The Pas Travel Guide
City City in Manitoba, Canada, near the river
The Pas perches where the Saskatchewan and Pasquia rivers meet, a gateway to boreal parks and fly-in fishing lodges; visitors arrive for angling, Indigenous culture, snowmobile trails and northern light sightings.
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Why Visit The Pas? #
Where the Saskatchewan and Pasquia rivers meet, The Pas serves as a practical gateway to northern Manitoba and nearby Indigenous communities such as Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Outdoor pursuits-fishing for walleye, canoeing and wildlife viewing-are common draws, and local museums and cultural events highlight northern history and Cree traditions. Visitors come for wilderness access, cultural encounters and the region’s seasonal outdoor activities.
Best Things to Do in The Pas
All Attractions ›The Pas Bucket List
- The Pas Museum - Local museum displaying Indigenous history, early fur-trade artifacts, and regional cultural exhibits.
- Carlyle Riverfront - Walkable riverfront area along the Saskatchewan River with benches, interpretive signs, and views.
- Local First Nations cultural centres - Community-run centres offering exhibits, events, and introductions to Cree and Métis traditions.
- Sandy Bay trails - Quiet woodland paths near Sandy Bay ideal for birdwatching and short hikes close to town.
- The Pas Farmers Market - Seasonal market featuring local produce, handmade goods, and community food vendors each weekend.
- Fishing spots on the Saskatchewan River - Local angling locations accessible from town with opportunities for pike and walleye fishing.
- Opasquia Provincial Park - Wilderness park offering lakes, canoe routes, and remote camping for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Pisew Falls - Scenic waterfall and provincial park with trails and boardwalks showcasing northern Manitoba landscapes.
Best Time to Visit The Pas #
The Pas has a short, pleasant summer ideal for outdoor activities, while winters are brutally cold and snowy. Visit late spring to early autumn for easy travel and fullest outdoor access.
Best Time to Visit The Pas #
The Pas's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -26°C to 24°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -22°C. The driest month with just 13 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to The Pas
The Pas is served by a small regional airport and is a stop on Via Rail's Winnipeg-Churchill route. For most travellers the choice is between a regional flight, the long-distance Via Rail service, or driving/coach connections to Winnipeg and other Manitoba hubs.
The Pas Airport (YQD): The Pas has its own regional airport (often listed as The Pas/Grace Lake Airport) with scheduled flights to larger Manitoba centres; taxi or local pickup from the airport to town takes a short time.
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG): Winnipeg is the main international gateway for Manitoba. The drive from Winnipeg to The Pas takes about 5.5-6.5 hours by road; there are also scheduled passenger rail services and coach options connecting the two communities.
Train: The Via Rail Winnipeg-Churchill service calls at The Pas station on its route to Churchill; this is a long-distance service and journey times to Winnipeg are many hours (usually a full day), so check the seasonal timetable and book in advance.
Bus: Regional coach services and local buses connect The Pas with nearby Manitoba communities. Fares and schedules vary; coaches provide an alternative to driving for long-distance travel to larger centres like Winnipeg.
How to Get Around The Pas #
The Pas is a small, spread-out community where downtown is walkable but many services are easier to reach by car. Driving is the most practical way to explore the region. Public transit options are limited; there may be local taxi services and regional bus connections to neighbouring communities. Short taxi rides generally cost a few Canadian dollars to small multiples of that.
Where to Stay in The Pas #
Where to Eat in The Pas #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across The Pas's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in The Pas #
Evenings in The Pas are low-key, with a handful of bars, lounges and community events providing the main options. Live music and pub nights occur periodically but the late-night scene is limited. Visitors looking for a wider selection of dining and nightlife should plan day-trips to larger towns.
Shopping in The Pas #
Shopping caters to local needs: grocery stores, hardware shops and service-oriented retailers are the norm. You’ll find regional suppliers and basic retail rather than tourist-focused shopping streets. For specialty items or larger department-store selections, head to bigger Manitoba centres.
