Falcon Lake, Manitoba: A Gateway to Adventure Falcon Lake, located in the southeasternmost section of Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba, is a vibrant unincorporated urban center known for its diverse recreational activities and rich history. This picturesque lake is situated about 152 kilometers east of Winnipeg, near the Ontario border, making it a popular entry point to Whiteshell Provincial Park from the Trans-Canada Highway (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia). Historical Background The lake and its surrounding area have been significant for many years. Named after Métis poet and songwriter Pierre Falcon (1793-1876), Falcon Lake appears on the Palliser map of 1865. It has a long-standing history as a favored destination for summer visitors, including famous figures such as Neil Young.
Falcon Lake is renowned for its extensive outdoor activities throughout the year.
Golfing: The Falcon Lake Golf Course, designed by Norman H. Woods, is an 18-hole public course that opened in 1958. It provides a scenic and challenging experience for golf enthusiasts.
Horseback Riding: Falcon Beach Ranch offers horseback riding, sleigh rides, and wagon rides, continuing a tradition that began in 1959
Skiing: The Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes, established in 1960, provide facilities for alpine and cross-country skiing, including a biathlon range used for training and events.
Hiking and Boating: Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy the swimming beach, and utilize the public boat launch for various water activities (Eastman Tourism) (Falcon West Hawk Chamber).
Fishing: The Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off is an annual event where anglers compete to catch the heaviest fish from pre-drilled ice holes.
Falcon Lake hosts several annual events, such as Beaver Days, a winter festival featuring snowmobiling, skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Another notable event is the Falcon Lake Floppet, a Nordic ski event held annually since 2018 (Falcon West Hawk Chamber).
Falcon Lake is also famous in ufology for the Falcon Lake Incident, a notable UFO sighting on May 20, 1967. This event has intrigued many and continues to be a point of interest for visitors. As of the 2021 Census, Falcon Lake had a population of 383, living in 177 of its 796 private dwellings.
The area offers a range of seasonal activities due to its humid continental environment, which features mild summers and bitterly frigid winters. Falcon Lake is a year-round destination combining natural beauty and a rich history to appeal to adventure seekers and those seeking a serene atmosphere.
