Discover Saskatchewan
Located in the far north of Saskatchewan, Lake Athabasca is the largest lake in the province and among the deepest in North America. Its vast, crystal-clear waters are a haven for fishing enthusiasts, offering some of the best opportunities for catching trophy-sized lake trout, northern pike, and Arctic grayling.
The lake’s remote location adds to its allure, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature. Surrounding the lake’s lush boreal forest and the awe-inspiring Athabasca Sand Dunes—the world’s most northerly major dune formation—provide endless exploration opportunities for hikers and nature lovers.
Top Three Facts about Saskatchewan
01
Land of Living Skies
Saskatchewan is often called the “Land of Living Skies” due to its vast, unobstructed horizons and stunning sunsets, sunrises, and aurora borealis displays.
02
Crooked Bush
The “Crooked Bush,” near Hafford, features a grove of aspen trees that mysteriously grow twisted and contortedly, captivating visitors with its unusual appearance.
03
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Regina is home to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Academy, where Mounties are trained. The iconic RCMP Musical Ride, showcasing precision horsemanship, often performs in Regina.
Must See Attractions
Prince Albert National Park
Nature & Parks
Prince Albert National Park, situated in the heart of Saskatchewan, captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Athabasca Sand Dunes
Nature & Parks
The Athabasca Sand Dunes are North America’s largest active sand dunes and a stunning example of extreme northern latitude desert terrain.
Tunnels Of Moose Jaw
Speciality Museums
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw offer a fascinating journey into the city’s Prohibition-era history through hidden underground passages and captivating storytelling.
Where to Sleep
Lakes to Explore
1. Fishing Lake
True to its name, Fishing Lake is a prime destination for anglers. It offers a variety of fish species and peaceful, natural surroundings.
2. Blackstrap Lake
Blackstrap Lake is a year-round destination offering sailing, fishing, and winter sports. A provincial park provides various facilities.
3. Diefenbaker Lake
Lake Diefenbaker is known for its large size and excellent conditions for boating, fishing, windsurfing, and several beaches.
4. Christopher Lake
Known for its clear, tranquil waters, Christopher Lake is a favorite among families for swimming and camping.
5. Candle Lake
Candle Lake is admired for its clear waters and the mysterious ‘minowukaw,’ sandy areas beneath the water that seem to bubble.
6. Waskesiu Lake
Waskesiu Lake is a hub for recreational activities, surrounded by picturesque forest landscapes and abundant wildlife.
7. Meadow Lake
This lake offers a wilderness experience with opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and exploring numerous nearby hiking trails.
8. Lake Athabasca
Lake Athabasca offers crystal-clear waters, exceptional fishing opportunities, and the unique Athabasca Sand Dunes.
Annual Events and Festivals
TBA 2025
The Prince Albert Winter Festival
The Prince Albert Winter Festival, a cherished event in Saskatchewan, is a vibrant celebration of winter and the rich cultural tapestry of the region. It features diverse activities and events designed to embrace the season and celebrate northern culture and traditions. Highlights often include exhilarating sled dog races, showcasing the skill and endurance of both dogs and mushers and captivating ice sculpture competitions, where artists turn blocks of ice into stunning works of art. Traditional Indigenous performances, such as jigging and drumming, add a rich cultural dimension to the festivities.
TBA 2025
Mosaic – A Festival of Cultures
Mosaic – A Festival of Cultures is an exuberant and colorful celebration of the rich cultural diversity in Regina, Saskatchewan. Different cultural pavilions representing various countries and ethnic communities open their doors across the city. Each pavilion offers a unique experience, showcasing traditional cuisine, music, dance, costumes, and crafts representing their culture’s heritage and traditions. Visitors can travel from one pavilion to another, effectively taking a whirlwind trip around the world without leaving Regina.
November 25 – 30, 2024
Agribition
Known for being one of the largest livestock shows in Canada, Agribition is a hub for the agricultural community, showcasing the best in cattle genetics, farm equipment, and the latest in agricultural technology and services. In addition to its trade and livestock show, Agribition features various activities and entertainment. This includes rodeo events, where spectators can witness thrilling displays of skill in bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. The event also provides educational opportunities, with seminars and demonstrations promoting agricultural knowledge and practices.
Top Hiking Trails
Wascana Trail Loop
Wascana Trails, Lumsden, Saskatchewan
The Wascana Trail Loop is a scenic and recreational gem that encapsulates the natural beauty of the prairie landscape. The loop covers approximately 4.9 kilometers and offers a picturesque pathway for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Along the route, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the lake, spot various bird species, and witness the changing seasons reflected in the surrounding foliage. Whether for fitness enthusiasts seeking a scenic workout or families looking for a stroll, this trail loop is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and city life in Saskatchewan’s capital.
Gem Lakes
Gem Lakes, SK-912, Saskatchewan
The Gem Lakes Trail is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and hiking aficionados. This trail takes adventurers on a captivating journey through the boreal forest, unveiling a series of stunning gem-like lakes along the way. The pristine, crystal-clear waters of these lakes, including the aptly named Diamond, Sapphire, and Jade Lakes, reflect the surrounding lush greenery, creating a picturesque and serene setting. The trail offers a moderate challenge, with undulating terrain and well-maintained paths, making it accessible for a range of hikers.
Eagle Butte and 70 Mile Butte Loop
70 Mile and Eagle Butte Trailhead, Unnamed Road, 2T0, Val Marie, Saskatchewan
The Eagle Butte and 70 Mile Butte Loop in Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan offer a unique and immersive experience in the prairie wilderness. This trail, spanning approximately 4.5 kilometers, takes hikers on a journey through the park’s iconic grasslands, where vast expanses of golden prairie stretch as far as the eye can see. The loop includes two prominent buttes, Eagle Butte and 70 Mile Butte, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and showcasing the beauty of the prairie ecosystem.
