There is something magical about the drive north from Winnipeg toward Gimli. Maybe it is the anticipation of seeing Lake Winnipeg stretch endlessly toward the horizon. Maybe it is the Nordic flags fluttering in the breeze. Or maybe it is knowing that within an hour of the city, you can suddenly feel like you have stepped into a little lakeside town with its own culture, traditions, and rhythm.
Gimli is one of Manitoba’s most fascinating communities — a place where Icelandic history, prairie hospitality, beach-town energy, and incredible food all come together. What began as a settlement for Icelandic immigrants in 1875 has evolved into one of Manitoba’s favourite summer escapes, while still proudly embracing its Viking roots and rich cultural identity. (Gimli Harbour Authority)
For me, Gimli is more than just a destination. It is a tradition. A place where every visit includes a walk along the harbour, a pickerel dinner, some shopping downtown, and always, always something sweet to bring home.
The Viking Spirit of New Iceland
Before you even reach the water, Gimli’s Icelandic identity is impossible to miss. The town was founded by Icelandic settlers escaping volcanic eruptions, economic hardship, and difficult living conditions in Iceland during the late 1800s. They established what became known as “New Iceland” along the western shores of Lake Winnipeg. (Gimli)
The name “Gimli” itself comes from Norse mythology and roughly translates to “place of peace” or “heavenly abode.” (Gimli Harbour Authority)
The 137th Icelandic Festival of Manitoba – Íslendingadagurinn,
July 31 – August 3, 2026.
Today, Gimli proudly embraces that heritage. Viking imagery, Icelandic flags, Nordic-inspired murals, and stories of the original settlers are woven throughout the town. During the famous Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, Islendingadagurinn, the community comes alive with reenactments, music, art, and celebrations of Icelandic culture. (Travel Manitoba)
Gimli Film Festival
July 22-26 2026
Another thing that makes Gimli feel surprisingly cultural for a small lakeside town is the incredible Gimli International Film Festival. Every summer, filmmakers, artists, and movie lovers gather in town for one of Manitoba’s most unique events. What started as a grassroots festival has grown into the largest rural film festival in Canada, attracting independent films and audiences from around the world.
What makes it unforgettable is the atmosphere. Imagine spending the day at the beach or walking the harbour, then ending the evening watching a movie outdoors beside Lake Winnipeg under the stars. The festival brings an entirely different energy to Gimli — creative, vibrant, and unexpectedly cosmopolitan while still feeling completely relaxed and welcoming.
Even if you are not a hardcore film buff, the Gimli Film Fest is worth experiencing at least once. It perfectly captures the spirit of the town: artistic, community-driven, and deeply connected to the lakeside setting.
The Harbour View That Never Gets Old
One of the first things I always do in Gimli is head straight to the harbour.
Gimli Harbour is one of the largest harbours on Lake Winnipeg and has been central to the town’s identity since the earliest Icelandic settlers realized they needed safe access to the lake for fishing and transport. (Gimli Harbour Authority)
There is something calming about standing along the pier watching fishing boats rock gently in the water while gulls circle overhead. On warm summer days, the harbour feels alive with people walking the seawall, cyclists cruising past, families eating ice cream, and boaters heading out onto the lake.
The marina view alone is worth the drive.
One of my favourite things about Gimli is how easy it is to slow down here. Nobody seems rushed. People linger on patios. Visitors wander into shops without checking the time. The whole town encourages you to relax and enjoy the moment.
And honestly, Lake Winnipeg deserves your attention. On sunny days it can look almost ocean-like, with sparkling blue water stretching beyond sight. It gives Gimli a coastal energy you do not expect in Manitoba.
Gimli’s Growing Food Culture
Over the years, Gimli has quietly become one of Manitoba’s best little food destinations.
You can still find the traditional fish-and-chips spots and classic lake-town diners, but there is also a growing mix of breweries, bakeries, coffee shops, global flavours, and modern prairie restaurants that make the town feel increasingly vibrant.
Places like Interlake Brewing Co. have added a fresh energy to the community with craft beer, patios, and a relaxed social atmosphere that fits perfectly with summer weekends at the lake.
Meanwhile, restaurants throughout town continue celebrating one thing that Gimli arguably does better than anywhere else in Manitoba: pickerel.
Fresh Lake Winnipeg pickerel is practically a religion here.
Lightly breaded, pan fried, served with fries, lemon wedges, and tartar sauce — it is simple food done exceptionally well.
And while there are several places worth trying, I absolutely have my favourites.
