Adventures in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is a province in western Canada. It borders Alberta to the west, the Northwest Territories to the north, Manitoba to the east, Nunavit to the northeast, and the US states of Montana and North Dakota to the south. The province is very beautiful with many rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Most people live in the largest city Saskatoon, or the capital of the province, Regina. The first language of the province is English and it is the sunniest province in Canada.

Prince Albert National Park has a landscape of large lakes, spruce bogs, and uplands with aspen trees. It is a great place to spot wildlife.

At Lavallee Lake, you can see the second-largest colony of white pelicans in Canada.

At Sturgeon River, there are herds of bison and you might catch a glimpse of moose, wolves, black bears, foxes, lynx, caribou, and eagles. In the southern parklands, there are squirrels, badgers, elk, deer, and coyotes.

At Prince Albert National Park you'll also find one of the best beaches in the province, Waskesiu Main Beach. The beach has golden sands and is located at the eastern end of Waskesin Lake. In the background are trees and green lawns and across from the beach, there are local shops and restaurants.

For thousands of years First Nations people have lived here. Also, a colorful and controversial naturalist named Grey Owl in the 1930s. He was an author who lived in the park for seven years in a log cabin called Beaver's Lodge on Ajawaan Lake. His books tell people about his love for the wilderness. You can reach his cabin by canoe or boat across Kingsmere Lake or by a 20-kilometer trail at the south end of the lake.

Saskatoon is a lovely sunny city by the South Saskatchewan River. Highlights here include the Wanuskewin Heritage Park and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

As well as the largest of the four museums in the province Western Development Museum.

Established in 1875 Fort Walsh National Historic Site was intended to stop the illegal whisky trade. It became on of the most important posts in the West. At this time thousands of Sioux warriors came here to seek refuge after clashing with the US Cavalry. Once the railroad was built the Sioux people returned to the US and the fort was abandoned. Then the Royal Canadian Mounted Police acquired the land and built a ranch for horse breeding. After they transferred to Ontario this became a National Historic Site. Today you can enjoy hiking and biking along trails here.

The city of Regina is a commercial and cultural center.

There are government and provincial institutions like the Saskatchewan Legislative building. Around Wascana Lake. you'll find the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Mackenzie Art Gallery.

The RCMP Heritage Center is the largest of its kind in Canada. There are displays of equipment, weapons, photographs, and more. You can get an informative guided tour of the site.

Batoche National Historic Site was the headquarters of the famous Metis, Louis Riel, during the Northwest Rebellion in 1885. Here displays show the life of the Metis, events that led up to the rebellion, and the Battle of May 1885. The Metis are indigenous people who inhabit the three Prairie Provinces in Canada. 

The Church of St. Antoine de Padoue is now a museum and shell and bullet holes from the battle can be seen in the presbytery. In the churchyard are the graves of Dumont and Letendre and a mass grave for fallen Metis. 

The Trans-Canada Highway stretches along the prairies and the fields of southern Saskatchewan. In the summer the fields are filled with colorful yellow and flax blossoming in purple. When you are near the village of Chaplin you'll see shallow lakes and white piles of salt. To see the sights along the highway start from the southeast border with Manitoba and drive east to west passing through the capital, Regina, Moose Jaw, and the town of Swift Current.

Cypress Hills is the highest point in Saskatchewan in the southwest of the province. Here you can find many outdoor attractions like an inter-provincial park on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and Grasslands National Park near the border with the US.

Visit the T-Rex Discovery Center at the east end of Saskatchewan to see full-sized skeleton replicas.

Fort Carlton was established as an outpost by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1795. It was in use until 1885. It was rebuilt and a replica of the original was built in 1967 gives visitors a look into life during this period. You can see the fort and a Cree village, and take a canoe tour in the summertime.

Moose Jaw is a friendly city located where the Moose Jaw River meets Thunder Creek.

The top attraction here is The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, remaining from the days of the first Chinese immigrants. There are costumed guides and you can learn about the city's history. 

At the welcome center is the giant moose sculpture known as Mac the Moose.

A beautiful valley stretches along the Qu'Appelle River. The valley has eight lakes creating a unique ecosystem. 

The Qu'Appelle Valley is a popular summer destination with three parks:

The Buffalo Pound Provincial Park with a swimming area, mountain bike trails, and camping.

Echo Valley Provincial Park is near Fort Qu'Appelle with two beaches by two lakes, a walking trail, and camping.

Crooked Lake Provincial Park has great waterfront sites for camping, hiking trails, and a golf course nearby.

The Battlefords includes two cities, North Battleford and Battleford that are across from each other over the Saskatchewan River.

Fort Battleford National Historic site offers a look into the Canadian Mounties with exhibits in several buildings.

Climb King Hill for great views of the city and surrounding area.