Skip to content

Northern treasures in The PAS/OCN

Choose the path less travelled this summer and venture north. With its huge, secluded lakes and miles of untouched wildlife, The Pas/OCN and its surrounding parks are just waiting to be discovered. Spend some time in town and then immerse yourself in nature for a staycation with just the right amount of balance.

If northern Manitoba has flown under your radar thus far, this summer is the time to start discovering this fascinating region. With its countless hidden gems, northern Manitoba is a place of adventure and exploration.

Start your journey in The Pas/OCN, which serves as a home base for exploring several nearby parks. The city itself boasts a number of restaurants, accommodations and shops to keep you comfortable and busy during your stay.

Next, venture into the great outdoors at a wilderness lodge and make sure to take the time to go the extra mile to see one of the north’s true natural wonders: Wekusko Falls.

The Pas/OCN is located on Treaty 5 territory.

Summer Trip

Top Stops

  • Clearwater Lake Provincial Park: Often called ‘the jewel of Canada’, this provincial park features crystal-clear blue water and scenic views.
  • Sam Waller Museum: An iconic museum that houses a wide collection of artifacts, knickknacks and curiosities curated from town, its people and the surrounding area.

Where To Stay

If There’s Time

Book Your Stay

Search

PART 1 - Walk about town

Your adventure begins by getting to know the city and its attractions. Start in The Pas’ downtown district at the Sam Waller Museum. Once the court house, the site now houses a wide collection of artifacts and strange oddities curated from the town and its people. Expect to see an extensive taxidermy collection, traditional Indigenous dress, a family of formal fleas, and much more.

The museum also hosts a 90-minute historical walking tour that takes you through the city’s many character homes and landmarks. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, walk the path starting at Sunset Park on the shore of the Saskatchewan River on the north side of town, which features a number of murals and public art pieces.

Halcrow Lake Golf & Country Club

Located just a short drive out of the city, this nine-hole course is surrounded by lush greens and wildflowers.

Interior of Miss The Pas restaurant, walls lined with memorabilia.

Miss The Pas Restaurant

This popular local eatery is known for its funky décor and hearty breakfast options.

View of small rocky tree covered islands in Paint Lake.

Rocky Lake Birchworks

Enter the forest and learn how birch syrup is made on a tour with Rocky Lake Birchworks.

Looking to pick up a souvenir or two? The main street of The Pas is the place to go for a few hours of shopping. Start at Lyets Café for a hit of caffeine and to browse their collection of jewelry, teas, coffees and bath products. Other popular shopping spots include Berna Dean Flowers & Gifts and White Feather Creations.

Don’t leave town without having a meal at the famous Dutch Drive In, a go-to summer destination for visitors and locals alike for over 60 years. Open seasonally, this old school eatery provides car-hop service for its delectable cheeseburgers, milkshakes and hand-cut 'dutch' fries.

PART 2 - Bedazzled at Clearwater Lake Provincial Park

Visit one of Manitoba’s most dazzling gems at Clearwater Lake Provincial Park. The lake is known for its cold, crystal-clear waters and stunning turquoise hue. Take a dip, explore the lake via kayak or try to reel in a Master Angler on a fishing tour with Evergreen Resort.

Next, take in some of the best views of the lake on The Caves self-guided hike. This short hike carves a path along the rocky shores of Clearwater Lake, through a limestone crevice with scenic views of the blue lake waters along the way.

Stay overnight at one of the resorts, in the campground in a tent or yurt rental.

A person looking up a mossy cliff along a hiking trail at Clearwater Lake, The Pas

PART 3 - Outdoor adventure abound

Continue your adventure in Manitoba’s north at Rocky Lake. Rocky Lake Resort operates eight cozy cabins and a campground, with plenty of activities to enjoy on and off the lake.

Sign up for a guided fishing tour or explore a muddy trail ride on an ATV. Even better, combine these two experiences and take your all-terrain vehicle to the lakeshore for a day of fishing, complete with a scrumptious shore lunch.

Fishing at Rocky Lake Resort

A person standing on the suspension bridge in Wekusko Falls Provincial Park, watching the water rush by.

Make time to explore even more of Wekusko Falls Provincial Park with a stay at Wekusko Falls Lodge, where you can enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals and free marina services. The lodge also hosts several rare and unusual tours: the first which takes you to the Tramping Lake Petrographs (accessible only by boat) and the second which offers a glimpse of Herb Town, an abandoned mining town on the shores of Wekusko Falls.

Nature has one more treasure to unveil before your northern trip wraps up. Pack up the car and drive for one last excursion to the magnificent Wekusko Falls. Here, you will see the powerful waters of Grass River as they drop 12 metres through a series of rapids. Cross the suspension bridge for even more views of the falls, or stay overnight at one of the most beautiful campsites in all of Manitoba.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

A red, black, white and yellow parade float for the Opaskwayak Indian Days parade.


Opaskwayak Indian Days

This annual summer festival is all but a rite of passage for those living in or visiting The Pas/OCN, featuring jigging contests, canoe races and more.