Though it lies midway between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, HeclaGrindstone feels like a seaside park. That is because it is located in the middle of the southern lobe of Lake Winnipeg, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. In fact, the park encompasses more water than land. The terrestrial elements include three large islands, a number of small islands, and the Grindstone Peninsula.

Hecla Island is the most accessible and developed area of the park. If you visit Hecla Island in May or early June, your wildlife viewing may begin as soon as you are on the causeway. Western grebes favour the water between the mainland and the island as a stage for their elaborate courtship rituals. Whether you catch this display or not, there is plenty to see, spring through fall, the minute you reach Hecla Island itself. On this end of the island lies Grassy Narrows Marsh, one of Manitoba’s finest wetlands and the best natural area in the Park.

You can explore the marsh via five trails and boardwalks, all of them easy walking, which range in length from 0.5 to 10.6 kilometres. Two also allow mountain bikes. Form the main parking lot, many people begin their explorations by heading west on Chorus Frog Trail.