Island Lake (Manitoba)

Lake Remote Manitoba lake popular for fishing and cottages

Main image

Island Lake is a freshwater lake in northeastern Manitoba, Canada, notable for its numerous islands and for supporting nearby First Nations communities. The lake is a regional hub for local fishing and transport.

The shoreline and islands are used for fishing, boating and access to remote community settlements; the area is characterised by boreal forest and typical northern Manitoba freshwater habitat. Visitors see a mix of inhabited islands and undeveloped shorelines rather than formal visitor facilities.

The lake and its islands have long been home to Indigenous communities and remain important for local livelihoods, transport and cultural life. Over time the lake has continued to serve as the focal point for nearby settlements.

Island Lake sits in northeastern Manitoba and is part of a broader lake-and-wetland landscape well north of Manitoba’s southern agricultural belt.

  • Local communities: The Island Lake area contains multiple inhabited islands and shore communities that form part of the Island Lake First Nations region.

What to See #

  • Garden Hill region: One of the lake's larger island communities with residential settlements and local services serving the surrounding First Nations area.
  • St. Theresa Point and Wasagamack area: A collection of islands and shore settlements that together form a remote, lake-based community network used for fishing and local transport.
Island Lake (Manitoba)
53.7841, -94.4171

How to Get to Island Lake (Manitoba) #

Island Lake is accessible by regional roads from Thompson and other northern Manitoba communities; driving distances are long and services sparse. Charter flights or floatplane access are sometimes used for more remote cabins and lodges.

Tips for Visiting Island Lake (Manitoba) #

  • If canoeing or kayaking, obtain updated charts and local guidance-wind and sudden weather changes can make conditions tricky.
  • Bring insect repellent during the summer months; Manitoba wetlands can be mosquito-heavy at dusk.
  • Hire a local fishing guide to find the best spots; licences may be required for angling.

Best Time to Visit Island Lake (Manitoba) #

Summer provides the best recreational conditions; spring and fall are quieter and cooler.

Summer
June-August · 15-25°C
Warm water and long daylight-best for boating, fishing and paddling.
Spring/Autumn
May, September-October · 5-15°C
Fewer bugs and cooler weather; some services may be limited.

Weather & Climate near Island Lake (Manitoba) #

Climate

Island 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 22°C. Moderate rainfall (557 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -17°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-22°
Feels Like Freezing
-22°C
Temperature
-28° -17°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -24°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.

Comfort

-19°
Feels Like Freezing
-19°C
Temperature
-24° -13°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-18° -5°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 88 mm of rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-10° -4°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-23° -14°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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