Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Canada Manitoba Gimli New Iceland

New Iceland

Icelandic settlement in Manitoba established in 1875.

Gimli, Manitoba

Added By
Alex Timian
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
A Viking statue in Gimli commemorates the area’s Icelandic heritage.   Krazytea/CC BY-SA 4.0
The Lake Winnipeg Visitor Center   Krazytea/CC BY-SA 4.0
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

In the late-19th century, Sigtryggur Jonasson led a group of Icelandic immigrants to Northern Manitoba and the shores of Lake Winnipeg. The expedition hoped to find a suitable place in Canada to begin a new settlement abundant with farmland and natural resources, and not so different from the Nordic landscape of Iceland.

Jonasson travelled back to Iceland, recruiting people who were hit by hardships, including a devastating volcanic explosion, to start a new life in the woods of Canada. In 1875, the Canadian government granted Jonasson and his band of Icelanders the 60-square kilometers they wanted, and termed it the Icelandic Reserve. A small settlement was set up independent of Canada, although not recognized as its own republic, and a constitution was even drafted.

Unfortunately, a terrible winter set in on the settlers. Disease, snow, and brutal cold tested the Icelanders who, though used to the cold, were still not prepared for such weather. Many died, and by 1880, the area had been reabsorbed by the Canadian government and the experiment of New Iceland came to a close.

Still, the area rebounded, and the Icelandic influence very strong. Almost 1 in 5 Icelanders came to North America during the late 19th century, and many of them settled and stayed in Manitoba. A New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli tells the tale of the Icelandic settlers.

Related Tags

Micro Nations Immigration

Know Before You Go

Gimli may be the best place in the world to get a taste of old Iceland. You can purchase a type of Icelandic cake called Vinetarta at the local bakery. Visit the New Iceland Heritage Museum to learn the whole story and shop the Vikings Purse Gift shop. Hnausa General Store (Civic 20008, Hnausa, MB R0C 2R0, Canada) sells an array of homemade and packaged treats. 

Community Contributors

Added By

atimian

Edited By

siguvan, Alex Mayyasi, alexis386

  • siguvan
  • Alex Mayyasi
  • alexis386

Published

October 5, 2011

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/mb_history/27/icelandicsettlement.shtml
  • http://www.neatorama.com/2007/07/08/new-iceland-in-canada/
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Iceland
New Iceland
Gimli, Manitoba, R0C 1B0
Canada
50.632992, -96.985161
Visit Website

Nearby Places

Narcisse Snake Dens

Gimli, Manitoba

miles away

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

Saint Andrews, Manitoba

miles away

Prairie Dog Central Railway

Rosser, Manitoba

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Gimli

Gimli

Manitoba

Places 2
Stories 1

Nearby Places

Narcisse Snake Dens

Gimli, Manitoba

miles away

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

Saint Andrews, Manitoba

miles away

Prairie Dog Central Railway

Rosser, Manitoba

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Gimli

Gimli

Manitoba

Places 2
Stories 1

Related Stories and Lists

The Canadian Towns That Icelanders Visit for a Taste of Their Past

food

By Karen Burshtein

Related Places

  • Black Rock.

    Montreal, Québec

    Irish Commemorative Stone

    This boulder commemorates thousands of Irish immigrants that were victims of "ship fever."

  • Yokohama, Japan

    ‘Shake Hands With Lima-chan’

    Commemorating the Japanese migration to Peru, this statue has a sister standing across the Pacific.

  • The antique, embossed tin on the walls and ceiling of the Martin Hotel have an “Arabesque” design motif, popular at the time of establishment.

    Winnemucca, Nevada

    The Martin Hotel

    It may no longer take overnight guests, but the Martin still makes out-of-towners feel at home—just like it has for the past century.

    Sponsored by Travel Nevada
  • House-made hummus, falafel, and dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) at Jasmine Syrian.

    Aurora, Colorado

    Mango House

    At this multicultural hub, refugee chefs serve the foods they miss most from home.

  • Landis Brothers’ House.

    Lancaster, Pennsylvania

    Landis Valley Museum

    This museum focuses on the history and culture of the German settlers in Pennsylvania.

  • Fried Gulf seafood is the star of the show.

    Houston, Texas

    Christie's Seafood & Steak

    At Houston’s longest-running restaurant, find a classic oyster stew beloved by a former U.S. President.

  • The old town square.

    Seborga, Italy

    Principality of Seborga

    This small village claims to be independent from Italy because it was left out when the nation was unified.

  • Mural by Nalye Lor

    Denver, Colorado

    Hop Alley

    A mural and a few historical markers commemorate Denver's once-thriving Chinatown, which was obliterated in a racist riot.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.