The Lake Winnipeg area is home to the Cree and Ojibway native Canadians. Hudson's Bay Company explorer Henry Kelsey worked with them to develop the fur trade in the late 1600's. By the early 1700's, Pierre Gaultier de Varennes came on the scene, providing unexpected competition for that trade. By the late 1800's, European immigrants arrived on Lake Winnipeg's shores, including a large settlement from Iceland.

As a major attraction for relaxed vacationers and adventure eco-tourists both, the lake and its shores offers boating, hiking, cycling, camping and heritage activities. Wildlife viewing is popular - Lake Winnipeg provides a protected area for Piping Plovers, and it is a destination for migratory birds, including the American White Pelican.