early Mar for the Ice Festival · avoid Nov–Apr unless you come for ice fishing or the Ice Festival · 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
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialGimli official town site
- officialNew Iceland Heritage Museum
- officialIcelandic Festival of Manitoba
- officialGimli Film Festival
- secondaryWikivoyage: Gimli, revision 5240732 (CC BY-SA 4.0)