Pisew Falls
Manitoba • 13 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
15 m
About Pisew Falls
Pisew Falls is a 13 m (43 ft) waterfall on the Grass River in Pisew Falls Provincial Park, 74 km south of Thompson off PTH 6 in northern Manitoba. The river drops over the falls, turns sharply and runs through a gorge. A short boardwalk leads from the parking lot to observation platforms overlooking the falls.
The Setting
Pisew Falls sits at 228 metres in the foothills of Manitoba. The falls drop 13 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Pisew Falls flows over hard intrusive rock, primarily tonalite, laid down over 2.5-4.0 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating a 43-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.5-km out-and-back trail gains 15 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
A short boardwalk with steps leads from the parking lot to observation platforms overlooking the falls. An additional 0.5 km (0.3 mi) trail continues to the Rotary Bridge, a suspension bridge over the Grass River below the falls. The same trailhead starts the 28 km return backcountry trail to Kwasitchewan Falls, which the province rates as difficult.
What to Expect
The falls drop 13 metres over hard intrusive rock. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pisew Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Pets are allowed on most Manitoba provincial park trails if leashed, but not on designated swimming beaches or in areas posted against animals.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pisew Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (snowmelt/peak flow) for the most dramatic water volume. Summer offers reliable access and milder conditions. Fall can be quieter with good colours. Winter visits are possible but require winter travel skills and caution, ice and snow make access and footing hazardous.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Rock around the falls is slippery when wet and the river is fast and cold below the falls. An informal path leads to the brink of the falls with no barriers, so stay on the boardwalk and platforms. Cell coverage along PTH 6 is limited; carry water and supplies.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Taylor River, 35.1 km away, not on Pisew Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5.7 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 51 years of record
28.20 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge TAYLOR RIVER NEAR THOMPSON (35 km away).
Today
Moderate
5.7 m³/s
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
6.2 m³/s
6/10Sat
Strong
6.9 m³/s
7/10Sun
Strong
6.6 m³/s
7/10Mon
Moderate
5.9 m³/s
8/10Tue
Moderate
5.7 m³/s
8/10Wed
Moderate
6.2 m³/s
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to late July, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Nelson House hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Thompson, drive 74 km (46 mi) south on PTH 6 to the short signed turnoff for Pisew Falls Provincial Park. Thompson is the nearest town with full services.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The park has a parking lot at the trailhead. A Manitoba provincial park vehicle permit must be displayed.
Elevation
228 metres above sea level
Coordinates
55.196686° N, -98.396640° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Stay on marked trails and viewing platforms; do not climb on wet rocks near the edge. • Bring good footwear, surfaces can be wet and slippery. • Mosquitoes and blackflies can be heavy in late spring/early summer; bring repellent and long sleeves. • Cell coverage may be unreliable, carry a map, extra food/water, and emergency supplies. • If travelling in bear country, follow local bear-safety practices (store food securely, make noise on approach, carry bear deterrents where appropriate). • Check road and weather conditions before travel; remote roads may be seasonally closed or rough.
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For this easy 0.5 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The 28 km return Kwasitchewan Falls trail, to Manitoba's highest waterfall, starts at the park and has backcountry campsites above Kwasitchewan Falls. Wekusko Falls Provincial Park lies to the southwest along Highway 39, and Thompson to the north has services.
Wildlife
Typical northern Manitoba wildlife, moose, black bear, wolves, beaver, and a variety of songbirds and raptors. Exercise caution and respect wildlife; do not approach or feed animals.
Cities near Pisew Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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