Pier Reviews
Iconic Village of Dunnottar piers build tradition and community every summer
By Leigh Patterson
Photo contributions: Leigh Patterson, Catherine Sproat, Brenda Walker
Every May and June, residents of the Village of Dunnottar watch with anticipation as poplar piers are painstakingly constructed at select sites along a small stretch of the southwest shoreline of Lake Winnipeg. For generations, the beloved tradition of pier building in the village heralds the beginning of summer, and, when they’re dismantled in late September, mark its end. But during those short four months the piers host unique, time-honoured traditions: family celebrations, access to prime swimming spots, watching the sun rise, photography, stargazing and more. The piers are the perfect vantage point to simply sit and bear witness to the vast beauty and moody nature of Canada’s sixth largest freshwater lake.
The Village’s Public Works department is responsible for constructing eight public piers – two or three in each of the Village’s three hamlets – but there are a number of smaller piers paid for and built by residents for their private use every season.
Taking a stroll on a picturesque Dunnottar pier is to delight in the traditions of a simpler time, while creating new memories to treasure.
Creating Memories
Randy and Eleanore McMahon, who’ve operated Aaron’s on the Lake Bed and Breakfast in Ponemah since 2018, say the piers are key among the charms that lure guests to their idyllic lakeside retreat. “The piers are so important to us, locals and our guests. They have also been a constant presence in photos for our intimate weddings,” says Eleanore. Guests from all over the world have marvelled at the matchstick piers, with one Belgian guest commenting that “they are sturdier than they look!” When the piers go up, “it means summer,” says Eleanore, who delights in hearing the pier builders laughing as they work. People love sitting out on the piers in the dark, stargazing and watching the northern lights. “On a beautiful starry night, it’s like being in the Planetarium,” notes Randy.
Coffee Talk
Coffee, chats and camaraderie can be expected on most weekday mornings at the Milne Beach pier. Brenda Walker started “Coffee on the Pier” in 2025, a casual opportunity for villagers to wander down with a coffee in hand as they start their day. “It’s a great way to meet people,” says Walker. “There’s no membership, and no rules. You don’t need to comb your hair or brush your teeth; it’s just a time to take for yourself and chill. It’s all about connection.” Upwards of seven or eight people will drop in to listen to the orchestra of birds and get to know their neighbours. “There’s something about sitting in the sun and watching the sunlight glitter like diamonds on the water,” says Walker. “We could be out here for hours, and some days it’s hard to get up and leave.” She notes that The Village Brew Company has offered to bring coffee to the group one morning. The name of their signature blend? Putting Up The Piers, of course.
When You Visit:
The Village of Dunnottar is located about an hour’s drive north of Winnipeg and consists of three hamlets: Matlock, Whytewold and Ponemah. The Milne Beach pier is the most accessible of the piers; parking is limited at other locations. If you go on a day trip, there are a number of local businesses and points of interest in the community that are worthy of a visit:
Matlock General Store - groceries, firewood, fishing bait and tackle
Whytewold Emporium - restaurant, greenhouse
Julia’s Place - restaurant specializing in Ukrainian food
The Dunnottar Station Museum & Ponemah Beach Central Art Centre - historical railway station and cultural hub
