Little Limestone Lake in Manitoba is a cool spot where the water changes color like magic! When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, it turns a stunning turquoise thanks to some fancy science stuff with calcium carbonate. But when the weather cools down, the water goes crystal clear. It's like having your own little slice of the Caribbean right here in Canada. Plus, you can paddle around, and spot all sorts of wildlife. Just remember to leave only footprints behind and respect the land.

Getting There

From Winnipeg, take Highway 6 north and continue straight until you see the sign on the left that reads “Welcome to Little Limestone Mosakahiken Cree Nation 312 Treaty 5 Territory.” Turn left here to access the lake. While the lake is located within Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park, it is managed by the Mosakahiken Cree Nation, not Manitoba Parks. This means you won’t find it listed in the Manitoba Parks reservation system, and camping reservations must be made directly through the Mosakahiken Cree Nation (details below). Since it’s a non-operational provincial park, there are currently no day-use fees for now.

What Makes Little Limestone Lake Special?

Little Limestone Lake is the world’s largest marl lake. Marl lakes change color based on temperature due to their clay and calcium carbonate-rich sediments. When it’s hot, the lake transforms into a stunning opaque turquoise or milky blue, while colder temperatures turn it crystal clear.

For more details on how to prepare your visit, check out our Ultimate Guide to Little Limestone Lake available in our link in bio on Instagram.

Best Things to Do at Little Limestone Lake

1. Swimming

Unlike glacier-fed lakes like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, Little Limestone Lake isn’t freezing cold, making it a great spot for a refreshing swim. The pebble beach near the parking lot provides easy access, and the gentle depth makes it family-friendly.

Pro tip: Wear water shoes—the lakebed is rocky.

1. Paddleboarding

Exploring the lake by paddleboard is a must! We love using our inflatable paddleboard from Canadian Board Co. because it’s lightweight and easy to pack for road trips. If you’re interested, use our code REAL_DIARI_ADVENTURES for 10% off your purchase (If you buy something with our discount code, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We haven’t been paid by any retailers; these are simply our genuine recommendations) . However, keep in mind that the lake is often windy, and conditions can change quickly, so don’t paddle too far from shore.

1. Canoeing

On our first visit, we went canoeing, but strong winds pushed us off course, forcing us to carry our canoe along the shore to return. If you choose to canoe, do so responsibly and be prepared for unpredictable weather. We rented our canoe from Winnipeg Canoe Rental before heading to the lake, as there are no rental shops nearby. You may be able to rent water equipment from cabins and campgrounds (Hobbs resort, Moak Lodge & Camping, Cook's Campground and Cabins) located in Grand Rapids, 40 mins from Little Limestone Lake.

1. Boating & Fishing

Some visitors bring their own boats for fishing. If you plan to fish, you’ll need a valid Manitoba fishing license and possibly, a special permit for Little Limestone Lake. Contact Manitoba Conservation for more information.

Where to Stay

1. Camping

Camping at Little Limestone Lake requires permission from the Mosakahiken Cree Nation at (204) 678-2113. Keep in mind that there are NO amenities like potable water, washrooms, or designated campsites, and mosquitoes are relentless in the summer. The available space in front of Little Limestone Lake is not that big, so to preserve this natural gem, we recommend non-invasive camping, like tent camping or camping in a little boler, or choosing a nearby campground instead.

1. Nearby Campgrounds

Here are 3 campgrounds in Grand Rapids, just a 40-minute drive from Little Limestone Lake:

• Hobbs Resort

• Moak Lodge & Camping

• Cook’s Campground & Cabins

Where to Eat

The nearest town, Grand Rapids (40 minutes away from Little Limestone Lake), has a few eateries, but options are limited, so plan accordingly.

You can also pack food from home and bring garbage bags to carry out your waste.

Important Reminder

To help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, always clean, drain, and dry watercraft and related equipment.