The prairie province of Saskatchewan, often known as the “Land of the Living Skies,” is characterized by its active sand dunes, beautiful wheat fields, stunning boreal forest, undulating farmlands, excellent national parks, & an endless chain of lakes. We learn about some of the finest things to do in Saskatchewan, Canada’s less-visited northern wilderness, which is breathtaking in its uncomplicated beauty.
Top Activities and Attractions in Saskatchewan
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Where: On Saskatchewan-Alberta border
What: The first and sole provincial park in Canada, which spans the southeast and southwest corners of Alberta and Saskatchewan, is famous for the 580-meter-high, pine-covered Cypress Hills. It was used once for ceremonial purposes by Aboriginal people, but today it is a popular destination for campers, motorcyclists, hikers, skiers, enthusiasts of watersports, and wildlife watchers.
There are dense forests, ponds, meadows, bluffs, short grass prairie, and hills that resemble little mountains all within its 400 square kilometers. The region is also a Dark Sky Preserve, so there won’t be any artificial light to obstruct your sight of the stars, satellites, planets, or even (let’s hope) the dancing Northern Lights.
Highlights: The Cyprus Hills Observatory, which was established in August 2011, has a Dome Observatory with a Yurt classroom that seats 60 people, outside telescope platforms, and three telescopes: 14-inch Celestron and two transportable Dobsonians (10-inch and 12-inch). It provides a ton of stargazing activities in addition to programs teaching both adults and children about the cosmos, environmental preservation, and energy conservation.
Prince Albert National Park
Where: At central Saskatchewan.
What: This one million-acre park, the most visited of Canada’s 54 national parks, has it all: parkland, vast prairies, free-roaming plains bison, boreal forest, backcountry hiking trails, timber wolves, and roughly 195 species of birds. It is one of the best national parks in Canada and was named one of National Geographic’s “50 Places of a Lifetime” in the country. Try to squeeze in numerous visits since it’s too big to see everything just in one go.
Before you go, you should download the 1999 film Grey Owl. It is a biopic of author and naturalist Archibald Belaney, who was born in East Sussex and went by the moniker Grey Owl and pretended to be Native American, and stars Pierce Brosnan. The park where the eccentric Englishman resided in the log cabin was used to film some of the movie (now open to the public).
Highlights: The Nature Centre in fact is located in a historic structure that is perched directly above Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park. Visit this location for kid-friendly interactive displays, Aboriginal programming, and wildlife-related content (books, puzzles, movies, puppets, animal costumes, games, one-off events). Explore the West Side of the park, the marshes, and the breathtaking forests by going on one of those guided walks. May through September is when the center is open.
Blue Mountain Adventure Park
Where: Towards North Battleford, about 90 minutes from Saskatoon
What: This all-year-round adventure park features cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, canoeing, paintball, tobogganing, wall climbing, challenge courses, high ropes, waggon rides, ice skating, and 36 kilometers of trails for wildlife and bird watching. It is all high-octane thrills here.
Additionally, there are four fantastic zip line rides which will take you soaring at heart-pounding speeds of 50 kph along winding pathways and above the trees of the valley.
Choose from three different riding postures as you ride The Speedster (250 meters), The Intimidator or The Cliff Hanger (both 500 meters), or The Grand Daddy: Granny (normal sitting position), Batman (hanging upside-down) (750-metres), and Superman (forward-facing flying).
Highlights: Visitors can go canoeing, paddle boarding, and kayaking, and paddle boating on the park’s tiny lake throughout the summer (life jackets are provided). The brand-new half an hour Side by Side Trail Ride also takes you through the thick wood hills’ meandering routes. Participants must sign the waiver form and all events must be pre-booked.
Saskatchewan’s 100,000 Lakes
Where: Across Saskatchewan
What: Anglers won’t be short of fishy thrills in a province known for having over 100,000 lakes. You can catch and release trophy lakers, large northern pike, and grayling at Selwyn Lake on the border between Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, You can also head to the Saskatchewan River to catch the walleye of a lifetime or the Saskatchewan side of Cypress Hills to fish in lakes stocked with the rainbow trout, walleye, brook trout, northern pike, arctic grayling, and yellow perch.
Other hotspots include the enormous Lake Diefenbaker, which is home to numerous game fish species (including walleye, sauger, lake trout, lake whitefish, yellow perch, burbot, and goldeye), and the Boundary Dam Reservoir, which holds largemouth bass and, more recently, some truly enormous koi fish.
