West Hawk Lake sits in the southeast corner of Manitoba within Whiteshell Provincial Park, approximately 145 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg and just 4 kilometres west of the Manitoba-Ontario border. The lake is accessible via Highway 44, roughly 2 kilometres north of the Trans-Canada Highway. Its most distinctive characteristic is its origin: the lake occupies a meteorite impact crater estimated to be at least 100 million years old, a fact confirmed by gravity surveys showing severely fractured bedrock beneath the lake floor. This geological history gives the lake its notably circular shape, approximately 3.6 kilometres in diameter, and its exceptional depth of around 111 metres — making it the deepest lake in Manitoba. The surface area covers roughly 3,700 acres.

The water is described as extremely clear. Granite rock walls line a large portion of the shoreline, and the lake contains 12 islands, most of which are concentrated on the north end. The combination of rocky cliffs and island-dotted northern reaches makes for visually interesting paddling terrain.

A boat launch with an adjacent beach is located at the main beach area, providing straightforward access for paddlers. West Hawk Marine, situated at the main beach, rents canoes and kayaks by the hour, half day, or full day, as well as paddleboards and paddle boats. Canoe and kayak rentals run approximately $27–$76 depending on duration. The marina also provides fuel and accessories.

The lake accommodates a range of motorized watercraft including personal watercraft and powerboats, so paddlers should be aware of boat traffic, particularly during peak summer months. That said, the lake does not see an overwhelming volume of traffic during summer. The presence of motorized rentals and a sailing club that uses Big Island Landing for instruction indicates the lake supports mixed-use water recreation.

For paddlers looking to combine time on the water with land exploration, granite cliffs along the shoreline offer elevated views of the surrounding Whiteshell Provincial Park, and nearby Caddy Lake features tunnels accessible by water. The broader park trail network is also accessible from the West Hawk Lake area.