Lake of the Prairies is a man-made reservoir stretching 67 kilometres in length, located near the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border in the parkland region of western Manitoba. It was created in 1968 following the construction of the Shellmouth Dam on the Assiniboine River. The lake sits west of Inglis, south of Roblin, and north of Russell, making it one of the larger lakes in the western half of the province and a prominent recreation destination in the region.

Asessippi Provincial Park occupies the southern section of the lake, with approximately 6 kilometres of the lake falling within park boundaries. The park serves as a primary launching point for water activities and includes a government campground, a public boat launch, and a fishing dock. Additional access points and amenities are available at private facilities including Ricker's Campground, Lost Meadows Resort, and Sunset Valley Resort, the latter of which operates a boat launch with daily ($10) and seasonal ($100) rates, dock access, parking, and a fillet shack. Canoe and boat rentals are available on the lake.

The lake supports fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch, which means paddlers will share the water with motorized fishing boats and recreational watercraft engaged in water skiing and windsurfing. Paddlers looking for quieter river experiences can use the lake as a base for exploring the Assiniboine and Shell Rivers, the two rivers that feed the reservoir and shaped the valleys of the region during glaciation.

The lake is described as a popular destination for a range of water sports, so paddlers should expect boat traffic, particularly during summer months. Canoe rentals are available locally for those without their own equipment. The surrounding parkland region also offers birding opportunities, adding a natural history dimension to time spent on the water.