Gimli seems to have a fantasy story history, with its roots to the Vikings. In fact, a giant statue of a Viking, replete with the horn helmet that was overhyped as a part of Viking armor, stands near the centre of the town. Indeed, Gimli celebrates its Icelandic roots proudly, with the annual Islendingdagurinn festival.
https://www.icelandicfestival.com
While it could qualify as a legitimate city in the summer when its population soars from a few thousand year-round to over 10,000, it remains a local urban district of the RM of Gimli.
Gimli is much more than its Scandinavian roots. Located on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg, it has beautiful beaches, a large dock where pleasure craft, research vessels and fishing fleets anchor.
It also has a much-sought-after hotel, Lakeview Resorts, numerous boutique shops, lots of great restaurants (most open in summer) and several larger grocery stores.
Gimli has become a focal point for retirees, listing itself as an Age Friendly community. Its collection of apartments and seniors complexes make it an affordable and appealing place to retire, along with its good-quality hospital.