Things to do in the Summer at Inverness Falls Resort

Summer in the Whiteshell is made for being outside, and during your stay at Inverness Falls Resort, you can enjoy your favourite activities close by while still returning to the comfort of your cottage, suite, cabin, or chalet. The lake, river, and surrounding trails come alive during the season, offering plenty of opportunities to swim, paddle, hike, fish, and explore.

Summer fishing is less about chasing the perfect catch and more about the time spent outdoors. It’s showing the kids or grandkids how to bait a hook between fits of giggles or high-pitched “ews!”, feeling yourself finally relax as you look out across the lake and breathe in the country air, or hearing rustling along the shoreline and watching as deer stroll by. Reeling in a catch is great, but fishing is really about the moments in between.

Brereton Lake is approximately 3 by 5 miles long, has an average depth of 15 to 18 feet, and is home to walleye, northern pike, perch, black crappie, and smallmouth bass. Guests often settle in on one of our two docks, a favourite spot to pull up a comfortable chair, cast a line, and take in the view. If you’d rather head out a little farther, rent our 16ft boat or take advantage of our complimentary rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the deeper stretches.

If you’re looking for something quieter, the stream winding through our property and joining the Rennie River offers a peaceful option. Head down with a rod and see what’s biting, or paddle out in a canoe or kayak and try your luck along the river’s bends.

You don’t have to leave the resort to enjoy a beach day. Located right in front of the resort, our beach is a summer favourite for guests of all ages. The shoreline slopes gradually into the lake, making it ideal for younger swimmers to wade and play, while adults and couples can head farther out for deeper water. The soft sand is perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or relaxing with a good book for the afternoon.

While dogs aren’t permitted on the main beach, they can still join in on the fun at Canine Cove. Located next to the boat launch, this dedicated area gives you and your pet a place to swim, splash, and cool off on a warm day. It’s perfect for a game of fetch or simply relaxing together by the water.

Head out onto Brereton Lake in one of our canoes or kayaks and follow the shoreline where the open water and natural shoreline make a wonderful place to paddle, explore, and simply enjoy the beauty of the Whiteshell. Kids especially enjoy trying out paddling for the first time, and often love taking the pedal boat out with mom or dad to experience the lake right on the water.

For something a little more secluded, paddle the stream that cuts through the resort as it leads toward the Rennie River. Just below the little falls, the stream widens into a navigable stretch that’s perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Downstream, you may spot deer along the banks, a busy beaver at work, or even a blue heron standing quietly in the shallows.

For a longer outing, the Mud Turtle Lake adventure begins with a paddle across Brereton Lake to the Mud Turtle portage, where a 45-minute hike leads to the secluded backcountry lake. It’s a beautiful way to experience a quieter, more remote side of the Whiteshell without travelling too far from the resort.

Guests receive complimentary use of our recreational equipment, including canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, rowboats, and mountain bikes.

Summer is a great time to get out and explore the trails. With full forest cover and a variety of nearby trail options, it’s an easy and exciting way to spend time outdoors.

A favourite activity at the resort is hiking or biking along the section of the Trans Canada Trail that runs directly past it. Guests often follow this route all the way to Cabin Lake, making the trail approximately 18.6 km out-and-back (9.3 km one way).

The first 4.7 km are suitable for both hiking and biking and lead to a bridge overlooking the Rennie River. It’s a beautiful spot and makes for a great turnaround point for hikers who don’t want to complete the full trail. Beyond the bridge, the remaining 4.6 km continues toward Cabin Lake and is designated for hiking only.

Once at Cabin Lake, take your time enjoying the scenery, cool off with a quick swim, or bring your rod and try fishing for walleye or pike.

Another opportunity for hiking and biking is the Inverness Trails. Winding through a Red Pine Plantation and looping through varied terrain, they offer beautiful forest scenery where you can immerse yourself in nature. Along the way, you’ll spot raspberries and blueberries, offering a tasty snack right along the trail.

