West Hawk Provincial Park wilderness guide
Provincial Park · MB

West Hawk Provincial Park

West Hawk Provincial Park is known for its unique glacial lake, excellent scuba diving opportunities, and diverse recreational activities in Manitoba’s Whiteshell region.

Provincial Park1,2004+ Trails

Designation

Provincial Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,200

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About West Hawk Provincial Park

West Hawk Provincial Park is known for its unique glacial lake, excellent scuba diving opportunities, and diverse recreational activities in Manitoba’s Whiteshell region.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

West Hawk Provincial Park is located in southeastern Manitoba, Canada, within the renowned Whiteshell Provincial Park region. The park centers around West Hawk Lake, a deep, circular crater lake formed by a meteorite impact approximately 358 million years ago. This lake is Manitoba’s deepest natural lake, with depths reaching over 270 feet, making it a world-renowned destination for scuba diving due to its clear waters, underwater rock formations, and aquatic life. The park’s landscape is characterized by mixed boreal forests, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches that provide scenic waterfront and inland exploration options. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and winter sports such as ice fishing and snowshoeing. West Hawk Provincial Park also has well-maintained campgrounds and day-use areas, making it an accessible destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s ecological environment supports various wildlife such as white-tailed deer, beavers, and many bird species, adding to the natural appeal. Its combination of geological significance and recreational versatility attracts divers, anglers, hikers, and campers seeking both adventure and relaxation in Manitoba’s wilderness.

Field Guide · Provincial Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near West Hawk Provincial Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ West Hawk Lake meteorite crater—the deepest lake in Manitoba✦ World-class scuba diving with clear, deep waters and underwater rock formations✦ Sandy West Hawk Lake beach and boating opportunities✦ Winter ice fishing and snowshoeing on and around the lake
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in West Hawk Provincial Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Scuba Diving

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Snowshoeing

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Ice Fishing

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in West Hawk Provincial Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in West Hawk Provincial Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Provincial park day-use fees apply; camping requires reservations

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in West Hawk Provincial Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

West Hawk Campground

Located on the southeastern shore of West Hawk Lake, featuring electrical hookups, a boat launch, and sandy beach access.

Cedar Point Campground

Smaller campground offering quiet lakeside sites near hiking trails and swimming areas.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near West Hawk Provincial Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Falcon Lake, Manitoba
⌖ 17.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Falcon Lake, Manitoba

Falcon Lake offers year-round outdoor fun with hiking, paddling, fishing, and skiing amid Whiteshell Provincial Park’s forests and lakes. It’s a top spot for nature lovers and families seeking lakeside adventure close to Winnipeg.

Late Spring through Fall, and Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Kenora, Ontario
⌖ 23.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kenora, Ontario

Kenora is your ideal base for outdoor adventures in Northwestern Ontario. Enjoy paddling, fishing, and more on Lake of the Woods, surrounded by endless wilderness.

Elma, Manitoba
⌖ 40.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Elma, Manitoba

Elma, Manitoba is a tranquil getaway for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching near Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. Enjoy quiet forests, serene lakes, and winter trails for skiing and snowshoeing.

Late Spring to Early Fall for most activities; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Hadashville, Manitoba
⌖ 41.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hadashville, Manitoba

Hadashville offers peaceful access to Manitoba’s boreal wilderness with excellent hiking, paddling, fishing, and winter skiing nearby. It’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking solitude and nature immersion.

Late spring to early fall for warm weather activities; winter for skiing
Explore Town
Whitemouth, Manitoba
⌖ 44.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitemouth, Manitoba

Whitemouth, Manitoba offers tranquil paddling on the Whitemouth River, peaceful hiking trails, and winter cross-country skiing in boreal forest surroundings. It’s a quiet rural spot perfect for nature lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Late Spring to Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snowshoeing and skiing
Explore Town
Pinawa, Manitoba
⌖ 44.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pinawa, Manitoba

Pinawa, Manitoba offers riverside trails, excellent paddling on the Winnipeg River, and year-round outdoor activities from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing. Its mix of wilderness and history makes it a rewarding spot for adventure seekers.

Late Spring to Early Fall for warm-weather activities; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in West Hawk Provincial Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.