Though small by Manitoba standards, Beautiful Red Rock Lake is a hidden gem nestled in the central portion of Whiteshell Provincial Park. Spanning over 500 acres, It offers a serene and picturesque retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located alongside Provincial Highway 307, about a dozen miles north of Rennie, the lake is easily accessible yet maintains a tranquil atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Whiteshell Provincial Park, covering 675,000 acres, is a vast wilderness area in southeast Manitoba, adjacent to the borders of Ontario and North Dakota. The park boasts over 200 lakes, with Red Rock Lake designated for cottage development. Cottages here are built on leased Crown land in designated subdivisions, ensuring no overcrowding and preserving the natural wilderness charm. The cottages are primarily situated around the north and east sides of the lake, with the surrounding area heavily wooded and featuring numerous bays, coves, and exposed Canadian Shield bedrock outcroppings.
Red Rock Lake is undammed, with a tributary of the Whiteshell River flowing through it, providing excellent fishing opportunities, especially in the inlet and outlet areas. The lake has been stocked with walleye for many years, and anglers can also find northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, and occasionally lake sturgeon. While detailed information on public boat launches is scarce, car-top boats can be launched from Crown lands, allowing for various water sports such as water skiing, tubing, sailing, wakeboarding, and swimming.
Despite its secluded feel, Red Rock Lake is close to convenience. The resort at Brereton Lake to the south and the small general store on White Lake to the north provide necessities like groceries, gas, and convenience items. The nearby town of Rennie, about 12 miles south, offers additional amenities, including a rustic hotel, Whiteshell-licensed outfitters, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, and the Alf Hole Goose Sanctuary.
Red Rock Lake is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a variety of outdoor activities. The Trans-Canada Trail, a multi-use trail, runs along the east shoreline of the lake, providing excellent hiking and biking opportunities. The Cabin Lake Hiking Trail, starting at the western end of the cottage road on the north side of Red Rock Lake, offers access to the secluded Cabin Lake nearly three miles away. The area is also ideal for wildlife viewing, with deer, black bear, fox, coyote, raccoon, muskrat, beaver, owls, hawks, eagles, osprey, herons, ducks, geese, shorebirds, and loons commonly spotted.
In winter, the lake and surrounding area become a playground for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and ice fishermen. The rugged wilderness and pristine waters of Red Rock Lake provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and rejuvenating escape, whether fishing, hiking or simply soaking in the natural beauty.