THE PAS, MANITOBA
There's no place like The Pas
Find miles upon miles of excellent trails, friendly faces and a great winter vacation destination
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
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POWERFUL SLEDDING: A great area for local sledders to join up and go sledding is a spot called The Pits. From here, sledders can ride north or south and access other trails.
—photo courtesy Ivy Bagg |
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LOVIN' LOPPIT: Loppit Trail is one of local snowmobiler Ivy Bagg's favourite rides in The Pas.
—photo courtesy Ivy Bagg |
Known as the Gateway to the North, The Pas is home to crystal-clear lakes, gentle rolling hills and large stands of boreal forest. However, what truly sets this place apart is the area's raw, natural beauty mixed with amazing snowmobiling opportunities.
"We have miles of beautiful trails and scenery," said Ivy Bagg, an avid snowmobiler.
Bagg moved to The Pas about six years ago and after taking her first snowmobile ride in 2006 she became hooked for life and can't seem to get enough of the sledding around her hometown. Some of the popular spots Bagg enjoys riding are The Pits, Loppit Trail and Clearwater Lake. These routes are ideal for beginners and have abundant wildlife.
"The Pits is a great meeting place," said Bagg. "From there you can go north or south along the power lines which will lead you to any of the groomed and ungroomed trails."
Having a dedicated snowmobile club like the Kelsey Trail Sno-Riders is a huge asset for sledders in The Pas. Every year, members spend countless hours grooming trails, maintaining warm-up shacks, fixing bridges and clearing debris. This tight-knit group also works together to organize a poker derby in February for club members and anyone who wants to enjoy a day on the trails.
For many residents in The Pas, snowmobiling is more than a hobby, it's a way of life. The sledding population consists of trappers, ice fishers, hunters, families and people of all ages. Snowmobiling is so popular in The Pas that the town permits snowmobilers to ride within city limits on a signed route. This means sledders can access the trails right from their front doors. Local businesses are also very supportive of the club and help members put together their very detailed trail map.
Throughout the winter months, The Pas is full of other winter activities for young and old alike. Every year, the Northern Manitoba Trapper's Festival is held during the third weekend in February. Started in 1916, the festival's program includes the World Championship Dog Race and the King, Queen and youth Trapper events which are based on the lifestyle of the Canadian trapper. Other activities include a stage show, arts and crafts display and chainsaw carving.
If you are looking for a great sledding area, a pleasant town, friendly locals and a whole lot of winter fun, The Pas is ready to welcome you.
"The wildlife, all the beautiful lakes, rivers, creeks and different scenery from one place to another," said Bagg, "along with the people who love it—all of these makes The Pas a wicked place to ride, ride and ride some more."
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