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St-Laurent, Manitoba

Historic Métis village on the eastern shore of Lake Manitoba — where generations of fishermen have read the water and called this place home.

Lake Manitoba Shore · Métis Heritage
~800
Population
~$145K
Avg Property Price
Village
Municipality Type
Interlake
Region

About St-Laurent

St-Laurent occupies a particular place in Manitoba's history that most visitors don't expect: this quiet lake village is one of the province's oldest continuously inhabited Métis communities, with roots stretching back to the era of the Red River Settlement when Métis buffalo hunters and fishermen established parishes along Lake Manitoba's eastern narrows. The Catholic parish of Saint-Laurent, founded in the 19th century, remains the spiritual and cultural anchor of the community, its steeple visible from the lake road that has been the village's main artery for generations.

Lake Manitoba itself is the draw — and it's a serious one. At over 4,700 square kilometres, Lake Manitoba is the twelfth-largest lake in Canada, and the narrows near St-Laurent concentrate walleye, northern pike, and perch into some of the province's most productive fishing grounds. Commercial fishing has shaped this community for 150 years, and recreational anglers who discover the area quickly become regulars. Summer evenings here involve boat launches at dusk and fish cleaning at dawn — a rhythm unchanged for decades.

For real estate buyers, St-Laurent offers something increasingly rare: genuine lakefront and near-lake rural property at prices that still reflect the community's off-the-radar status. As Lake Manitoba's profile rises among Winnipeg anglers and cottagers, values are moving, but slowly enough that patient buyers can still find remarkable value. The surrounding RM of St-Laurent encompasses agricultural land where grain farming and cattle ranching coexist with the lake-oriented village economy — a combination that gives this corner of Manitoba its particular character.

Property Types

🏠 Village Homes

Older bungalows and two-storey homes on generous village lots. Many have been in families for generations; others offer renovation potential at entry prices.

From ~$90K

🌊 Lakefront Properties

Direct Lake Manitoba frontage — acreages and cottage-style properties with dock access to the narrows. The most sought-after category in this market.

From ~$180K

🌾 Rural Acreages

RM of St-Laurent agricultural land and rural residential acreages. Mixed grain and cattle properties with Lake Manitoba proximity and genuine privacy.

From ~$120K

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St-Laurent Manitoba unique for real estate buyers?
St-Laurent sits on Lake Manitoba's eastern shore and is one of Manitoba's oldest Métis communities, with roots in the Red River Settlement era. It offers genuine lakefront and near-lake properties at prices far below comparable lake access elsewhere, combined with a tight-knit community with deep cultural heritage.
What is the fishing like near St-Laurent?
Lake Manitoba is one of Manitoba's largest lakes and a premier fishery for walleye, northern pike, and perch. St-Laurent's location near the narrows gives it excellent access to prime fishing grounds. The commercial fishing tradition here dates back generations of Métis fishermen.
How far is St-Laurent from Winnipeg?
St-Laurent is approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, roughly a 75-minute drive via Highway 6 north to the Portage la Prairie area and then northwest on PTH 68. It's a genuine rural retreat rather than a commuter community.
What types of properties are available in St-Laurent?
St-Laurent offers lakefront and near-lake acreages, older village homes on large lots, and rural residential properties in the surrounding RM of St-Laurent. Properties with direct Lake Manitoba access are the most sought-after and represent excellent value compared to similar water access in other provinces.
Is St-Laurent a francophone community?
Yes. St-Laurent has strong Franco-Manitoban and Métis roots, with the parish of Saint-Laurent established in the 19th century. French remains spoken by many long-time families, and the community maintains its Catholic parish heritage alongside its Métis cultural identity.
What is Manitoba's Land Transfer Tax and how does it affect St-Laurent buyers?
Manitoba charges Land Transfer Tax on all property purchases: 0.5% on the first $30,000, 1.0% on $30,001–$90,000, 1.5% on $90,001–$150,000, 2.0% on $150,001–$200,000, and 3.0% on amounts over $200,000. First-time buyers may receive a rebate of up to $1,500. At St-Laurent's typical price points this tax is modest.