Moose Lake Road — The Pas to Moose Lake Community via Summerberry Backroads
Delta country roads that demand your full attention.
The Saskatchewan River delta country west of The Pas is some of the most biologically rich and geographically underrated terrain in western Canada — and Moose Lake Road punches straight through the heart of it. Leaving The Pas on Provincial Road 287, the route pushes northwest through boreal lowlands where the Pasquia Hills merge into the flat river delta complex. The road skirts the edge of the Saskatchewan River delta near Summerberry and you’ll cross drainages that back up hard during spring melt, with water-covered gravel sections and soft shoulders that demand respect. Moose Lake itself is enormous — about 120 square kilometres — and the approach to the community via the lake’s southern shore gives you big water views in a setting that feels genuinely remote despite being only 80 km from The Pas.
A capable 4WD with decent ground clearance is recommended; the clay-and-gravel base gets brutal in wet weather and spring conditions can close sections entirely. The Pas is your last fuel stop — fill up. Cell service drops to nothing well before you reach Moose Lake. The Moose Lake community is Mosakahiken Cree Nation territory; drive respectfully. No formal permit is required to travel the road, but the community itself is private. Best season is July through October after ground dries post-melt. This route is for drivers who want boreal delta country that hasn’t been packaged for anyone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 52 mi / 83.7 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 885 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | The Pas, Manitoba |
| Land manager | Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | gov.mb.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Moose Lake Road, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock 4WD Tacoma or 4Runner with decent all-terrain tires will manage this route in dry conditions. After rain, the muskeg-margin sections get soft and greasy fast — low-range is not optional, it's expected.
When is Moose Lake Road actually passable, and what happens to it in spring?
July through October is the reliable window. Spring breakup turns the boreal lowland sections into a muddy mess — expect road bans and possible impassable stretches well into June depending on the year.
Do I need a permit to drive through or camp along this route?
No permit is required to drive the route itself, which falls under Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure jurisdiction. Be aware that portions pass near Moose Lake First Nation — respect community boundaries and don't treat the area as open crown land throughout.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The toughest stretches are the low-lying muskeg corridor sections mid-route where the road base gets soft and rutted. Expect off-camber greasy clay, potential water-filled ruts, and no easy bailout — this is delta country and there's nothing flat and friendly waiting if you get stuck.
There's zero cell service on this trail — how far out am I from fuel and how do I handle an emergency?
Fuel up in The Pas before you leave — there are no services on the 52-mile route. Carry a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach because there is no cell signal end to end, and getting a tow out of the boreal lowlands is a slow, expensive problem.
Trail track
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