Welcome to Winter in The Pas

Located on Treaty 5 territory and neighbouring the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), The Pas is one of Manitoba’s oldest and most welcoming communities. Known as the Gateway to the North, it’s surrounded by frozen lakes, forest trails and a friendly local spirit that makes winter feel alive. Here, the season isn’t something to escape, it’s something to embrace.

There’s plenty to enjoy on any winter weekend, but visit in February and you might find yourself in the middle of the year’s most anticipated event—the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival. For more than a century, this celebration has honoured the region’s proud heritage, deep traditions and enduring resilience. It’s a joyful expression of community, culture and northern pride.

Arts & Culture in The Pas

Chose from one of The Pas’s comfortable local hotels or motels for your stay, each offering easy access to downtown shops, eateries and riverside trails. Many have winter-friendly amenities like plug-in parking, on-site dining and local staff eager to share insider tips.

Visit the Sam Waller Museum, a beloved local treasure filled with stories. Sam Waller, a former teacher, lived and housed his unique and eclectic collectibles, today, the museum is a step back in time to not only the bizarre (think dressed fleas and two-headed calves) but cultural the history of The Pas and the surrounding region. Formerly the courthouse, this building still houses jail cells in the basement where you can go inside and see for yourself why you always want to stay on the right side of the law!

In the same building is the Susan MacCharles Gallery, a temporary exhibit space where local artists will display their work. Don't forget to stop in at the gift shop on your way out and take home a piece of Northern Manitoba's artistic heritage with you.

Tip: Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be in town for the Northern Juried Art Show, typically held in March or April each spring. This long-running annual event has been held for more than 48 years and serves as a vibrant celebration of artistic talent from across the region.

Places to Eat in The Pas

Hungry? Pop into Good Thymes Restaurant & Bar, Wescana Inn or 315 Family Dining (in nearby OCN) for a drink and local eats.

Start your morning with a cup of coffee at Lyet's Cafe, located on Fischer Avenue. A charming spot with a wall full of loose leaf teas and a custom medium roast coffee blend (locally roasted in Winnipeg!). There is also a gift shop with housewares, clothing and jewelry. It's a comfortable spot to spend some time and relax before getting back outdoors.

Outdoor Adventure in The Pas

Begin your second day surrounded by nature. Just 20 minutes north of town, Clearwater Lake Provincial Park offers crisp, well-marked trails ideal for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The lake’s turquoise-blue ice, framed by snow-dusted pines, creates postcard-perfect winter views.

A short drive from The Pas, you'll find the Grace Lake boardwalk, which connects to an 800-metre land-based interpretive loop that winds through a vibrant boreal forest—a perfect way to get out and enjoy some fresh air.

For an adrenaline-filled morning, follow one of the groomed snowmobile trails that weave through The Pas and Clearwater Lake area, there are hundreds of kilometres of snowy routes ready to explore. Check out the Snoriders website for more information on planning your snowmobile trip in this region.

Or settle into a heated shack or pop-up shelter on Clearwater Lake, Rocky Lake, First Cranberry lake or Cormorant Lake, where ice fishing beneath the pastel winter sky is as peaceful as it is rewarding.

When evening falls, take a short drive beyond the town’s lights and look up. On a clear night, the aurora borealis dances across the sky in waves of green and violet. It's an awe-inspiring spectacle that captures the spirit of Manitoba’s winter wilderness.

Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival

If you time your trip right, the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival (held each February) will be on, filling the streets with laughter, tradition and competition. Watch dogsled races at Halcrow Lake, see snow-sculpting masterpieces, or cheer on contestants in the King and Queen Trapper events, a decades-long celebration of northern culture. Keep reading to learn more about this unique northern tradition!

Torchlight Parade

The Trappers' Festival main opening event is the Torchlight Parade, which begins in the centre of town. Groups within the community get together to create costumes and floats which parade through town whilst meandering their way to the edge of the Saskatchewan River. Kids line up on the streets to collect candy as the floats pass by working their way to the big finale and you'll discover a massive bonfire along with complimentary hot dogs and hot chocolate to warm up with. Don't be afraid to join in! The locals are always happy to welcome guests to the celebration.

World Championship Dogsled Race

Did you know the World Championship Dogsled Race takes place right here in Manitoba? That’s right! Held on Halcrow Lake in The Pas, this prestigious event is a highlight of the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival, drawing teams from across Canada, the U.S. and as far away as Germany and England.

Teams of ten dogs and one musher line up for the start, a thrilling journey through snowy terrain covering about 35 miles (56 kilometres) round trip. Over three days, the competitors battle the elements, and the team with the fastest combined time is crowned champion—earning not just a trophy but the satisfaction of endurance, teamwork and passion.

One of the most exciting moments comes before the race even begins. Picture hundreds of eager dogs at the starting line, harnesses jingling and barks and howls filling the air in anticipation. Then comes the sound of sleds gliding over snow and paws pounding the trail. It's pure, pulse-racing action and an unforgettable Manitoba winter spectacle.

King & Queen Trapper Competition

The King and Queen Trapper Competition has been a highlight of the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival for generations. Each year, men and women volunteer to test their strength, skill and endurance in events that reflect the traditional life and work of trappers from years past.

Competitors chop, saw and pack their way through challenges such as log throwing, pole climbing, flour packing and wood sawing. They also take on classic bushcraft tasks like trap setting, tea boiling and frying pan bannock making—all skills that once meant the difference between hardship and comfort in a northern winter.

By the festival’s end, two champions are crowned: King Trapper and Queen Trapper. For spectators, it’s an energetic and unforgettable glimpse into Manitoba’s living northern heritage.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Winter Weekend

• The Trappers’ Festival typically runs mid-February each winter—book early for accommodations!
• Bundle up in layers; temperatures often dip below –20 °C.
• Check Manitoba 511 for current road and weather updates before driving.
• Keep a camera handy for northern-lights sightings.
• Call ahead if you require accessible rooms or facilities.

After a weekend in The Pas, you’ll likely leave with a new appreciation for both winter and the spirit of the North. Cold temperatures fade quickly when you’re surrounded by warm welcomes, cheerful “Happy Trappers” greetings and a community that opens its heart to every visitor.

So gather your layers, zip up your parka and set out for this northern gem. You won’t just visit The Pas, you’ll feel part of it.