Minnedosa Lake, reservoir in Manitoba, Canada
Minnedosa Lake is a man-made reservoir in Manitoba, Canada, located near the town of Minnedosa and fed by the Little Saskatchewan River. The water covers about 233 acres with maximum depths around 20 feet, creating calm conditions suitable for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking throughout the warmer months.
The lake was created between 1910 and 1912 as a dam-fed reservoir to power a hydroelectric station, making Minnedosa one of Manitoba's first communities with its own electricity supply. The completed dam began operations in 1912 and served multiple purposes: generating power for homes and businesses while also supplying water to the town and Canadian Pacific Railway locomotives.
The lake serves as a gathering place where the community comes together for celebrations like Canada Day in summer with music, food, and fireworks. Over time, the water has become woven into local identity through rowing traditions, family beach outings, and stories passed down about the town's early development.
The lake is easily accessible by car and offers multiple zones for swimming, picnicking, and camping along the shoreline. The area features a sandy beach, boat launch ramp, playgrounds, water park and splash park facilities, concession stands for food and drinks, and ample parking for visitors arriving throughout the day.
While the 1948 flood caused by dam spillway failure left a lasting mark on local memory, fewer people realize the lake became a venue for international sports competitions. It hosted rowing races during the 1999 Pan American Games and remains a recognized training ground for rowing clubs across Canada.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
