The Narrows is an unincorporated community in the Interlake region of Manitoba, Canada, situated on the northern part of Lake Manitoba within the Rural Municipality of West Interlake.

In stormy weather, the wind and waves crashing on the limestone cliffs on the north end of the island created an eerie drumming sound, which the Indigenous Peoples believed to be the sound of a huge drum beaten by Manitou, the Great Spirit.

[1][3] As such, Indigenous people knew these waters as Manito bau or Manito wapaw, Cree for the 'narrows of the Great Spirit' or 'the Spirits’ Narrows'.

[3][4][5] In 1738, the lake was named lac des Prairies by La Vérendrye.

While his republic was short-lived, a year later when he joined Louis Riel’s council at Fort Garry, Spence’s choice was selected as the name of the new province, and the letter 'H' was dropped.