La Passe is a small community located on the Ottawa River in the former Township of Westmeath. The village developed in the mid-1800s as a port and ferry crossing, providing access across the river and to up-river communities. Its name refers to the narrow channel of the Ottawa where early boats passed through on the way to Fort-Coulonge and points north.

Historically, La Passe was a site of commercial activity, including a wharf, post office, stores, and a small Roman Catholic mission. Logging and farming supported the village’s early population, and road connections gradually replaced river transport by the early 20th century.

From a cadastral viewpoint, La Passe is composed of river lots, early village plans, and Crown patent parcels aligned to the river rather than concession grids. Surveyors in this area often need to address riparian boundary changes, original shore road allowances, and rights-of-way for historic ferry operations. Seasonal flooding and shifting water levels complicate title interpretation.