Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba is a charming town nestled on the west shore of the Winnipeg River, 115 km northeast of Winnipeg. This Canadian gem is enveloped by the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Locals affectionately pronounce the word "Bonnet" as "bonny."
The history of Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba dates back to around 1732 when French explorer and fur trader Pierre Gaultier La Verendrye named the lake after its bonnet-like shape. The name "Lac du Bonnet" was first documented on a map by explorer Joseph Derouen in 1760.
In 1926, Lac du Bonnet became home to the #1 Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The base even established a pigeon rookery as a backup communication system to wireless telephone transmitters. The RCAF operations in Lac du Bonnet continued until 1937.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lac du Bonnet had a population of 1,064 living in 496 of its 549 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of 2.3% from its 2016 population of 1,089. With a land area of 2.26 km2, Lac du Bonnet had a population density of 470.8/km2 in 2021.
Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba is a hub of activity throughout the year. The town celebrates Canada Day on July 1st with a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, car show, and bingo. In November, the streets are adorned with Christmas-themed lighting, and a Christmas tree is erected for children to visit Santa.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore designated snowmobile trails leading into Lac du Bonnet, with specific parking areas and five warming shelters. Volunteer organizations maintain these trails. In early March, the river becomes a fishing hotspot with a thousand holes for the local ice fishing derby.
The annual Fire & Water Music Festival takes place on the August-long weekend, attracting artists from across the country to perform their music.
Lac du Bonnet holds a special place in Manitoba's history as the location of the province's first airmail flight on October 4, 1927. A plaque and marker on the east side of Park Avenue by 3rd Street commemorate this event. The flight carried around 85lbs of mail from Lac du Bonnet to Bissett and Wadhope.
