Canadian Destinations

Adventures await the traveller in Saskatchewan

By Melody Archer

Photo's courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E Walker

Summer is right around the corner, and if you are formulating travel plans, you might want to consider travelling to our neighbouring province of Saskatchewan.

This beautiful province known as the “land of the living skies” offers diverse landscapes. Two national parks, 34 provincial parks and more than 100 regional parks provide plenty of opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits including camping, hunting, fishing, golf, swimming or kayaking.

Visitors can also take in Saskatchewan’s many historical and cultural sites and events. Among the many events held throughout Saskatchewan each year are rodeos, multicultural events, jazz fests, fishing derbies, summer exhibitions, powwows, and arts and crafts sales.

Accommodation choices abound whether you prefer tenting, RVing or staying in a cabin, lodge or a bed & breakfast establishment. There are more than 400 campgrounds to choose from.

Northern Saskatchewan is richly forested and is the site of many of the province’s 100,000 lakes. You’ll also encounter sand cliffs, canyons and river rapids, all of which are excellent terrain for the hikers, kayakers and canoeing enthusiasts.

Throughout the region you’ll find exceptional hunting and fishing prospects.

One place that offers year-round activities is Candle Lake Vacation Resort, north of Prince Albert, where the facilities include cabins, an RV park, a marina and an 18-hole golf course.

In central and southern Saskatchewan you’ll see the glistening gold of the wheat fields and ranch lands. There are several ranches that offer horseback riding adventures from a day’s trail ride to several days experiencing life on the ranch, complete with cattle drive and cattle penning.

One location of particular interest is Manitou Beach on Little Manitou Lake, southeast of Saskatoon.

The salty water of Little Manitou Lake is believed to have healing qualities. Many Europeans as well as Canadians converge here to relax and take advantage of these qualities in the baths at the Manitou Springs Hotel and Mineral Spa.

Throughout the summer at Manitou Beach dances are held every Friday and Saturday night at the famous Danceland pavilion, which has a sprung dance floor. The town’s annual Polkafest is also held here.

For more information about Manitou Beach call 1-866-756-6665 or go to www.watrousmanitou.com.

Further south you’ll encounter several interesting geographical characteristics such as the Killdeer Badlands and the Frenchman River Valley. The Cypress Hills, the area with highest elevation between the Rockies and Labrador, are located in the southwest corner. Along the southeast border between Saskatchewan and the United States is the compelling landscape of the Big Muddy Badlands.

Saskatchewan provides opportunities to experience First Nations culture with pow-wows high on the list of activities during the summer months. Arrayed in beautiful traditional dress, they perform a variety of historical dances that have been passed down for centuries.

Regina is the site of two notable museums.

The Government House Museum and Historical Property is Set on six beautiful acres complete with rose and herb gardens. You can tour the 14-room house, where there is period furniture and almost 10,000 artifacts are exhibited. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday, and there are tours on the hour and half hour. They are wheelchair accessible and admission is free. Victorian teas are held here on weekends throughout the year. Call 306-787-5773.

Also of interest is the new RCMP Heritage Centre Regina. The centre highlights the history of the RCMP, as well the current cutting edge forensic techniques. You might want to take in the Sergeant Major’s Parade and Sunset Retreat Ceremonies, which are in June. See www.sasktourism.com/events for details.

If you are a golf enthusiast, there are over 250 golf courses throughout the province. You may want to plan a golfing holiday, visiting several of these “resort playgrounds.” Tourism Saskatchewan publishes a free annual golf directory that includes Deer Park in Yorkton, Dakota Dunes near Saskatoon and Deer Valley Golf and Estates just outside of Regina. Combine golfing with other summer activities in and around these areas for a well-rounded holiday.

If you’re interested in dinosaurs, Saskatchewan has rich fossil resources. The most complete Tyrannosaurus rex remains were found in the province. Enjoy a tour of the T.rex Discovery Centre, located in Eastend, Saskatchewan, and a walk along the Carrot River. See www.trexcentre.com or www.dinocountry.com for info.

These are a few highlights of what is available for those visiting this remarkable province. There are many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered here. For more on travel in Saskatchewan visit www.sasktourism.com.