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Gimli, Manitoba - At this scenic port town, in 1870's, Icelandic settlers established the Republic of New Iceland. Gimili (it was named for the home of the Norse Gods) and the small towns surrounding it are known as the cultural heartland for the largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland. Located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, 80 kilometres north of the city of Winnipeg, each year the region draws both summer cottagers and about 100,000 tourists. The lake is the 13th largest freshwater lake in the world. The spirit of Iceland is celebrated mid-summer with the Icelandic Festival, which attracts about 30,000 people. Gimli also has a popular and unique annual summer film festival, which features 'beach seating' with a huge off-shore movie screen. |
