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Manitoba’s most popular beach, this stretch of white sand was once serviced by its own rail line that brought sun-seekers out from the city. People still flock here for the dunes and the waves of Lake Winnipeg, as well as a number of birds, including bald eagles, pelicans, and the endangered piping plover. Swim, kite-surf, and build sandcastles, then explore beyond—the park includes more than 2,500 hectares of territory.
Set on a quiet reservoir that doesn’t allow motorboats, St. Malo is a peaceful place. Take your pick from two beaches, or do some picking—chokecherries, Saskatoon berries, and wild plums all grow naturally in the park. Then get out on the water in a canoe, kayak, or even a sailboard—the park has a designated launch area for the latter.
Although situated at a relatively southerly latitude (driving to the US border takes less than 90 minutes), Winnipeg’s landlocked position means it experiences all four seasons in full. Winters are famously cold, with the mercury dropping well below zero for extended periods of time, meaning you’ll have excellent snow for skiing and thick ice for skating. Summers are hot, and this is when the whole city comes outside, soaking up the sun in a series of events, from music festivals to ballet at Assiniboine Park.