Complete Travel Guide to The Pas, Canada

The Pas The Pas is a town in Manitoba, Canada, at the confluence of the Pasquia River and the Saskatchewan River and surrounded by the unorganized Northern Region of the province. It is approximately 520 kilometres (320 mi) northwest of the provincial capital, Winnipeg, and 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the border of Saskatchewan. It is sometimes still called Paskoyac by locals after the first trading post, called Fort Paskoya, constructed in the 1740s by French and Canadian traders. The Pasquia River begins in the Pasquia Hills in east central Saskatchewan. The French in 1795 knew the river as Basquiau. Positioned at coordinates 53.82509°N, -101.25413°E, The Pas occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of The Pas place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 271.0 meters above sea level, The Pas benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of The Pas creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 5369 residents, The Pas maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of The Pas represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in The Pas reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Manitoba province, The Pas contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of The Pas in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to The Pas discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of The Pas

History The Sam Waller Museum, downtown The Pas The area's original inhabitants are the Swampy Cree The first European recorded to encounter the Cree was Henry Kelsey, an employee of the Hudson's Bay Company He travelled through the area between 1690 and 1692 on his way to the Canadian prairies.

During the years of New France, La Vérendrye, the first western military commander, directed the construction of Fort Paskoya near here It was named after the people of the Pasquia River For years the settlement was called Pascoyac, sometimes shortened to Le Pas.

In 1904, The Pas Indian Band set up a sawmill on Mission Island in the Saskatchewan River Soon after, the band was forced to surrender their reserve lands south of the river, including the areas around the site of the Hudson's Bay Company trading post and the Anglican Church Mission, to make way for the Hudson Bay Railway and development of the Town of The Pas.

By 1908, the band reopened their sawmill north of the river, and in 1912, the Town of The Pas was incorporated and The Pas Indian Band changed its name to Opaskwayak Cree Nation Between 1906 and 1910, Herman Finger set up the Finger Lumber Company in the area, and created a village called Fingerville for the company's workers.

When the Town of The Pas was created in 1912, Fingerville was absorbed into The Pas, and Herman Finger became The Pas's first mayor Also in 1912, the community was transferred from Keewatin (a district of the Northwest Territories) to Manitoba as part of the _Manitoba Boundaries Extension Act_.

The area today is composed of three distinct communities: the Town of The Pas, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey The history of the town and the region may be seen at the Sam Waller Museum, in the old courthouse in downtown The Pas.

Nicholson, Karen (February 2000) "The Lumber Industry in Manitoba" (PDF) _Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport - Historic Resources Branch_ Retrieved October 26, 2019 "Memorable Manitobans: Herman Finger (1856-1929)" _Manitoba Historical Society_.

Retrieved November 11, 2019.

The historical trajectory of The Pas demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in The Pas reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in The Pas remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

The topographic characteristics of The Pas result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the The Pas region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the The Pas area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in The Pas has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in The Pas demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of The Pas create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

Climate The Pas experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with long cold winters and short warm summers. The seasonal temperature range is between −19. Temperature patterns in The Pas influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 6 °F), resulting in an amplitude of 37. The highest temperature ever recorded in The Pas was 37. Temperature patterns in The Pas influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 0 °F) on 19 July 1941. The coldest temperature ever recorded was −49. Temperature patterns in The Pas influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 9 °F) on 18 February 1966. Climate data for The Pas Airport, 1981−2010 normals, extremes 1910−present[a] Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 9. 0) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −14. 3) Daily mean °C (°F) −19. 9) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −23. 1) −1 (30) −11 (12) −20. 5) Record low °C (°F) −47. 1) −30 (−22) −12. 9) Average precipitation mm (inches) 16. Rainfall patterns in The Pas determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 71) Average rainfall mm (inches) 0. 26) Average snowfall cm (inches) 22. 5) Average precipitation days (≥ 0. Rainfall patterns in The Pas determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 8 Average rainy days (≥ 0. 0 Average snowy days (≥ 0. 0 Mean monthly sunshine hours 98. 6 Percentage possible sunshine 39. 6 Source: Environment Canada 1. ^ a b “Daily Data Report for July 1941”. Canadian Climate Data.