Highlights: Little Manitou Lake, known as Canada’s Dead Sea, is one of three lakes in the world with a mineral density three times saltier than the ocean, and is located about 60 miles southeast of Saskatoon (the other 2 are in Israel and the Czech Republic). In addition to providing bathers with medicinal treatments, the 27 distinct types of minerals also impart an exact gravity that is 10% greater than that of fresh water, allowing you to float comfortably on your back all day.
Best Golf Courses
Where: Across the Province
What: Despite not having the longest golf season in Canada, Saskatchewan has the most golf courses per person (fact: about 288 golf courses over about 1.1 million people). Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert, The Willows in Furdale, Evergreen in Nipawin, Moon Lake in Saskatoon, Estevan Woodlawn, Wascana Country Club in Regina, Elmwood, and Chinook in Swift Current are more 18-hole courses that are playable.
Highlights: Waskesiu Golf Club at Prince Albert National Park, a gem created by Stanley Thompson in 1936, makes the most of the densely wooded surroundings. There aren’t many level lying or water hazards, though occasionally a bear may be encountered. And just a little over 100 yards from the foremost tee is the renowned Lobstick tree. It is possibly one of Western Canada’s most well-known trees, and a renowned match-play competition is named after it.
Apart from these, the other things to do in Saskatchewan include Athabasca Sand Dunes, Churchill River, RCMP Heritage Center, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, among others.
Explore Saskatoon
Where: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
What: Saskatoon is known as the “Paris of the Prairies” for its youthful vibe and Art Nouveau architecture. Explore the South Saskatchewan River valley via the Meewasin Trail system, visit award-winning restaurants, and take in attractions like the Remai Modern art museum. The city hosts great festivals and events year-round.
Highlights: Don’t miss the trendy Broadway Avenue district with its local boutiques, cafes and nightlife. The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market (May-Oct) offers prairie fresh produce and goods.
Wanuskewin Heritage Centre
Where: Just north of Saskatoon
What: Experience 6,000 years of indigenous history at this archaeological goldmine and interpretive center. Take guided walks through lands scattered with tipi rings and medicine wheels. See cultural demonstrations, explore the museum’s artifacts and galleries, and stay overnight in a tipi for an enriching cultural experience.
Highlights: Wanuskewin received the 2019 Indigenous Tourism Award and is home to Canada’s longest continually running archaeological dig site.
Meewasin Valley
Where: Along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon
What: The Meewasin Valley features over 80 km of scenic multi-use trails winding along the river, through parks and conservation areas. It’s a year-round playground for cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing and more. The trails connect to other Saskatoon outdoor gems like the Forestry Farm Park.
Highlights: These urban valley trails are actually part of the epic 24,000 km Great Trail spanning across Canada from coast to coast.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
Where: Within Saskatoon’s Meewasin Valley
What: Developed from an early tree nursery, this National Historic Site offers a day of discovery with gardens, historic buildings, playgrounds, a fishing pond and Saskatchewan’s only accredited zoo. Get up close with resident grizzly bears, cougars and other wildlife.
Highlights: Don’t miss the star attractions – siblings Mistaya and Koda, the charming grizzly bear duo, as well as the playful cougar brothers Malcolm and Jethro.
Beaver Creek Conservation Area
Where: Just outside Saskatoon
What: This scenic semi-wilderness area offers a taste of Saskatchewan’s prairie landscapes with 4 nature trails and interactive exhibits at the interpretive center. It’s an accredited birdwatching hotspot where chickadees will literally eat seeds from your hand in winter.
Highlights: Explore the protected prairies and look for beavers, from which the area takes its name, splashing in the creek that winds through.
Prairie River Cruises
Where: Along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon
What: See the “Paris of the Prairies” from a whole new vantage point with Prairie River Cruises. Hop aboard the 118-passenger riverboat The Prairie Lily and cruise along the scenic South Saskatchewan River right through the heart of downtown Saskatoon. Multiple tour options are available including sightseeing cruises, brunch/dinner cruises, private event charters and more. It’s a relaxing way to take in Saskatoon’s bridges and riverside attractions.
Highlights: The dinner cruises allow you to enjoy delicious prairie cuisine while watching the sunset reflect off the river. For a romantic evening, try one of the weekly Saturday Night Jazz Cruises.
Western Development Museum
Where: Locations in Saskatoon, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and more
What: As the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan, the Western Development Museum aims to share the story of the province through its remarkable collection of over 75,000 artifacts ranging from pins to locomotives. With exhibits, events and educational programs across multiple locations, you can truly immerse yourself in Saskatchewan’s past. The Saskatoon site covers the years 1910-1920s with a recreated 1920s village.
