Work Hard. Play Harder.
When the workday is done, it’s time to play in Lac du Bonnet.
Lac du Bonnet is a community that has a diverse and exciting mix of year-round recreational activities to enjoy, no matter how you like to spend your downtime. From creating your own experiences while exploring hundreds of kilometres of trails and waterways to learning new skills by taking one of the many classes and workshops hosted in the community, you’ll enjoy the diversity of recreation opportunities in Lac du Bonnet.
Bingo in Lac du Bonnet
The only Game in Town, Monday night Dabber Bingo at the Legion, is operated under the Manitoba Gaming Authority rules and regulations and is open to all. If you enjoy playing Bingo, the Legion offers a variety of games and winning opportunities. If Dabbers are too messy for you, head on out for Hard Card Bingo, held every Friday night at the Legion.
The Lac du Bonnet Legion Branch 164 is open to all; no membership is needed, and it is a great place to enjoy meeting community members.
Birding in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet is located on the Northern section of Manitoba’s Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail, with great locations to spot numerous species of birds.
In the Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, you will find various birding opportunities as you walk the trail network that spans 62 acres of pristine nature. Spring owl watching is good anywhere in the park and along Provincial Road 520.
In Lac du Bonnet and along Highway 11 north, you find great birding opportunities along the Winnipeg River. The Lac du Bonnet Dock and Riverside Park are great places to watch for waterfowl. A scenic drive through our country roads will provide you with many unique viewing opportunities.
Boat Launches in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet has over 60 Kilometers of waterways to explore and six public boat launches to help you get out on the water, free of charge!
- The Laverendrye Boat Launch access onto the Winnipeg River – North end of Hwy #502
- Winnipeg River Boat Launch access onto the Winnipeg River – Hwy #313 on the East side of the bridge
- Osprey Boat Launch access onto the Lee River near Lake Lac du Bonnet – Granite Park Road
- Fernwood Boat Launch access onto the Lee River- Fernwood Lane
- Wood Duck Bend Boat Launch access onto the Lee River – Wood Duck Bend
- Riverland School Point Boat Launch access onto the Winnipeg River – located at the end of Anderson Way
Boating and Water Sports in Lac du Bonnet
Boating and Water sports are recreational staples for many of our residents. Lac du Bonnet is a waterway paradise with six boat launches and over 60 kilometres of waterways to enjoy. Try your hand at finding the perfect fishing destination along our rivers, riding the waves while tubing, water skiing, jet skiing, or any of your favourite water sports along our rivers! We even welcome wake boats for wakeboarding and wake surfing along our more extensive waterways, the Winnipeg River and Lake Lac du Bonnet. We ask that you refrain from these activities on the Pinawa Channel and narrow sections of the Lee River so that everyone can enjoy our abundance of waterways.
Bowling in Lac du Bonnet
The Lac du Bonnet Bowling Lanes offers 4 bowling lanes for 5 pin bowling. Join one of our community bowling leagues, or get a group of friends together for a game or two!
The bowling lanes are also available for private rentals, which is great for Birthday Parties, Girls’ Nights out, getting together with the family, and so much more!
For more information about the Bowling Lanes or Leagues, visit the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre website.
Events in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet’s community clubs, organizations, and businesses host an amazing amount of events in the community every year. From classes and workshops to music festivals and ice fishing derbies, there really is something for everyone to enjoy here in Lac du Bonnet.
To check out what’s happening in Lac du Bonnet and learn about our upcoming events, please visit our Community Events Calendar on MyLdB!
Skiing and Snowshoeing in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet has two dedicated cross-country ski trails, The Agassiz Cross-country Ski Trial, with four loops and a total of 11 kilometres, and the Bluewater South Trail, with 10 kilometres (in and out) of cross-country ski trail and 7 kilometres of snow snowshoe trails (in and out). For maps and more information, visit MyLdB, cross-country ski, and snowshoe trails.
Lac du Bonnet’s trails are managed by two teams of dedicated volunteer organizations, the Agassiz Cross Country Ski Club and the Lac du Bonnet Trails Association, who groom and maintain the trails all season.
