Better Together: Top Manitoba Ice Fishing Trips for Two

Valentine’s does not have to mean a dinner reservation and a crowded restaurant. In Manitoba, some of the best winter dates happen out on the ice, tucked into a warm shelter with rods set, snacks on hand and the kind of quiet that makes everything feel a little more special. From cozy Ice Castle setups that feel like tiny cabins on the lake, to sleeper houses where you can stay out for the evening bite and turn the whole day into an overnight memory, it is an easy way to mix comfort, adventure and time together.

The best part is how many ways you can build the weekend. You can keep it simple with plowed access and a lively community atmosphere, upgrade to a SnoBear experience that lets you move from spot to spot in heated comfort or pair a fishing day with fixed-roof cabin stays that include fireplaces, hot tubs, spas, ski hills and winter trails. Whether you are chasing greenbacks, whitefish, pike, perch or lake trout, the options are there to make Valentine’s feel like a real getaway, not just another day on the calendar.

Ice Castles, the “Winter Cabin on the Lake” Valentine’s Experience

An Ice Castle-style setup is basically an ice fishing date that feels more like a cozy, tiny cabin than a basic shack. You get insulation, proper seating, space to relax between bites, and the kind of comfort that lets you stay out through prime evening hours without counting the minutes until you can warm up. The best part is that many Ice Castle experiences can include overnight stays, so you can fish later, settle in, and turn the trip into a true on-ice getaway. For couples, it is the sweet spot between adventure and comfort. You are still out on the ice chasing fish, but the experience is built for staying awhile, taking photos, bringing snacks, and settling in like it is your own little winter suite.

Trophy Greenback Walleye in Ice Castle Comfort - Kannuk Outfitters

For a classic Lake Winnipeg Valentine’s plan, Kannuk Outfitters makes it easy to turn a day on the ice into something that feels more like a cozy winter getaway. Their Lake Winnipeg fish house rentals focus on Ice Castle style comfort on the south basin, right in prime greenback walleye territory, so you can chase trophy fish without giving up the warm, relaxed vibe that makes it feel date worthy. If you want to make it more than a day trip, you can also book overnight stays, which makes it easy to fish later, slow the pace, and wake up ready to do it again.

What makes this option especially couples-friendly is how simple it can be. Meet up, get set up in a heated shelter with pre-drilled holes, settle in side by side, then let the day unfold, fishing, snacking, warming up, and staying out for those key windows when Lake Winnipeg walleye tend to bite best.

A Couple-Friendly Overnight Sleeper House on “Big Windy” - Gaune Fishin'

If you want the Valentine’s version of Lake Winnipeg ice fishing, where the experience feels like a mini getaway instead of a quick day trip, Gaune Fishin' is an easy fit. Their sleeper house setup is built around comfort, warmth and staying out longer, with day and overnight hardhouse options that include transportation to and from the ice. That takes a big piece of stress out of planning; you can focus on the date, the fishing and the lake itself.

The best part for couples is the pace. You can spend the day chasing greenbacks, then roll right into the evening bite without packing up early or racing back to shore. Instead, you have a warm hardhouse to settle into, bring snacks, pour a hot drink and keep a line down while the lake does its thing. When you are ready to call it a night, the sleeper setup lets you turn “one more hour” into an overnight memory on the ice.

A Couples Getaway on Pelican Lake - Ice Hole Fishing Adventures

Ice Hole Fishing Adventures is a fun Valentine’s option if you want a couples' ice fishing getaway that feels scenic and relaxed, not rushed. They operate on Pelican Lake near Ninette, a big, shallow prairie lake set in the rolling landscape of southwestern Manitoba, the kind of place where the horizon feels wide open and sunsets can be just as memorable as the bite. Pelican’s common species include walleye, northern pike and yellow perch, so you have a true multi-species menu for the day.

For couples who want to turn fishing into a full experience, Ice Hole offers an Ice Castle option built for overnight ice camping, pre-heated and set up for staying out longer, plus hard-sided ice shack rentals that come pre-heated with pre-drilled holes and the basics you need for a worry-free day on the ice. If you would rather keep it more active and cover water together, they also offer guided SnoBear adventures, a heated tracked machine that lets you move around during the day with a guide included.

A Valentine’s Winter Getaway on Hecla Island - Gull Harbour Resort and Marina

Gull Harbour Resort and Marina on Hecla Island is an easy way to turn a winter weekend into a real Valentine’s escape, with rugged Lake Winnipeg shoreline, quiet spruce forest, and a good chance of spotting wildlife like moose, deer and foxes while you are out exploring. Accommodations range from inn-style rooms to shoreline cabins, so you can wake up to lake views, then head straight into a day built around greenback walleye.

On the ice, you can keep it simple or go full luxury. Guests can use the on-site ice shacks for free if they bring their own gear or upgrade to an Ice Cave rental for a warmer, cabin-like fishing setup. If you want comfort and mobility, SnoBear options are available and the ice taxi service makes it easy to get to and from your fishing spot without worrying about transportation.

