Gladstone, Manitoba is an unincorporated urban community nestled within the Municipality of WestLake – Gladstone. Previously holding town status until January 1, 2015, this quaint community is conveniently located on the Yellowhead Highway at the intersection with Highway 34. The Gladstone railway station also provides Via Rail service, making it easily accessible for visitors.
The area now known as Gladstone was initially referred to as Third Crossing, owing to its location at the third crossing of a prairie trail over the Whitemud River. As settlement increased in 1872, the community was renamed Palestine. However, in 1879, it was renamed a final time to Gladstone, in honor of the British Prime Minister of the time, William Ewart Gladstone. On July 18, 1882, the community was incorporated as the Town of Gladstone. The town later amalgamated with the communities of Lakeview and Westbourne on the first day of 2015, forming the present-day Municipality of WestLake – Gladstone.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Gladstone had a population of 928, living in 407 of its 443 total private dwellings. This represented a 4.4% increase from its 2016 population of 889. With a land area of 2.39 km2 (0.92 sq mi), it had a population density of 388.3/km2 (1,005.7/sq mi) in 2021.
Gladstone is often affectionately referred to as "Happy Rock", a playful twist on the community's name: "happy" being synonymous with "glad", and "rock" with "stone". The Happy Rock monument, located along Highway 16, serves as the symbol and mascot of the community. It also functions as the visitor information centre, playing a crucial role in local tourism. On July 5, 2010, Canada Post even issued a commemorative stamp of the Happy Rock as part of its Roadside Attractions collection.
Gladstone is served by Via Rail's Winnipeg–Churchill train, making it a key railway station in the region. This connectivity enhances the community's appeal, making it a convenient destination for tourists and locals alike.