Ski and Snowshoe Rentals in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba
Winnipeg River Recreation runs a Borrow for Free Program where residents and visitors in Lac du Bonnet can borrow everything they need for a day or two of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on our trails. This program is excellent if you’re travelling or want to test out the activity before you commit to purchasing the equipment for yourself.
Curling in Lac du Bonnet
The Lac du Bonnet Curling Club provides a place for people of all ages to participate in Canada’s best winter sport! Get involved by joining one of the leagues or registering for one of the Bonspiels. The curling club has leagues that curl during the day or evening for all skill levels and ages of curlers.
For more information about Curling in Lac du Bonnet, please visit the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre website.
Darts in Lac du Bonnet
The Lac du Bonnet Legion hosts the Lac du Bonnet Dart Association League every Thursday night. The League is open to anyone interested in some friendly competition in a relaxed setting. Experience players are patient and will certainly teach you the basics of the game.
The Lac du Bonnet Legion Branch 164 is open to all; no membership is needed, and it is a great place to enjoy meeting community members.
Fishing in Lac du Bonnet
With over 60 Kilometers of rivers and lakes in Lac du Bonnet, it’s no wonder Lac du Bonnet is one of Manitoba’s hottest fishing and ice fishing destinations. Whether you’re a Professional Angler, Sports Fishermen, fishing enthusiast, or even a newbie to the world of fishing, you will fall in love with our fishing spots!
Discover more about fishing in Lac du Bonnet at MyLdB!
Golfing in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet has two beautiful golf courses to enjoy a round or two!
Experience the 18 spectacular holes of Granite Hills Golf Club, or enjoy 9 holes at Black Bear Golf Club. Both courses offer unique challenges while being friendly to those new to the game. No matter which course you choose, you’ll be treated to the natural beauty surrounding you, from large granite outcroppings to wildlife; the real challenge will be keeping your eye on the ball.
Hiking in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet is truly a unique destination to go hiking through! We have plenty of wildlife, an abundance of plant life, and a breathtaking mix of boreal forest, lakeside paradise, Prairie wonders, and magnificent Canadian Shield!
If you love hiking, Lac du Bonnet is the place for you! Try out the Blueberry Rock Trail for hours of peaceful nature, gorgeous scenery, and blueberries when in season! Or stop by Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park for a stunning walk through this historic site of Manitoba’s first hydroelectric generating station. Enjoy the tall grass, wildlife, and openness of the trail around the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Ponds or explore a portion of the Trans Canada Trail with Blue Water South Trail! It begins at Pinawa Dam and travels approximately 37 km until Great Falls!
Horseback Riding in Lac du Bonnet
With beautiful trails and backcountry sites through the amazing boreal forest and Canadian Shield, Lac du Bonnet is a scenic place to explore by horseback.
Get lost in a world of gorgeous wildflowers, plenty of wildlife, and peaceful scenic trails. This is the perfect way to spend the afternoon with your friends and furry companion. Blueberry Rock Trail and the Blue Water South Trail are fantastic places to explore on horseback.
If you’re looking for horseback riding lessons, Lac du Bonnet has two businesses that offer this service; Little Equestrians focuses on programs for children 4 to 12 and Ridge Creek Ranch provides a variety of equine experiences for the whole family.
Lac du Bonnet Beach
The Lac du Bonnet Town Dock and Beach were redesigned in 2022, but don’t worry; it still offers the same amazing fun. A new dock has been constructed, and a new play structure has been added.
Enjoy your afternoon swimming, building sandcastles, laying in the sun with a good book, or playing with the kids on one of the play structures.
Enjoy the best of both worlds with ample shallow, calm water for your little ones to splash around while more experienced swimmers take in the deep end and enjoy an afternoon of diving off the dock or jumping from the floating platform. With your safety in mind, lifeguards are on duty daily during July and August, and swimming lessons are offered through Winnipeg River Recreation.
Lac du Bonnet Karate Club
Karate – a great workout with the added benefits of learning self-defence and self-confidence while getting in tune with your body. With the Lac du Bonnet Karate Club, there’s plenty of room to have fun and challenge yourself!
