Cross Lake (Manitoba)Cross Lake (Manitoba) at a Glance#
Cross Lake is a lake on the Nelson River system in northern Manitoba, Canada, and gives its name to the nearby settlement and First Nation community. The lake and rivers in this area form part of a broad boreal-waterway network used for travel and fishing.
The area is used for freshwater fishing, boating and as a gateway to surrounding boreal forest and riverine wilderness. Services and facilities are limited and seasonal; travel into the region commonly uses regional airstrips or winter roads.
The site lies within the traditional territory of local Indigenous peoples and has long-standing community settlements along its shores. Hydroelectric development on the Nelson River has altered water levels and flows in parts of the river system.
Geographically Cross Lake sits in northern Manitoba on the Nelson River corridor, surrounded by boreal forest and wetlands. The nearest larger centres are regional northern towns; access is by air or seasonal road links.
- Hydrology: Part of the Nelson River system, the lake and adjacent community are important for fishing and local transportation.
Best Time to Visit Cross Lake (Manitoba)#
Summer for fishing and boating, winter only for experienced cold-weather travelers and where ice-road access exists.
Weather & Climate near Cross Lake (Manitoba)#
Cross Lake (Manitoba)'s climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -28°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (502 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -28° - -18° | -32° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -25° - -14° | -28° | 18 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -19° - -5° | -19° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -8° - 4° | -7° | 24 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 0° - 12° | 3° | 45 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 19° | 13° | 68 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 12° - 23° | 17° | 77 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 74 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 14° | 7° | 60 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 6° | -2° | 40 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -13° - -5° | -15° | 30 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -24° - -15° | -28° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Cross Lake (Manitoba)#
Reaching Cross Lake usually requires a drive on regional roads from Thompson or a local flight to nearby airstrips; expect long distances and limited services. Local operators in the Cross Lake community can advise on access and accommodations.
Tips for Visiting Cross Lake (Manitoba)#
- If visiting in winter, check on seasonal ice roads and local advisories - northern Manitoba conditions can change quickly.
- Bring mosquito protection for summer trips; lakes and wetlands attract heavy insect activity.