Provincial Road 376 — Gypsumville to Dawson Bay via Lake Winnipegosis East Shore
The lake nobody knows, the road nobody drives.
Provincial Road 376 doesn’t appear on most overlanders’ radar, which is exactly why it belongs on yours. The route runs north from Gypsumville along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipegosis — one of the largest lakes in North America that most people have never heard of — through a flat mosaic of poplar bluffs, wetland margins, and gypsum karst topography that gives this part of the Interlake its strange, slightly lunar quality. The gypsum outcrops near the Gypsumville end are a legitimate geological curiosity; sinkholes are real and the terrain here swallows vehicles that wander off the graded surface. North of Camperville the road quality drops, the truck traffic from the fishing industry thins out, and by the time you’re approaching Dawson Bay you’re rolling through genuine Manitoba backcountry with lake views that stretch to the horizon.
This is primarily a gravel road trip — a stock 4WD handles dry conditions fine, but the clay-gypsum mix goes slick fast in rain and a high-clearance rig is smarter. The route is long enough that fuel planning matters: Gypsumville at the south end, Ste. Rose du Lac to the east, and Swan River to the northwest are your options. Cell service is spotty at best. Dawson Bay has basic services. Best season is June through September; spring breakup makes sections impassable. No permit required. This is a drive that rewards patience and punishes hurry.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180.2 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 905 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD dry / 4WD after rain |
| Nearest town | Gypsumville, Manitoba |
| Land manager | Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | gov.mb.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run PR 376 without issues?
Yes, in dry conditions a high-clearance 2WD vehicle handles this route fine. After rain, the clay-heavy sections turn greasy fast and 4WD becomes necessary — Manitoba gumbo mud is no joke.
When does PR 376 typically open and close for the season?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring thaw (April–May) turns the surface to mush and the road can be formally closed or impassable. Snow and freeze-up arrive early in October this far north.
Do you need any permits or passes to drive this road?
No permits required — PR 376 is a public provincial road maintained by Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure. It's free to drive.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
There's no single technical crux — this is an easy-rated gravel and dirt corridor. The challenge is remoteness: 112 miles with minimal services, soft shoulders after rain, and sections that narrow down with no real turnaround options if conditions go bad.
How much fuel do I need, and is there anywhere to resupply along the route?
Start with a full tank in Gypsumville — there are no guaranteed fuel stops along the eastern shore. Dawson Bay has a small community at the north end but don't count on it for fuel; carry enough for at least 150 miles to be safe.
Trail track
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