The Pas, known as the Gateway to the North, is located approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba, Canada. The Pas is also referred to as both a geographically and economically integrated region composed of three distinct communities - the Town of The Pas, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey (R.M. of Kelsey). Its unique location on the rich soils of the Saskatchewan River delta surrounded by dense boreal forests and countless fish stocked lakes endows the region with a colourful heritage and unlimited potential for economic and tourism development.

At least 48 different ethnic groups comprise the population of The Pas, making it a truly multicultural community. Of these, English, Cree, Ukrainian, and French are the most predominant cultural backgrounds. Indicative of such diversity is the community's acceptance of different points of view and lifestyles, and The Pas is home to no less than 14 different churches. On the north shore of the Saskatchewan River lies the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, home to more than 2,000 people of Cree heritage. The Opaskwayak Cree Nation governs itself and is completely autonomous from The Pas, yet its members play an integral role in the commercial, cultural, and administrative affairs of the wider community.

Due to the existence of the extensive watersheds such as lakes, rivers, creeks and marshes in the region, The Pas and the surrounding area boast a variety of excellent wilderness canoe routes that are suitable for both adventurous canoeists and family canoeing groups. Major canoe routes in the area include the Grass River, Sturgeon-Weir River, Pine Root River and Mistik Creek, the latter two of which are located near Flin Flon, Manitoba. These canoes routes will take you into real wilderness while still keeping you in close touch with “civilization”. Wildlife abounds throughout the trails and you’ll find beavers, muskrats, loons and birds are common along the routes. Keep your eye open for moose, bear and possibly caribou.

The best season for paddling these routes is early spring, as water level in the streams and lakes are relatively high, which will enable you to reduce the overall number of pullovers and bypass unnecessary portages. Excellent natural campsites abound along the routes. Don’t forget to bring your fishing rods with you as fishing for walleye, lake trout and northern pike is exceptionally good throughout the routes especially in waters below rapids.

Breathe the clean clear air and the sweet scent of pine forests and pristine lakes in the morning. Have a shore lunch with delicious walleye singing in a frying pan. Fight trophy game fish in the golden shower of sunset. Lie down on white sandy beach and watch northern lights dancing across still night sky. It is tremendous fun and a beautiful lifelong memory to experience camping in the wilderness while still enjoying the comfort and convenience provided by modern facilities at the campgrounds in our area. We offer well facilitated campgrounds both in town and in wilderness. There are also a number of provincial campgrounds located at several beautiful lakes in the Grass River Provincial Park, which is less than one hour’s drive north of The Pas.