• About the Lake
  Key Facts and Figures

About Lake Manitoba

Key Facts and Figures

There are many interesting facts and figures about Lake Manitoba.

For example...

• The lake is irregularly shaped and is about 200 km long.
• Lake Manitoba's maximum width is 45 kilometers.
• Lake Manitoba is quite shallow; its maximum depth is approximately 7 meters of 23 feet.
• It is the smallest of the three large lakes found on the floor of prehistoric Glacial Lake Agassiz.
• The lake is subdivided into two connected but distinctly different basins: a small irregular-shaped north basin and a much larger south basin.
• Lake Manitoba drains northeast into Lake Winnipeg, via the Dauphin River.
• It is part of the Nelson River watershed that flows into Hudson Bay.
• Lake Manitoba is primarily fed by Lake Winnipegosis via the Waterhen River, with an average annual contribution of 1.9 million acre feet (2.4 cu km).
• There is an estimated 236,700 hectares (ha.) marshland surrounding the lake. These provide vital habitat for many species of wildlife.
• The southern tip of the lake, 24 km north of the city of Portage la Prairie Manitoba, ends at the Delta Marsh, which is a very important staging ground for migratory birds.
• Delta Marsh is one of the largest lacustrine marshes in North America. It has been recognized as a "Wetland of International Significance" under the Ramsar Convention.
• For many years there have been claims that a monster similar to the Loch Ness Monster and Ogopogo lives in the lake. It has been named Manipogo. Many people have claimed to have seen Manipogo.
• Lake Manitoba has the most important winter fishery in the Province of Manitoba.
• Three hatcheries surround the lake. These are used to restock the lake with Walleye. The hatcheries are in: St. Laurent, Swan Creek and Lonely Lake.
• Agriculture surrounding Lake Manitoba varies substantially from south to north.
• Cattle ranching is the dominant agricultural practice surrounding Lake Manitoba.
• There are approximately 2,000 cottage properties surrounding Lake Manitoba.
• Eleven rural municipalities surround Lake Manitoba.
• The most populated rural municipality surrounding Lake Manitoba is Portage la Prairie, with approximately 6,800 residents.
• The least populated rural municipality surrounding Lake Manitoba is Lakeview with approximately 350 residents.
• Five First Nation Communities surround Lake Manitoba.
• The most populated First Nation Community surrounding Lake Manitoba is Sandy Bay with approximately 2,500 residents.
• The least populated First Nation Community surrounding Lake Manitoba is Crane River with approximately 430 residents.