Pemmican Lakes Region

Pemmican Lakes

Remote northern Manitoba wilderness perfect for serious outdoor adventurers seeking pristine boreal forest, excellent fishing, and abundant wildlife. Accessible primarily by air or water, it offers true isolation and authentic northern frontier experiences.

Things to do

• Lake Trout Fishing — Cast for trophy lake trout in the cold, deep waters of Pemmican Lakes, known for producing fish over 15 pounds in pristine catch-and-release zones.
• Canoe Expedition — Navigate the interconnected lake system by canoe through untouched boreal forest, camping on remote shorelines and portaging between waterways.
• Wildlife Observation — Spot moose, black bears, wolves, and migratory waterfowl in their natural habitat during dawn and dusk viewing sessions from the shoreline or boat.
• Northern Lights Viewing — Experience the Aurora Borealis in the clear dark skies of remote northern Manitoba, most active during autumn and winter months.
• Backcountry Hiking — Trek through lichen-covered forests and across esker ridges to discover remote vistas and wildlife corridors away from developed areas.
• Bush Plane Arrival — Arrive via floatplane from Thompson or Winnipeg, landing directly on the lakes and experiencing the thrill of backcountry aviation access.

Food to try

• Freshly Caught Lake Trout — Prepare your daily catch pan-seared or smoked over a campfire, often the primary protein source during extended wilderness stays.
• Bannock Bread — This traditional fried dough is a staple of northern bush camps, often cooked over open fire and served with jam, honey, or alongside meals.
• Wild Blueberries — Forage abundant wild blueberries from shoreline clearings in late summer, eaten fresh or added to bannock and preserved for winter use.
• Moose Stew — Local outfitters and camps prepare hearty moose meat stews with root vegetables and wild herbs during hunting season and fall gatherings.
• Northern Pike — A secondary fish species available in shallower waters, commonly prepared filleted and fried or pickled for preservation at remote cabins.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Bear Country Protocols — Always use bear-proof storage, cook away from camp, and make noise while traveling through forests to avoid dangerous wildlife encounters in this pristine predator habitat.
• Book Far in Advance — Outfitter availability and floatplane access to Pemmican Lakes are extremely limited, requiring reservations 6-12 months ahead during peak seasons.
• Embrace Self-Sufficiency — Visitors must be comfortable with minimal services, no cell reception, limited emergency evacuation, and complete reliance on personal outdoor skills and outfitter support.
• Honor Indigenous Heritage — The region has deep Cree and Dene history; acknowledge local First Nations stewardship of the land and learn about traditional hunting and trapping practices that continue today.