The Karate Club offers regular classes for people of all ages and physical conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as Tiny Tigers (aged 5 to 7) on Tuesdays earlier in the evening. They teach a style of karate called Shotokan Karate, which was started by Master Gichin Funakoshi (1868 – 1957), who brought karate from Okinawa to Japan and is considered the father of modern karate.
Students at the Club have the opportunity to participate in numerous events throughout the year with their thriving tournament team that competes in a variety of tournaments. They have also had students participate in Karate Manitoba’s elite Team Training program and have sent athletes to compete in Karate Canada’s national tournament.
Please visit Lac du Bonnet Karate Club’s website to learn more and register.
Lac du Bonnet Legion Branch 164
The Royal Canadian Legion is a non-profit Canadian ex-service organization (veterans organization) founded in 1926, with more than 400,000 members worldwide.
Lac du Bonnet Branch 164 The Royal Canadian Legion serves Lac du Bonnet’s community and provides community engagement for the area. Through regular weekly recreation activities and special events, Branch 164 honours our veterans and engages the community. The Legion is open to everyone; no membership is needed.
The Legion is a great place to meet community members and participate in recreational activities like Bingo, Pokeno, Crib, Darts, Bridge, and more.
The Lac du Bonnet Library
The Lac du Bonnet Library is a cornerstone of our community. You’ll always have something to read or watch with a full catalogue of hard copy and digital lending books, movies, and magazines to choose from. The library also offers computer and internet services, photocopying and faxing. More than that, the library staff are well-known for their events. Join the Library yearly to experience Summer Reading Programs, a Spring Tea, Pajama Storytime Evening, Family Literacy Day, Artists Off the Avenue, Spring into the Library, TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, Preschool Storytime, and so much more!
The Lac du Bonnet Pioneer Club
The Lac du Bonnet Pioneer Club is a 55+ Club that offers various recreational programs and services for seniors in the community of Lac du Bonnet. The Pioneer Club hosts weekly cribbage, bridge, canasta, other games, shuffleboard, and more.
The Pioneer Club is also famous for hosting Community Pancake Breakfasts whenever there is a large community event in Lac du Bonnet. They make and sell some of the best perogies you’ll ever find!
Lac du Bonnet Youth Recreation Centre
The Lac du Bonnet Youth Recreation Centre is dedicated to providing children ages 12 to 18 with a fun, safe, and friendly space for after-school recreation programs three times a week!
Not only is it a space where your teen can make new friends, but also a place that teaches skills and offers new experiences through volunteer opportunities and events.
The Lac du Bonnet Listening Room
The Lac du Bonnet Listening Room hosts regular house concerts and movie nights in Lac du Bonnet’s oldest Church, St. Joh’s Heritage Church and Arts Centre.
These intimate concerts and movie nights in the 115-year-old St. John’s Heritage Church feature some of the best Manitoban and Canadian artists and old-time favourite movies. The historical setting and natural acoustics lend an authentic charm to every event.
The Listening Room was developed by a team of musicians and indie music lovers as a way to promote independent music to the residents and visitors of Lac du Bonnet while helping the fundraising efforts of the Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society.
Parks in Lac du Bonnet
Whether you’re looking for a new picnic location or need to get out and stretch your legs, one of our quiet Lac du Bonnet parks will provide the perfect afternoon outing. You’re bound to find the perfect place to relax with play structures, a basketball court, swings, slides, walking paths, and picnic tables.
Lac du Bonnet has five parks to choose from, each providing its unique charm and recreational activities. Visit MyLdB to learn more about our parks.
Photography in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet is a true photographer’s paradise. From open fields and farmland to the lake shores, river beds, and rock formations of the boreal forest, there is no shortage of locations to find that golden shot. Abandoned barns, farmland landscapes, rock formations, bogs, wildlife, river banks, wildflowers and more will fill your viewfinder and take your breath away. A few of our well-known photography locations include Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, Agassiz Provincial Forest, and the banks of the Winnipeg River. With its ever-changing terrain, all you need to do is drive off the well-travelled road to find the perfect spot.
Recreation Districts in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet has two recreation districts to serve the community’s residents. Both provide Lac du Bonnet with an abundance of all-age recreational programming, fitness classes, workshops, activities, and experiences.
