Winnipeg Beach City Map Poster

About Winnipeg Beach

The town is named after the beach on Lake Winnipeg, which was named by Samuel Hearne in 1770. The beach was a popular destination for vacationers from Winnipeg and other nearby cities during the early 20th century. It has been said that Winnipeggers would drive to the Beach every weekend in their Model Ts, often with picnic baskets filled with fried chicken and bottles of ginger ale.[1] History [ edit ] Winnipeg Beach began as a summer resort community around 1900 when Sir William Whyte purchased land at this location along Lake Winnipeg's southwestern shoreline. He built his home here (now known as "the Castle") and encouraged others to do so also; he offered free lots if they were developed within two years.[2] In 1905, an area resident suggested renaming it "Winnipeg Beach" because it had become such an important tourist attraction for people from Manitoba's capital city.[3] A post office opened later that year,[4][5][6] followed by a schoolhouse in 1907[7].