Major city · Canada
Pinawa
Give Pinawa one full day plus one night: suspension bridge and channel walk in the morning, dam ruins after lunch, beach or golf in the afternoon.
Pinawa is a hamlet of about 1,300 people on the Winnipeg River, 110 km north-east of Winnipeg and one of the west-side gates into Whiteshell Provincial Park. It was built in 1963 as a planned community for the Whiteshell Laboratories nuclear research site, so the riverfront stayed public reserve. Come for water, trails and the dam ruins, not for a city break.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for water and the beach; Jan–Mar for cross-country ski trails
- avoid Nov and Apr (mud, thin ice, most services shut)
- Airport
- YWG
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Pinawa911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health advice line (Health Links, Manitoba, 24 h)1-888-315-9257
- Poison control (Manitoba)1-855-7POISON
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pinawa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyPinawa is a small, quiet community and violent crime is rare.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-888-315-9257 Health advice line (Health Links, Manitoba, 24 h) · 1-855-7POISON Poison control (Manitoba)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYWG Winnipeg Richardson International (About 1 h 30 min by car via Highway 59, Highway 44 and PR 211; no public transport to Pinawa…
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the dam ruins are 8 km (5 mi) north on PR 520 and the beach is at the north end of town.A car is the practical choice: the dam ruins are 5 mi (8 km) north on PR 520 and the beach is at the north end of town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$5–9 (≈ US$4–7)
- Sit-down mealRestaurant main courseC$18–32 (≈ US$14–25)
- Street or quick mealDeli sandwich or burger and friesC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- Beerpint in a bar / can from the storeC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–4 (≈ US$3)
- Budget bedMotel room (Pinawa Motel), a night, per roomC$117 (≈ US$85)
- Mid-range bedMotel room (Pinawa Motel), a night, per roomC$130 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedMotel room (Pinawa Motel), a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YWG Winnipeg Richardson International (About 1 h 30 min by car via Highway 59, Highway 44 and PR 211; no public transport to Pinawa, so rent a car or arrange a ride)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
Feb
Best
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Mar
Best
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Dec
not flagged
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
Best: Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep. Avoid: Apr, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pinawa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C)
8 rd
Feb
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
6 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
7 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Nov
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
8 rd
Dec
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the dam ruins are 8 km north on PR 520 and the beach is at the north end of town. In the centre you can walk between the motel, deli, gallery and marina in 10–15 minutes. The Trans Canada Trail runs along the riverside through town.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Pinawa Dam Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 15 min each way
Drive 8 km (5 mi) north on PR 520Drive 5 mi (8 km) north on PR 520
Concrete dam ruins from the 1906 station, closed in 1951 and later used for artillery practice. Free, no gate; wear shoes you do not mind scuffing.
Whiteshell Provincial Park (Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake)
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive east on PR 211 and Highway 44, then Highway 1
Beaches, canoe routes and campgrounds; a full day if you add a hike.
Beausejour
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive south on PR 211 and Highway 44
Closest town with a full supermarket and hardware store; useful for supplies.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive south-west via Highway 12 and Highway 52
A half-day for the Mennonite heritage museum and shops; not worth it if you only have one day.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive Highway 59 and Highway 44 to PR 211
Do it as a transfer, not a day trip: two return drives eat the day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Pinawa town centre (Vanier Avenue and Aberdeen Avenue)
Motel, deli, gallery and market within a few minutes' walk; best if you have no car for evenings.
Willis Drive and the marina
Golf club, Burger Boat in summer and the riverfront; walk to the beach and boat launch.
Burrows Road (Wilderness Edge)
Conference-centre rooms in a 1963 staff house; the only large block of beds in town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room (Pinawa Motel)1 × 1 night × C$130 | C$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Rental car from Winnipeg, one day1 × C$90 · Book ahead for summer weekends | C$90 |
| Fuel, Winnipeg return, about 220 km1 × C$30 | C$30 |
| Meals in town, per person per day2 × C$65 | C$130 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$72 |
| Trip total≈ C$396 per person per day, bed included | C$792≈ US$600 |
From C$117 a night; higher in summer weekends
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery item | C$5–9 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Deli sandwich or burger and fries | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Restaurant main course | C$18–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer, pint in a bar / can from the store | C$8–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$3–4 (≈ US$3) |
| Golf green fee, 18 holes | C$40–70 (≈ US$30–55) |
| Canoe or kayak rental, half day | C$40–70 (≈ US$30–55) |
| Camping, unserviced site in the area | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) per night |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport from Winnipeg: without a car you are dependent on a taxi or a lift, and the drive is about 1 h 30 min.
- Wildlife is real: deer on the roads at dusk, and black bears around trails and bins. Store food inside, not in a tent.
- The suspension bridge is 1 m wide and 54 m long: one person at a time in places, and it can be icy in winter.
- The beach lifeguard is on duty only 1–5 PM, 1 July–31 August; outside that you swim at your own risk.
- Cell coverage is patchy on trails and at the dam ruins; download an offline map before you leave town.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Health advice line (Health Links, Manitoba, 24 h)
- 1-888-315-9257
- Poison control (Manitoba)
- 1-855-7POISON
Pocket card
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PinawaPinawa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health Links Manitoba (24 h)1-888-315-9257
Embassy
No consulates in Pinawa. US citizens: consulate general in Winnipeg or Calgary; UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland: high commissions or consulates in Ottawa, Toronto or Winnipeg (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Winnipeg YWG → Pinawa by rental car: about 1 h 30 min, 110 km (68 mi)about 1 h 30 min, 68 mi (110 km)
- Taxi or ride from Winnipeg: C$180–250 (≈ US$140–190) one way
- Pinawa Motel room: from C$117 (≈ US$85) a night
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Sorry / Désolé — Sorry
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Is the trail open? — Is the trail open?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- I need help — I need help
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pinawa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for water and the beach; Jan–Mar for cross-country ski trails · avoid Nov and Apr (mud, thin ice, most services shut) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YWG: last rental-car desk hours, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre, marina and beach, dam ruins, channel loop.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (suspension bridge, dam ruins, beach lifeguard season, gallery and market hours).
- Winter fixtures so ski-trail and ice conditions can go green or red.
Sources
- officialPinawa community site
- officialPinawa Dam Provincial Park (Manitoba Parks)
- officialPinawa Art Gallery
- officialWilderness Edge Retreat and Conference Centre
- officialPinawa Motel
- secondaryWikivoyage: Pinawa, revision 4634087 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Pinawa
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