Lake Winnipeg
Not to be outdone by Winnipeg Beach developers, the Canadian National Railway bought 150 acres in 1914 across the lake from Winnipeg Beach along the east shore. They created their own summer Utopia -- Grand Beach.
In 1916, the resort at Grand Beach was complete and was an immediate success. Large crowds right from the beginning. Bathing suits were available for rent when waterlogged they added considerable weight to the swimmer. And here was the grandest dance hall in the dominion.
In the early days, staying overnight at Grand Beach was not encouraged. It was designed for day-trippers. Here at Grand Beach, the beach is the attraction. It has no peer.
Naturalist Alex Pallicka is a proponent of Grand Beach's attraction. "Grand Beach is just marvelous," she said. "Besides the surf and the water and the sand the dunes, we have a bunch of different other attractions that attract a lot of people. And a lot of people are here today because it's beautiful and it's hot out. And that is exactly why they come to Grand Beach -- the water is warm and shallow and the sand is beautiful. And you can't really go wrong with a day at the beach."
When people first started coming to the area in the 20's, Grand Beach was principally used as a campground. Through the years visitors leased the land from the Train Company and started building permanent structures onto these lots, eventually turning it into a cottage community. But the legacy of the original campground remains. Since the cottages were built on the old campsites, the lots are very small and maintain the cozy campground feeling.
According to Pallicka, one of the attractions of Grand Beach is its diversity. "I really love it on this side of the lagoon" said Pallicka. "There's not as many people, the water is beautiful, it blocks a lot of the wind its just gorgeous. You can go with your boat. You can go tubing. You can go diving of the boat, it's beautiful. You can go for a walk down the beach. If you like to sit with the people, there's tons of people you can meet people there's the boardwalk-- an hour from the city and it seems you're in paradise."
Another attraction at Grand Beach is the provincial park which provides a haven for wildlife. "This area acts as a buffer zone for the shoreline so during time of high water or flooding or storms, this acts as a reservoir for the water to come in." said Pallicka. "It actually buffers the shoreline and protects the area. This area is also considered a wetland or marsh and its very important for natural vegetation and the animals that we find at Grand Beach provincial Park to have a place to call home."
Collectors Edition
Lake Winnipeg's Paradise Beaches on VideotapeIf you missed seeing Lake Winnipeg: Paradise Beaches on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to enjoy this wonderful documentary. Order a videotape copy of this program for only $29.95. This wonderful Collectors' Edition includes the full documentary plus bonus footage not seen on television. Order online now or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