In addition, both recreation districts operate lending programs that allow residents to borrow equipment and games for free. The Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet Recreation Department has games, snowshoes, walking poles, life jackets, an ice fishing kit, and more available through their Lending Program. Winnipeg River Recreation has bikes, snowshoes, cross-country skis, weights and other fitness equipment available through the Borrow for Free program.
Skating in Lac du Bonnet
Skating is a great winter pass time to enjoy with your family and friends. Whether you’ve been skating for years or are just starting, Lac du Bonnet offers two great ice surfaces to try out. Head to the Lac du Bonnet Arena for weekly public skate times or Shinny games. If you truly enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll want to head down to the Lac du Bonnet Town Dock, where the Public Works team creates an outdoor rink on the Winnipeg River.
Snowmobiling in Lac du Bonnet
Snowmobiling is a popular attraction in Lac du Bonnet. Riders from all over the province come here for our quality trails maintained by the Eastman Snopals and Lee River Snow Riders.
These two groups combine to service over 500km of safe trails for riders, complete with warm-up shacks, making Lac du Bonnet a family-friendly spot for snowmobile riders and enthusiasts. Training, safety, and trail information are available on their websites.
Trout Pond in Lac du Bonnet
Angling is one of Lac du Bonnet’s favourite pastimes! The Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association’s Ponds were built where outdoor lovers can spend a day fishing, hiking, having fun, and relaxing located on PTH 11, 1.5 km North of the junction of PR 313.
The Ponds were developed by the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association and stocked with Rainbow, Brown, and Tiger Trout. The scenery is beautiful, with tall grass, wildlife, and openness. Catch and Release are encouraged to ensure a high-quality angling experience for everyone. By rule, all brown and tiger trout must be released; rainbow trout may be kept.
The Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association Ponds is a great place to canoe, kayak or pedal boat. It’s a calm, safe place to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing in Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet is a haven for wildlife viewing as the landscape transitions from farmland into boreal forest, the land of lakes, rivers, and rock. Experience the wilderness by walking the many available trails or venture deeper into the forest for some of the best wildlife watching in the province.
While walking our trails, boating across the river, or simply driving down our back roads, you will encounter any number of beautiful animals such as Beavers, Black Bear, Coyote, Racoon, Red Fox, River Otter, Snapping Turtle, White-tailed Deer, and more.
Winnipeg River Car Club
Do you own a treasured classic? Do you love admiring these beauties? Are you looking for a group of people who shares your interest? Then the Winnipeg River Car Club is the place for you!
Winnipeg River Car Club is based out of Lac du Bonnet, and members from the surrounding area are encouraged to join. There are members from the Town of Lac du Bonnet, the RM of Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, and the RM of Alexander. The club’s main event of the year is the Canada Day Weekend Celebrations held in the Town of Lac du Bonnet, with usually more than 100 cars entering the event. There are members that own cars/trucks from the ’20s through the ’70s, with the odd more modern cars/trucks as well.
The club meets monthly and is always willing to help people find old parts they may need for a restoration they are working on.
During the nice weather, club members will ride to other clubs’ Car Shows or just pick a nice destination for lunch. The ride is usually at a nice leisurely pace and not too far. Many members like this as they get a chance to try restaurants they normally would not go by.
The club is a friendly bunch, and many enjoy the social aspect of the group. To learn more, visit Winnipeg River Car Club’s Facebook.
Lac du Bonnet’s Signature Events
Clubs, organizations, and businesses host many community events. From sporting activities, exciting festivals, unique cultural experiences, fishing derbies, bonspiels, movie nights, fairs, and so much more, there is always something to go out and do in Lac du Bonnet. The best way to find out what’s happening in Lac du Bonnet is to visit the Community Events Calendar on our sister site, MyLdB!
Lac du Bonnet is also home to six Signature Events that our community is incredibly proud to host. These events happen yearly and bring the community and hundreds of visitors together to share Lac du Bonnet’s magic.
Boreal Shores Art Tour
Creativity runs deep in Eastern Manitoba, and inspiration flows at every turn. From the surreal east shore beaches of Lake Winnipeg through the Winnipeg River System to the rugged lake country of the Whiteshell.