Beginning from Chalet Road, the 1 km River Trail winds along the Rennie River. Though short, it offers beautiful views, opportunities to spot waterfowl and other wildlife, and wildflowers growing through the brush along the way.

If you feel like extending your hike, the River Trail connects to the 4.3 km Amisk Trail loop. The trail begins along the river, then weaves through the forest and rocky outcroppings, with interpretive signs that share stories of the area’s natural and cultural history.

Both trails are designated for hiking only.

If you’re looking to turn a summer afternoon into an adventure, Mud Turtle Lake delivers.

Paddle across Brereton Lake for roughly an hour to the Mud Turtle portage. From there, a 45-minute hike leads you through the forest to a secluded lake that feels far removed from everything.

When you arrive, the stillness makes the effort worthwhile. Tucked away from the busier lakes, Mud Turtle offers a location where you can truly settle into the surrounding forest and enjoy the Whiteshell at its most peaceful, all within reach of the resort at the end of the day. It’s a rewarding combination of paddling, hiking, and exploration.

Wildlife is part of everyday life here in the summer months.

Deer often walk along the forest edge in the early morning or evening, while foxes sometimes dash between the trees. Along the trails and shoreline, you might hear the calls of grouse or blue herons, the croaks of frogs, or the steady chitter-chatter of squirrels moving through the brush.

Overhead, eagles and hawks soar as turkey vultures circle high above. Pelicans and swans glide across the lake’s surface, and ravens are rarely far away. For those who enjoy nature photography, Inverness Falls offers no shortage of moments worth capturing.

Early in the season, wild roses and lady’s slippers bloom, marking the start of summer. As the weeks unfold, wild bergamot and swamp milkweed appear, drawing in butterflies and brightening open shoreline and forest edges. Blue vervain rises in tall purple spikes, standing out in wetter areas and open edges.

Purple coneflowers and black-eyed Susans bring bright bursts of colour, while along the trails you may come across wild strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, adding a small, delicious twist to your adventure.

To see what else may be blooming during your stay, explore our Wildflower Guide.

It’s a summer tradition to gather around a bonfire at the end of the day, and when that fire is set beside the soft sound of the river flowing by, it’s hard to beat.

Our two riverside bonfire areas give you space to sit back and watch the light fade over the water. With the river moving steadily beside you, the fire crackling, and the stars appearing above, it’s an easy way to finish the evening.

While there’s plenty to fill your days right here at the resort, a short drive opens up even more of what summer in Whiteshell Provincial Park has to offer.

Fishing: In the Whiteshell, you’re never far from a great fishing spot. Within 30 to 45 minutes, you can reach nearly all of the park’s road-accessible lakes. Our Guest Information Package includes a helpful guide to Whiteshell lakes and the fish species found in each, along with a list of great offshore fishing locations to explore.

Caddy Lake Tunnels: A must-visit for paddlers, the Caddy Lake Tunnels let you paddle through historic rock tunnels carved during early railway construction.

Whiteshell Natural History Museum: Located near Nutimik Lake, this is a fascinating stop to learn more about the region’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history.

Lily Pond: A scenic roadside stop along Highway 44, this small area is great for viewing water lilies in bloom (July through August) and features interpretive signs along the shore.

Pine Point Rapids Trail: Follow the Whiteshell River past rapids and waterfalls on either a 5 km or 8 km loop. Forest sections and rocky viewpoints make this a rewarding summer hike.

Bannock Point Petroforms: Explore the ancient rock arrangements shaped into animals, humans, and geometric forms, created by Indigenous peoples long ago.

Hanson’s Creek Trail: This 7 km out-and-back trail offers varied terrain, forest views, and one of Whiteshell’s iconic red bridges.

Tennis Courts: Located across from Brereton Lake Campground, the public tennis courts are available for a friendly match. We’re happy to lend complimentary rackets to our guests.