Best Golf Courses
Riverside Country Club
3180 Grasswood Road W, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
The Riverside Country Club is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a leisurely escape. This 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Bill Kinnear, offers a challenging yet scenic layout with lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and manicured greens. Golfers at Riverside are treated to views of the river valley and the city skyline, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop for a day on the links.
Elk Ridge Resort
Hwy 264, Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan
Elk Ridge Resort, located near the stunning Waskesiu Lake in Saskatchewan, is home to one of the province’s most enchanting golf destinations. This resort features a 27-hole championship golf course, beautifully integrated into the natural forested landscape of the boreal forest. The course is divided into three distinct 9-hole courses—Aspen, Birch, and Tamarack—each offering unique challenges and scenic beauty. The course design takes full advantage of the natural beauty and topography of the region, creating an unforgettable golfing experience that balances skill and relaxation.
Deer Valley Golf Club
10 Deer Valley Rd, Deer Valley, Saskatchewan
Deer Valley Golf Club, located in the picturesque Qu’Appelle Valley near Regina, Saskatchewan, is a premier golfing destination known for its natural beauty and challenging course design. This 18-hole championship golf course is set amidst rolling hills and natural water features, offering stunning views of the valley and the surrounding landscape. The course layout thoughtfully incorporates the natural terrain, including strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that add to the playability and aesthetic appeal of the course. The signature hole, a par-3 that requires a tee shot over a scenic valley, is a highlight for many golfers.
Water Sports
Churchill River Canoe Outfitters
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking in Saskatchewan offer an exceptional way to explore the province’s stunning natural landscapes. The region has numerous lakes and rivers, providing endless opportunities for paddlers of all skill levels. The natural beauty of Saskatchewan’s waterways is complemented by abundant wildlife, including bird species, fish, and larger animals like moose and bears, making every trip a unique adventure. For those looking to experience these waterways, Churchill River Canoe Outfitters, based in Missinipe, Saskatchewan, is a highly recommended choice.
Lake Diefenbaker Fishing Charters
Fishing
Fishing in Saskatchewan is a revered pastime, drawing anglers from across the globe to its pristine lakes and rivers. With abundant freshwater resources, the province boasts some of the best fishing opportunities in Canada. Lake Diefenbaker, Last Mountain Lake, and Tobin Lake are renowned for their diverse fish populations, including northern pike, walleye, perch, and trophy-sized sturgeon. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of open water and ice fishing, depending on the season, for those seeking a guided and immersive fishing experience, Lake Diefenbaker Fishing Charters stands out as a premier charter company.
Lake Water Skiing
Water Skiing and Wakeboarding
Water skiing and wakeboarding enthusiasts find a thrilling haven in Saskatchewan’s vast, shimmering lakes. The warm summer months create the perfect conditions for enthusiasts to skim across the water’s surface, experiencing the rush of wind and spray. These lakes, with their clear waters and picturesque surroundings, offer fantastic backdrops for water skiing and wakeboarding adventures.
Resorts to Explore
Dakota Dunes Resort
Recreational, Family-friendly
203 Dakota Dunes Way, Whitecap, Saskatchewan S7K 2L2
Elk Ridge Resort
Recreational
Hwy 264, Waskesiu Drive, Saskatchewan S0J 2Y0
The Resort at Cypress Hills
Family-friendly
Interprovincial Park, #5 Pine Ave, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan S0N 1N0
Tips on Vacationing in Saskatchewan
Scenic Routes
Rent a car to explore the scenic drives that Saskatchewan has to offer. The Qu’Appelle Valley and the drive along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker are particularly beautiful.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Saskatchewan is home to over 100,000 lakes and rivers, making it perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Don’t miss visiting national parks like Prince Albert National Park and Grasslands National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Visit Regina and Saskatoon
These cities offer museums, art galleries, restaurants, and a lively cultural scene. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the Remai Modern Art Museum are must-visits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saskatchewan
Indeed, Saskatchewan offers some unique vacation rental experiences. From lakefront cabins in picturesque Qu’Appelle Valley to modern downtown suites in Saskatoon, the province offers a variety of rental options to suit different preferences and styles. Look for accommodations with distinctive features, such as themed or historic locations or incredible views of the province’s natural beauty.
Some popular platforms to book Saskatchewan vacation rentals include Lake, Rent By Owner™, Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner), Airbnb, and TripAdvisor. Each platform offers a variety of accommodations like houses, cabins, and apartments, so you’ll likely find what you’re looking for. Be sure to read reviews and descriptions before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.
Finding affordable cabin rentals in Saskatchewan can be as simple as researching and comparing prices on different platforms. Consider your travel dates, as off-season periods typically offer lower rates. Feel free to negotiate with property owners or reach out to multiple options, as you may find a better deal or special discounts. Finally, booking well in advance gives you a more comprehensive array of choices, which can help you find a more affordable option.
When looking for vacation rentals in Saskatchewan, some popular areas include Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, and the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley. Saskatoon offers a mix of urban amenities, while Moose Jaw and Qu’Appelle Valley are perfect for those looking to enjoy more natural surroundings. When choosing a location, be sure to consider the activities you want to do during your stay and the type of rental you prefer.
While some cities like Regina and Saskatoon have public transportation, cars are highly recommended for exploring the wider province, especially rural and natural areas.
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