The climatic regime of The Pas reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in The Pas create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in The Pas determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in The Pas create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in The Pas demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to The Pas include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationYearPop. The demographic composition of The Pas reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 19211,858— 19314,030+116. 0% Manitoba Highway 10 crosses the Saskatchewan River at The Pas, part of the Northern Woods and Water Route. In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, The Pas had a population of 5,639 living in 2,150 of its 2,365 total private dwellings, a change of 5% from its 2016 population of 5,369. The demographic composition of The Pas reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 44. 25 sq mi), it had a population density of 126. The demographic composition of The Pas reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 8/sq mi) in 2021. Most of the residents are Canadian citizens (99. The median age in The Pas is 34. Age groups are: 9 and younger (16. 2%), 10 to 19 (14. 1%), 50 to 64 (18. 5%), and more than 65 (10. The unemployment rate in The Pas (in 2011) was 7. Educational attainment (in 2011): No certificate 30. 2%; High school certificate 22. 6%; Apprenticeship 10. 6%; University certificate 10. 6%; University certificate (below bachelor) 4. The marital status of those aged over 15 is: married or living with common-law partner (52. 9%); never been married (32. 3%); divorced or separated (8. There are 2,324 private dwellings in The Pas, most of them being occupied (94. The average number of people per household is 2. #Ethnicity According to the 2011 National Household Survey, the composition of its population was Aboriginals (46. The demographic composition of The Pas reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2%): First Nations (26. 4%) and Metis (19. 8%); and white (51. The visible minority population was 2. The demographic composition of The Pas reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1% Panethnic groups in the Town of The Pas (2001−2021) Panethnic group 2021 2016 2011 2006 2001 Pop. % Indigenous 2,850 53. 58% 1,775 31% European[a] 2,045 38. 64% South Asian 230 4. 61% African 75 1. 17% Southeast Asian[b] 65 1. 17% East Asian[c] 30 0. 22% Middle Eastern[d] 25 0. 36% 0 0% 0 0% Latin American 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 20 0. 36% 0 0% Other/multiracial[e] 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 20 0. 36% 0 0% Total responses 5,330 94. 71% Total population 5,639 100% 5,369 100% 5,513 100% 5,589 100% 5,800 100% Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses #Religion The religious makeup of The Pas is Christian (67. The demographic composition of The Pas reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2%), non-religious (30. 2%), and the remaining 2. 6% fall into another religion. #Language Among residents of The Pas, 93. Linguistic diversity in The Pas demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 6% speak only English, while 6. 2% report knowledge of.

Culture Farley Mowat’s Lost in the Barrens , published in 1956, is the first of two children/young adults novels that are set in The Pas. The story begins at a remote trapping lodge, and then moves into the Canadian “barren lands” further north. The Pas is the main trading centre to which the book’s protagonists travel to stock up on provisions and supplies to take back to their homes in the bush. The book’s sequel, Curse of the Viking Grave , makes mention of The Pas. The Pas is the site of the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival, which is Manitoba’s oldest festival and one of Canada’s oldest winter festivals. It has been held every year since 1948 and features winter activities including ice fishing, muskrat skinning, and an annual sled dog race, which is part of the International Federation of Sleddog Sports. A 1991 CBC movie, Conspiracy of Silence , is based on the 1971 murder of Helen Betty Osborne in The Pas.

The cultural landscape of The Pas represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in The Pas reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in The Pas continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in The Pas provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in The Pas demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in The Pas provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

The economic structure of The Pas reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in The Pas often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in The Pas serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in The Pas demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in The Pas has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in The Pas focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation infrastructure serving The Pas reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring The Pas.

Regional connectivity from The Pas provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education The Pas’ public school system is the Kelsey School Division, which consists of two elementary schools (Kelsey Community School and Opasquia School), one middle school (Scott Bateman Middle School), one alternate program and adult learning Centre (Mary Duncan School) and one high school (Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute) There is also a K-6 school (Joe A. Ross) and a junior high/high school (Oscar Lathlin Collegiate) on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. The town hosts the main campus of the University College of the North.

Educational institutions in The Pas serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to The Pas

Successful visits to The Pas require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in The Pas often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting The Pas include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting The Pas extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.