My Must Stop:
Ship and Plough Tavern
Every trip to Gimli includes a stop at the Ship and Plough.
For me, this place captures everything I love about lake-town dining: casual atmosphere, cold beer, comfort food, and live music drifting through the room while people laugh around the tables.
Their ribs are my personal favourite — tender, smoky, messy in the best possible way, and exactly what you want after a long day at the beach or walking the harbour.
Pair those ribs with a beer on tap and suddenly the whole day slows down perfectly.
There is also something wonderfully authentic about the Ship and Plough. It does not try too hard. It simply feels like the kind of place where locals and visitors naturally gather together. On live music nights especially, the energy is unbeatable.
You come for dinner and end up staying for another drink because nobody wants the evening to end.
Pickerel Perfection in Gimli
If you leave Gimli without eating pickerel, you did the town wrong.
One of the classic stops is Gimli Beach Boy Restaurant, a longtime favourite known for serving exactly the kind of no-nonsense fish-and-chips meal people crave after a beach day. It is casual, affordable, delicious, and always busy for good reason.
Another essential stop is Kris’ Fish & Chips, where the pickerel is consistently excellent and the portions never disappoint. There is something timeless about grabbing fresh fish near the lake where it was caught.
The beauty of Gimli’s food scene is that nobody overcomplicates things. The ingredients speak for themselves. Fresh fish, crispy batter, fries, coleslaw, cold drinks — simple pleasures done right.
And honestly, eating pickerel while sitting near Lake Winnipeg just feels correct.
Shopping at HP Tergesen & Sons
HP Tergesen & Sons – 82 1 Ave, Gimli, MB
No trip to Gimli is complete without wandering through Tergesen’s.
Locals simply call it “Tergesen’s,” and once you step inside, you understand why generations of Manitobans keep returning.
Part historic general store, part prairie boutique, part nostalgic treasure hunt, this iconic shop somehow balances old-world charm with genuinely stylish finds. Travel Manitoba even highlights it as one of Gimli’s signature experiences. (Travel Manitoba)
The creaky wooden floors alone feel historic.
You can browse clothing, home décor, gifts, kitchenware, Scandinavian-inspired items, books, candles, beach-town essentials, and little things you suddenly decide you absolutely need.
What I love most is that it still feels personal. It is not polished into some generic tourist shop. It has character. You could spend 15 minutes here or lose an hour without noticing.
And honestly, it may be one of the best boutiques anywhere on the prairies.
Save Room for Dessert at Sugar Me Cookie Boutique
Sugar Me Cookie Boutique
Address: 41 Centre St Unit J, Gimli, MB
There is one final mandatory stop before heading home: dessert.
Specifically, vinetarta.
For anyone unfamiliar, vinetarta is a traditional Icelandic layered cake filled with spiced prune filling, and in Gimli, it is more than dessert — it is heritage.
At Sugar Me Cookie Boutique, you can find authentic vinetarta alongside cookies, cupcakes, sweet treats, and baked goods that are almost too pretty to eat.
Almost.
This little bakery perfectly reflects modern Gimli: rooted in Icelandic tradition while still playful, creative, and contemporary.
And bringing home a box of goodies somehow makes the drive back to Winnipeg feel a little less sad.
Bonus Stop: Winnipeg Beach
If you really want to stretch the perfect summer day a little longer, stop at Winnipeg Beach on the way home.
There is something wonderfully nostalgic about Winnipeg Beach. The boardwalk atmosphere, sandy shoreline, and relaxed pace feel like classic Manitoba summers in the best way possible.
Kick off your shoes. Put your feet in the sand. Watch the waves roll in.
Then grab an ice cream cone and take one last lakeside walk before heading back to reality.
It is the perfect ending to a day at the lake.
Why Gimli Keeps Pulling Me Back
Some places are beautiful. Some places have great food. Some places have interesting history.
Gimli somehow has all three.
It is a town built on resilience, culture, and connection to the water. The Icelandic settlers who arrived here nearly 150 years ago created something enduring — a community with its own personality, traditions, and spirit that still feels vibrant today. (Gimli Harbour Authority)
But beyond the history, Gimli simply feels good.
It is the harbour breeze. The pickerel dinners. The live music. The boutique shopping. The smell of sunscreen and lake water on warm afternoons. The Viking statue standing proudly by the shore. The way everyone seems just a little happier near the water.
And maybe that is why people keep returning summer after summer.
Because Gimli is not just a day trip.
It is a Manitoba tradition.