The 79th annual Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival will take place in The Pas, Manitoba, from February 18 to February 22, 2026. This five-day event celebrates northern pioneer life through traditional skill competitions, local music, and the World Championship Dog Race.
Competitors will take part in King Trapper events — including wood splitting and flour packing — at outdoor venues such as Lidster Park, while Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival organizers have set up Community Stages to highlight local performers. These stages will be held at various spots in town, including the Royal Canadian Legion and the Winton Beattie Center.
To access many of the venues and shows, people must purchase a festival button from the event headquarters at The Pas Library Annex. Local organizers and regional reporting say the festival is a major boost for the local economy and often leads to high hotel occupancy in The Pas and surrounding communities.
Cultural traditions are a large part of the schedule, with The Pas Friendship Centre supporting events that reflect the region’s heritage. For the most current information on race start times or weather delays, residents can check the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival Facebook page for updates.