When you are done fishing, the island still delivers. There are winter activities like skating, cross-country skiing and groomed snowmobile trails, plus rentals that let you explore beyond the beaten path. To wrap it up with a Valentine’s touch, their restaurant offers a special Valentine’s menu each year and encourages guests to celebrate with whoever they love, from friends and family to a significant other.

A SnoBear Date for Lake Winnipeg Greenbacks - Icebound Excursions

If you want a Valentine’s Day on the ice that feels warm, comfortable and a bit more adventurous than sitting in one spot all day, Icebound Excursions is a strong option. Their daily SnoBear rentals make it easy to fish Lake Winnipeg in a heated, windproof machine built for hardwater travel, so you can chase trophy-class greenback walleye without needing to own the setup yourself.

For couples, it is the kind of experience that naturally feels like a mini adventure. You ride together, stay out of the cold and hop from spot to spot as conditions change, keeping the day moving and fun. The big bonus is confidence. Icebound is built around local experience and safe travel, with GPS-based navigation and an operator who knows how to break down the lake and stay on active fish, so you can focus on the moment and the bite.

A Valentine’s Weekend Ice Village on the Red River - LockportLIVE

LockportLIVE is one of the easiest ways to turn a winter weekend into a fun, low-stress date on the ice. This free, community-supported ice village on the Red River is built for accessibility, with plowed roadways and 27 bays that can each hold several shacks, so you can drive right out, pick a spot you like and get set up without reservations. They have even added lights to some street signs, which makes evening fishing feel more inviting and easier to navigate.

It is a great option for couples because you can do it your way. No shack, no problem, drill a hole and fish right beside your vehicle. Have a shack or a tent? Set it up and come back another day; just watch for removal notices. Want maximum comfort? Rent a heated ice fishing trailer through Red River Cats, with the entrance located beside them at 669 River Road and grab bait or supplies there or at Lockport Grocery. If one of you is not all in on fishing, there is still plenty to do with a skating rink, plus crokicurl and Slingshot Alley. Then top it off with the most legendary part: order Domino’s and have it delivered right on the ice. Pizza on the river is a pretty perfect Manitoba Valentine’s story.

An Adults Only Winter Cabin Escape in the Whiteshell - Barrier Bay Resort

Barrier Bay Resort is one of those rare Manitoba stays that feels made for couples. It is adults-only, quiet and tucked into the shoreline in Whiteshell Provincial Park near Seven Sisters Falls, so the whole weekend naturally leans romantic: slow mornings, no crowds and that unplugged feeling you get when the forest closes in and the lake goes still. It is also close enough to Winnipeg to make it an easy Valentine’s escape without spending half the weekend driving.

The cabins are the main draw, designed for cozy nights in after you have been outside. You can book a one-bedroom hideaway like Grey Owl, with a king bed, gas fireplace and a whirlpool Jacuzzi tub that makes warming up part of the experience or choose a larger multi-bedroom cabin if your Valentine’s plan turns into a couples weekend with friends. When you want to add a little winter adventure, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are right there and if you want to keep the trip tied to angling, the surrounding Whiteshell waters offer excellent multi-species opportunities, including walleye and northern pike, so it is easy to build in time on the ice between cabin comfort and winter exploring.

A Valentine’s Whitefish Getaway in Riding Mountain - Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a great Valentine’s choice when you want fishing to be the anchor, but still want a full winter getaway around it. This clear basin in Riding Mountain is one of Manitoba’s top destinations for lake whitefish, with the kind of fishing that keeps things exciting all day, plus you always have a shot at a bonus northern pike.

What makes it feel couples-friendly is how easy it is to build a weekend without bouncing all over. Fish during the day, then switch straight into comfort mode with Klar So Nordic Spa at Elkhorn Resort, think hot tubs, saunas, steam room, cold plunge and serious relax time. If you want another date activity beyond the ice, the area has great winter trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking, with even more groomed options at Northgate Trails near Dauphin.

Quick planning note, Manitoba angling licences are not valid in national parks, to fish in Riding Mountain National Park you need a Parks Canada fishing permit.

Winter Cabins and Ski Days at Falcon Trails Resort - Falcon Lake

Falcon Trails Resort is a solid Valentine’s base in Whiteshell if you want a cozy cabin stay with winter adventure right outside the door. Their cabin options range from snug, couples-friendly stays to larger lodges for group weekends, with lakefront comfort touches such as private hot tubs, wood-burning fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens for quiet nights in.

For daytime plans, you can spend a few hours at Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes, then warm up at the Owl Wing Coffee House and Nordic Centre, where rentals make it easy to add cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking. If you want to keep fishing in the mix, Falcon Lake is also a great winter spot for northern pike, with walleye and yellow perch in the system too, so you can drill a few holes, chase flags, then head back for the hot tub and fireplace.

A Waterfall Cabin Valentine’s Escape with Trophy Ice Fishing - Wekusko Falls Lodge

Wekusko Falls Lodge is a perfect pick if you want to take Valentine’s north and make it feel like a true winter adventure. Set right beside Wekusko Falls near Snow Lake, the scenery is a big part of the experience, with rushing water, rock and that remote northern feel before you even step onto the ice.

