Torie Tells Stories

Manitoba often gets a bad reputation for being so cold and having nothing to do. While it’s true that it can get quite cold, there are lots of Manitoba attractions worth exploring. If you prefer warmer weather, summer is the best time to explore Manitoba’s natural beauty and Lake of the Prairies is a great destination. Manitoba lakes are beautiful places to visit and Lake of the Prairies is my favorite.

This large lake is located on the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border and stretches for 67 km between the towns of Russell and Roblin. This lake is ideal for boating and water sports, its size means that you can always find a calm area and you are never crowded out by other boats. There’s also good fishing in Lake of the Prairies, making it a fabulous place to get out on the water.

Camping at Lake of the Prairies

There are many developments along Lake of the Prairies and there are three main campgrounds I’ve visited. Each offers access to a variety of recreational activities making them great places to base your outdoor adventure in Manitoba.

Asessippi Provincial Park

Located on the Russell end of the lake, this park features a campground, canteen, mini golf, beach and boat launch. This campground is located next to the dam and the most sheltered area of the lake, often called The Shell. The water is usually smoother in this area than on the rest of the lake making it an excellent spot for water skiing. This is a provincial park, so keep in mind you will need a park pass to access this area. You can get more information about the park here.

Water skiing at Lake of the Prairies.

Rickers Campground

Found on the Roblin end of the lake, Rickers is a large campground featuring a mix of seasonal and temporary camping spots. Other than access to the water, the main attraction here is the campground store, Buckets. Here you will find fishing supplies, some grocery items, ice cream and a restaurant to cover all of your camping needs. You can learn more about Rickers Campground here.

Pyotts

 Pyotts West Campground is located in between Asessippi Provincial Park and Rickers campground, on the Saskatchewan side of the lake. You can rent campsites daily, weekly, monthly or seasonally and this campground features all the usual amenities. There’s a beach area for swimming, a boat launch, restaurant, bait shop and they offer kayak and canoe rentals. They also have annual events including Pyotts West Music Fest and a Craft Art & Garden Show. 

Accommodations

If you aren’t interested in camping, Lake of the Prairies also has some Airbnb options, including at Prairie Lake Lodge. This area is often less busy than the Asessippi boat launch with similar amenities. The lake is wider here so it’s less crowded and, if it is too wavy, you aren’t far from The Shell. The lodge also features a par three golf course, a clubhouse restaurant and a small beach. 

Some of the accommodations around the lake are unique including this converted quonset at Prairie Lake Lodge or this yurt at Dropmore.

You can explore the available rentals here. Be sure to use the map to find the precise location of your rental. Some of the rentals use locations in their titles that tie them to the nearest town, when they’re really located on the lake.

Sunset from the boat launch at Prairie Lake Lodge.

Local Attractions Near Lake of the Prairies

If you don’t want to spend all your time on the water, the area has other interesting attractions. 

Asessippi Ski Resort

The Asessippi Ski Resort is located along the river that feeds Lake of the Prairies and is a short drive from many of the campgrounds discussed above. In the summer, visitors to the resort can enjoy drinks and food on the patio or spend the day zipping down the trail on mountain bikes. The resort took a break from summer operations during the 2023 season for maintenance so make sure to confirm operations have resumed before you visit.

Asessippi Beach & Campground

Located a few minutes away from Lake of the Prairies, Asessippi Beach & Campground has a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Their location along the river makes it a great place to launch your own tube and spend the day relaxing and floating down the river. The campground features a disk golf course, a ball diamond, a volleyball court and a concession. They also host special events such as the Hidden Gem Music Fest and ball tournaments so make sure to check their website when planning your trip.

The Asessippi Beach & Campground is located along the Trans Canada Trail.

Inglis Elevators

This  national historic site is worth visiting, especially if you aren’t familiar with farming on the prairies. Inexpensive guided tours are available in the summer and they’ll take you inside the historic wooden elevators that were once a prominent feature of the prairie landscape. Here, you can learn how grain was moved and stored while the elevators were operational. 

The Inglis Elevators have even been featured on the Rick Mercer Report.

Spend an Afternoon in Russell

Russell is a cute little town to visit for a day or afternoon. You can visit local shops such as Prairie Collective Co. and Tin House and grab lunch at a variety of local restaurants. 

If you’re looking for more outdoor activities, Russell has an outdoor pool and access to the Trans Canada Trail.

Even if you’re only passing through, no trip to Russell is complete without a stop at Connie’s Drive In. There’s almost always a line here, and for good reason. All the food is excellent but their burgers are amazing and worth the stop every time. To top it all off, their ice cream is delicious and they have unique options like dipped cheesecake and blueberry cheesecake flurries.

Experience Manitoba’s Natural Beauty

Visiting Lake of the Prairies and the surrounding area in the summer is a great way to explore Manitoba. A little off the beaten path, this area provides local charm and quiet adventures making it a wonderful place for a relaxing getaway. 

Lake of the Prairies.