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A causeway links this Lake Winnipeg island to the mainland, and most of it falls within a provincial park. Like nearby Gimli, it was settled by Icelandic immigrants in the late nineteenth century, who fished and farmed here for generations. Today the island mixes boreal forest, marsh, limestone shoreline, and a small restored village that preserves that pioneer history.
Hecla Village is the place to begin, a quiet row of historic buildings along the water. The Heritage House Museum shows how settler families lived, the Hecla Fish Station and Ice House Museum explain the fishing industry that sustained them, and the white wooden Hecla Church still stands as the community's landmark. On the island's northern tip, Gull Harbour has a marina and a resort, and the Lighthouse Trail leads through woods to views of the open lake. Sandy island beaches invite a swim in summer, and the marshes are good ground for wildlife and birdwatching, with moose sometimes seen near the roads. The neighboring Grindstone peninsula adds more shoreline and cottages.
The island suits travelers who enjoy quiet walking, cycling, and lake scenery more than nightlife. Summer is the main season, autumn brings migrating birds and color, and winter visitors come for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
WiserMap travel guideHecla Island Manitoba Icelandic Heritage and Lake WinnipegPlan a trip to Hecla Island Manitoba: Icelandic heritage at Hecla Village, the Gull Harbour lighthouse trail, sandy beaches, wildlife and Lake Winnipeg scenery.Read the guide
Restored Icelandic fishing village founded by settlers in the 1870s, with a self-guided heritage walk along the shore past old homes, a church, a school and a fish station. It feels peaceful and far from the busy world. Pick up the walking tour brochure and allow a couple of hours.
Small Icelandic-heritage village on the mainland where the road toward Hecla Island begins, set on the Icelandic River. It has a few shops, gas and places to eat. Stop to stock up on supplies before crossing the causeway, as services on the island are limited.
Restored fish station on the Hecla Village shoreline that shows how commercial fishermen packed and stored their catch from Lake Winnipeg. Displays explain nets, boats and the seasons of island fishing life. It is part of the village heritage walk and is most interesting with the brochure.
Historic family home in Hecla Village furnished as it was in the early settlement years, showing how Icelandic families lived on the island. Volunteers often share local stories in summer. Check opening hours locally, as the heritage buildings mainly open in the summer season.
Old ice house in Hecla Village where blocks of lake ice were stored in sawdust to keep fish cold through the summer. Exhibits show tools and methods used before refrigeration. It is a small stop on the village walk and a good one to explain to children.
White wooden Lutheran church in Hecla Village, built by Icelandic settlers and still the most photographed building on the island. Its simple interior reflects the community's faith and history. Walk around the quiet churchyard and look across the water toward the mainland.
Area at the northern tip of Hecla Island with a marina, campground, resort and beach on Lake Winnipeg. It is the base for swimming, boating, cycling and trail walks. Book campsites in advance through Manitoba Parks, as summer weekends fill quickly.
Scenic golf course near Gull Harbour set among forest and lake views, one of the best-known courses in the Interlake region. Deer are often seen on the fairways. Book tee times ahead in summer and bring insect repellent, especially in the early evening.
Easy trail through forest and along the shore to the Gull Harbour lighthouse at the island's northern point, with views over Lake Winnipeg. Watch for birds, deer and wildflowers along the way. Wear proper shoes as parts can be rocky or muddy after rain.
Large wetland near the south end of Hecla Island with trails, dikes and viewing towers for watching waterfowl, pelicans, herons and sometimes moose. It is one of the best birding spots in the Interlake. Visit at dawn or dusk for the most wildlife, and bring binoculars.
Peninsula west of Hecla Island, part of Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park, with rocky shores, cottage areas, a beach and quiet roads through forest. It is good for a scenic drive and picnics. Fewer visitors come here than to Gull Harbour, so it is a calm place to watch the lake.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Bob Linsdell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Rob Swystun from Winnipeg, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Bob Linsdell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Hans-Jürgen Hübner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Words in the Wind, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Travel Manitoba, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Travel Manitoba, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Bob Linsdell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Travel Manitoba, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Peter K., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Peter K., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Peter K., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
