GIMLI, MANITOBA
THE HEART OF NEW ICELAND
In Norse Mythology, Gimli is described as the most beautiful place on Earth; even more beautiful than the sun itself. Manitoba is home to the largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland.
The heart of that community lives in GIMLI.
Top 5 Things to do in Gimli
The Top 5 Inspiration Guide is updated as the seasons change to help visitors explore and enjoy the very best that Gimli has to offer!
Festivals & Events
Gimli hosts wonderful Festivals and Events all year round. You can learn about Gimli's history, discover art and culture, relax and enjoy live music, be part of the Festival of Lights or watch a film on the beach.
See what's coming up soon…
Gimli Trails
Looking for the best trails in and around Gimli? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities during winter, there are plenty of excellent trails in and around Gimli to enjoy.
Discover trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Gimli that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
Did you know?
In 1875, when the first Icelandic settlers arrived in the Canadian West, Manitoba was a tiny “postage stamp” province approximately 33,280 square kilometres
(13 000 square miles).
To the north of Manitoba’s boundary lay the vast unsettled wilderness of the North-West Territories, an area which originally included most of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
Into this area the newcomers from Iceland went to found a colony on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg. Called “New Iceland", the colony was one of the earliest group settlements in the West.
Today, the reserve of land originally homesteaded by the Icelandic pioneers is part of Manitoba's Interlake region.