For couples, it blends comfort and bucket list vibes. You can fish hard through the day, then head back to a warm, renovated cabin for a relaxed evening together. On the ice, the multi-species potential is the draw; walleye, northern pike and lake trout are key targets and the option to stay into the evening bite makes it feel like more than a quick daytime trip.

A Trophy Lake Trout Valentine’s Getaway with an American Plan Option - Bakers Narrows Lodge

If your idea of Valentine’s is a northern road trip, big water and a real shot at a lake trout worth framing, Bakers Narrows Lodge turns the trip into a true winter getaway. You are based on Lake Athapapuskow near Flin Flon, with comfortable cabin accommodations that make it easy to warm up and enjoy the evenings together after a full day outside.

For couples, the biggest perk is how simple it can be. Their All-Inclusive Hardwater Package pairs a multi-night stay in a private log cabin with an American Plan-style meal plan, three meals a day, plus fully guided fishing, ice transportation and all required gear. If you want more flexibility, they also offer winter packages that combine a cottage stay with a couple of guided ice days, perfect for mixing one big fishing day with slower cabin mornings and cozy nights in.

A Northern Cabin Getaway with Multi-Species Ice Fishing - Viking Lodge

If you want a Valentine’s trip that feels like a true northern escape, Viking Lodge brings together cozy cabins, great food and a multi-species fishery right out front. Located on First Cranberry Lake near Cranberry Portage, it is a drive to destination where you can settle in quickly, with an on-site restaurant and general store to keep the weekend simple.

The cabins are a big part of the couple's appeal: modern, spacious and winter-ready, giving you a warm home base for slow mornings and relaxed evenings after a full day outside. On the ice and beyond, you can chase lake trout on the Cranberry Lakes, then switch gears to walleye and northern pike, with backcountry options available for couples who want to explore new water together. Guided experiences are also available if you want the easiest, most efficient way to stay on fish and practical extras like an on-site tackle shop, fuel and propane refills make winter logistics feel effortless.

Valentine’s in Manitoba, build your perfect winter date on the ice

Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out, Manitoba has no shortage of Valentine’s options that turn a day of ice fishing into a full winter getaway. You can book a luxury on-ice setup where everything is warm and ready for you, choose an overnight sleeper house experience that lets you stay on the bite into the evening or hop in a SnoBear for a comfortable, move-around-style day that feels like an adventure together.

If you would rather pair fishing with a real cabin stay, there are fixed-roof retreats across the province where you can spend your day outside, then come back to fireplaces, hot tubs, saunas and great meals, with winter trails, skating, skiing and snowmobiling close by. However you build it, the best part is that you can make it your own, a few hours on the ice and a cozy night in or a full weekend that mixes trophy fishing with winter experiences you will actually remember long after the season ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Valentine’s Day ice fishing experiences in Manitoba?

Top options include luxury Ice Castle-style shacks with Kannuk Outfitters, overnight sleeper house fishing with Gaune Fishin', a scenic Pelican Lake couples day with Ice Hole Fishing Adventures, a full resort winter getaway on Hecla with Gull Harbour Resort and Marina, a SnoBear date day with Icebound Excursions, and a laid-back ice village day at LockportLIVE.

Can you stay overnight in an ice fishing sleeper house or Ice Castle in Manitoba?

Yes. For overnight-on-ice options, couples can look at sleeper house stays with Gaune Fishin, Ice Castle-style stays with Kannuk Outfitters, and overnight-capable setups with Ice Hole Fishing Adventures on Pelican Lake.

Do I need my own gear for guided ice fishing and SnoBear trips in Manitoba?

It depends. Gull Harbour Resort and Marina has free-to-use ice shacks for guests who bring their own equipment, while Icebound Excursions focuses on SnoBear rentals, and Ice Hole Fishing Adventures offers guided SnoBear trips and hard-sided shacks. Many guided and rental packages can include some equipment, but it varies by provider.

Where are the best places to catch greenback walleye on Lake Winnipeg in winter?

Great greenback-focused options include south basin experiences with Kannuk Outfitters and Gaune Fishin, SnoBear fishing with Icebound Excursions, and Hecla-based fishing with Gull Harbour Resort and Marina.

Do I need a special fishing licence to fish in Riding Mountain National Park at Clear Lake?

Yes. Manitoba fishing licences are not valid in national parks. To fish Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park, you need a Parks Canada fishing permit, and it is a good idea to confirm current permit details before your trip.

Can you stay overnight in an ice fishing shack in Manitoba?

Yes. We recommend using an outfitter like Kannuk Outfitters, Gaune Fishin and Ice Hole Fishing Adventures, which offer sleeper shacks for comfortable, safe overnight stays.

Do I need experience to try ice fishing?

No. Booking a fully guided trip in a tracked vehicle or a rented shack with an outfitter means all the gear and setup are handled for you.

Author

Keevin Erickson | Hunt Fish Consultant

Keevin Is a passionate hunter and angler with a love for filming, photography, and writing. Watch for his blogs where he'll share his tips, techniques and stories as he explores the province.

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