Berens River, a community nestled in Manitoba, Canada, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, at the mouth of the Berens River, this community is a part of a larger population centre collectively known as Berens River. This includes the adjacent Berens River 13 reserve, both of which are served by the Berens River Airport.
Until 2017, Berens River was only accessible by winter road, boat, or airplane. However, the completion of an all-weather road from Bloodvein in December 2017 has connected Berens River to the provincial road system, linking it to Provincial Road 304. This road construction has made the community more accessible, fostering a stronger connection with the rest of the province.
The Berens River community has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The First Nation and fur trade community was officially established during this period, although the area had been a traditional hunting and fishing spot for thousands of years.
The first Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) fur-trade post at the mouth of the Berens River was established in the winter of 1814. Named after Joseph Berens, the HBC governor from 1812 to 1822, this post was reestablished as an outpost of the HBC post at the Pigeon River in 1821. By the fall of 1824, it became a full post again. In 1842, a new warehouse was built, and the post served as a transshipment point and to protect the trade at Little Grand Rapids, located about 140 kilometres upstream of the Berens River.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Berens River had a population of 71 living in 21 of its 47 total private dwellings. This was a change of -47.4% from its 2016 population of 135. With a land area of 5.12 km2, it had a population density of 13.9/km2 in 2021. The bordering Berens River 13 reserve of the Berens River First Nation had a population of 1,028 according to the 2011 Canada Census.
Berens River experiences a humid continental climate. The highest temperature ever recorded in Berens River was 40.0 °C (104 °F) on 11 July 1936. The coldest temperature ever recorded was −47.2 °C (−53 °F) on 28 December 1933. This range of temperatures offers a diverse climate that adds to the unique charm of this community.
