Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is a scenic camping and recreation park in Central Manitoba. Located on the edge of the tree-lined Wekusko Lake and the Grass River with its enchanting rapids and waterfalls, campers and day visitors can enjoy a host of outdoor and water-based recreation, from hiking and fishing to picturesque picnics.
The name Wekusko means “sweet grass” or “herb” and refers to the lake and the waterfalls found along the Grass River. Once part of the Upper Track fur trade route in the 1700s as well as a gold mining area in the 1900s, Wekusko Falls Provincial Park has an interesting history. Today, the park is a popular camping spot for those looking to embrace the great outdoors. Visitors can choose between electric or non-electric campsites in the standard camping loops or going off the beaten track with one of the walk-in wilderness tent sites.
However you choose to spend your time here, you’ll be impressed by the views. Head down to the sandy beach in the summertime and spend the day lazing beside the lake, or embrace the snow by ice fishing in the winter months. One thing is for certain: the temperatures can drop drastically at night so pack plenty of layers!
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park can be found along the Manitoba Provincial Road 392 nine miles (15 km) south of Snow Lake in Central Manitoba. If you're coming from Snow Lake, the entrance to the main campground can be found on the left-hand side of the road, approximately 0.4 miles before the Grass River. The day-use area entrance can be found just after you’ve crossed the river, also on the left-hand side.
Parking is available in the center of the campground loops near the showers, at the day-use area, and at the boat launch area. If you’re staying overnight you can of course park in one of the four camping loops.
For those who prefer to get around on foot, there are plenty of footpaths leading throughout the campground as well as a boat launch area so you can explore from the water.
Wekusko Falls Campground consists of four camping loops or bays for tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Larger sites may be available so it's worth calling ahead to check. Facilities within the loops include water taps and restrooms (some non-modern and coin-operated). Campers will still have access to modern restrooms, showers, firewood, and a trailer sanitary station nearby.
Other facilities within walking distance of the campground loops include a sandy beach, boat launch area, boat dock, fish cleaning station, kids’ playground, public telephone, and a picnic area.
For those who prefer a more rustic wilderness experience, walk-in tenting is available at several locations beside the Grass River. These sites are accessed via a footbridge. Facilities are limited to coin-operated non-modern washrooms. Campers staying here can still enjoy the facilities of the main campground, such as the sandy beach, boat launch area, children’s playground, and picnic tables.
Fishing enthusiasts will love angling at Wekusko Falls Provincial Park. With access to both Wekusko Lake and the Grass River, you’ve got plenty of opportunities. Fish you can expect to catch here include walleye, whitefish, pickerel, and northern pike. Once you’ve caught your fish, there is a fish cleaning area you can use for preparing it. While shore fishing is the most popular in the park, there is a boat launch area so you could fish from the water too if you wanted to.
With access to Wekusko Lake and the Grass River, Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is a great swimming spot in the summer months. There is a small sandy beach just a short walk from the campground. It is dog-friendly and unsupervised (no lifeguards). There is also a boat launch area close by the beach where you can launch your own watercraft for a day on the water. Little ones will love the play structure near the beach. Why not pack a picnic and make a day of it?
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is a hiker’s paradise. Hike three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) to the magical Wekusko Falls, the park’s namesake. There are also some other stunning waterfalls and rapids along the Grass River with footpaths and walking bridges for you to follow. Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the park, there are several picnic tables where you can enjoy a packed lunch.
Not only is Wekusko Falls Provincial Park a favorite for fishermen in the peak season but Wekusko Falls itself is also a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter months - it offers some of the best ice fishing in Canada! Try your luck catching lake trout, golden walleye, northern pike, and tank burbot. If you’re lucky and you catch something big enough for dinner, there is a fish cleaning station where you can clean your fish and prepare it for the night’s barbecue.
Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is astonishingly beautiful in the winter. Work up a sweat hiking the three-quarter mile (1.2 km) trail to the magical Wekusko Falls, or meandering along the park’s scenic footpaths and bridges. Dress warmly and pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the picnic areas or in the picnic shelter at the day-use area - don’t forget your hot chocolate!
With a picnic shelter available at the day-use area, Wekusko Falls Provincial Park is a great place to enjoy a winter picnic. If you dress warmly enough, there are also picnic tables near the sandy beach where you can enjoy a view of the lake. Pack a picnic and some blankets and sit back and admire the snowy views. Fire pits are available too so you can warm up - don’t forget the marshmallows!