Lac du Bonnet comes alive with the Boreal Shores Art Tour as many of our local artists come together, opening their homes and studios for you to enjoy or displaying their works of art at a cooperative location. Located in the centre of the tour, Lac du Bonnet is a great place to stop and rest for the night. Embark on this self-guided tour, enjoying the beautiful works of Eastern Manitoba Artists and the diverse beauty of the boreal forest and shores of the Winnipeg River.
Lac du Bonnet Canada Day Celebrations
Every year our entire community comes together to celebrate Canada Day in the biggest way possible. This three-day celebration, put together by the dedicated volunteer team of the Lac du Bonnet Lions Club, is open for all to enjoy. Thousands of visitors join us because there is no better place to celebrate, and our fireworks display just can’t be beaten.
All weekend long, the Lions Club hosts several family-friendly events. Enjoy the rides at the Wonder Shows’ Midway; gawk at the beautiful vehicles during the Car Show’n Shine; tantalize your taste buds with the best Pickerel Fish Fry in Eastern Manitoba; dare yourself to go higher on a Helicopter tour; test your arm during the Mixed Slo-pitch Tournament, or while catching candy and other goodies during the parade; dance your heart out to live music at the beer gardens, hosted by the Lac du Bonnet Arena Board; and of course, gaze upon the flashing display of the best fireworks display in the province.
Lac du Bonnet Farmer’s Market
The Lac du Bonnet Farmers’ Market is one of Manitoba’s largest Farmer’s Markets. Over 90 vendors attend the market and feature homegrown vegetables, farm-raised meats, homemade foods, unique handcrafted products, and live musical talents. You will always find a great variety of whatever you are looking for, all at reasonable prices!
Join us in Lac du Bonnet every Saturday from May long weekend to September long weekend, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Lac du Bonnet Farmers’ Market – 25 McArthur Street.
Fire & Water Music Festival
Fire & Water Music Festival is an award-winning music festival in Lac du Bonnet. Fire & Water features the best Manitoba offers in Music and Arts. Once a year, on August Long Weekend, a celebration of musicians, visual artists, sideshow performers, dancers, and artisans alike takes place in Lac du Bonnet, with multiple stages of music featuring independent Manitoba musicians; playing everything from Roots Country to Hard Rock, artist workshops, children’s programming and activities.
With past performers, including Dan Frechette & Laurel Thompson, Danny Michel, Ken Kansas, Kimberly Dawn, Mariachi Ghost, Matt Epp, Patrick Alexander, Pistol George Warren, Ray St. Germain, Sierra Noble, and so many more, you never know who may be visiting Lac du Bonnet for the Fire & Water Music Festival.
The Great Outdoors Expo & Market
Hosted by the Lac du Bonnet CDC and its partners, the Great Outdoors Expo & Market features everything outdoors and one heck of a market the first weekend of May every year!
Whether you’re looking for new outdoor gear, the next great adventure, or even looking for artistic outlets and products, you’ll find all that and more! The Great Outdoors Expo will feature everything that outdoors people could dream of, from building a beautiful backyard oasis to finding the best outdoor equipment and showcasing outdoor activities and adventures.
The Artisan Market will feature Manitoban Artisans and their homemade, handcrafted works of art. The Market showcases various products like jewelry, food and beverages, musicians, painters, woodcarvers, small businesses, and much more!
Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby
Always fun and full of surprises, the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is a great way to get out and enjoy one of Manitoba’s favourite winter pastimes. Master Anglers, professional anglers, fishing enthusiasts, and families alike all have a great time out on the ice. The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby is a yearly event that takes place on the last Saturday of February every year.
With the hidden length and time derby, all you have to do is catch a fish for your chance to walk away with the first-place prize of $15,000 cash – yep; you read that right! The Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby has over $60,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, and the best part is, you don’t even have to catch a fish at all to be able to win one of the amazing randomly drawn prizes!
This community event is run to support the community of Lac du Bonnet, with over $180,000 being invested back into the community through grant and fundraising opportunities created by the committee.