Highlights: Don’t miss the impressive 1920s Main Street at the Saskatoon location, filled with originals like vehicles, storefronts and workingpiece artifacts. Kids love the vintage bus rides.
Go Skydiving
Where: Skydive Saskatoon or Skydive South Sask (near Regina)
What: For an incredible adrenaline rush, experience the ultimate thrill of jumping out of a plane at over 10,000 feet! Both Skydive Saskatoon and Skydive South Sask (near Regina) offer tandem skydiving for first-timers to experience freefall at over 200 km/h while securely harnessed to an experienced instructor. It’s an unforgettable bucket list experience.
Highlights: The views from the plane are already epic, soaring over Saskatchewan’s prairies and lakes. But then experiencing the incredible rush of air as you freefall is like nothing else! It’s an extreme must-do.
Rent a Boat on Waskesiu Lake
Where: Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park
What: Located within the pristine wilderness of Prince Albert National Park, the massive Waskesiu Lake offers the perfect setting to get out on the water. Rent a pontoon boat, fishing boat or canoe/kayak and spend a day cruising this beautiful 27km long lake ringed by boreal forests and sandy beaches. It’s a peaceful way to explore.
Highlights: Time your pontoon boat rental for sunset and watch the colors dance across the still waters as the sun dips below the trees. You may even spot some wildlife along the shores.
Visit Grey Owls’ Cabin
Where: Prince Albert National Park, accessible by foot or canoe
What: For a true Canadian wilderness adventure, make the journey to Grey Owl’s iconic cabin deep in the backcountry of Prince Albert National Park. Grey Owl was a world-renowned naturalist, author and orator from the early 1900s who helped raise awareness of conservation issues. His rustic cabin can only be reached by foot or canoe after about a day’s travel.
Highlights: Exploring the cabin where Grey Owl lived and worked offers a glimpse into his life. The scenic journey through the boreal forests, whether by canoe across lakes or hiking forest trails, is an adventure in itself.
Go Hiking
Where: Prince Albert National Park and other scenic areas across Saskatchewan
What: With its diverse landscapes from grasslands to boreal forests, badlands and sand dunes, Saskatchewan offers abundant opportunities for hiking adventures. Prince Albert National Park is a top destination with over 195 km of hiking trails ranging from easy lakeshore routes to multi-day backcountry treks like the challenging Kingsmere River Hiking Trail. Explore scenic Waskesiu Lake or make your way to the historic Grey Owl’s Cabin.
Highlights: The Boundary Butte Trail in Grasslands National Park’s East Block is a must, leading you through unique badlands formations. In Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, don’t miss hiking to the highest point in Saskatchewan – Viewfield Hill.
Explore Regina
Where: Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan
What: Though not a massive metropolitan area, Regina packs plenty of attractions as Saskatchewan’s cultural and commercial hub. Explore the beautiful Wascana Centre with its parks, museums, galleries and the iconic Legislative Building. Take a tour to learn about the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the RCMP Heritage Centre and see the renowned Sunset Retreat Ceremony.
Highlights: Wander the streets to see impressive murals and heritage buildings. Visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Mackenzie Art Gallery. Catch a Saskatchewan Roughriders CFL football game or attend festivals like the Rainbow Pride parade.
Wascana Lake and Wascana Centre
Where: Central Regina
What: This massive 9.8 sq km urban park is essentially Regina’s gathering place and centerpiece. Wascana Lake is the focal point, with walking trails, playgrounds, gardens and attractions surrounding it like the Saskatchewan Science Centre, RCMP Heritage Centre and Mackenzie Art Gallery. But the crown jewel is the iconic Saskatchewan Legislative Building on the lake’s south shore.
Highlights: Rent a paddle boat, kayak or canoe to explore Wascana Lake. In winter, go skating on the frozen lake or try snow tubing at one of the hills.
RCMP Heritage Centre
Where: Located in Regina adjacent to the RCMP Training Academy
What: Dedicated to sharing the longstanding history and traditions of Canada’s iconic national police force, the RCMP Heritage Centre offers immersive and interactive exhibits. Learn about major criminal investigations, try virtual reality experiences, see vintage Red Serge uniforms and police vehicles, and even tour the nearby training academy grounds by electric vehicle.
Highlights: Time your visit to coincide with the beloved Sunset Retreat Ceremony, a colorful display of drills and music put on by cadets in the famous Red Serge uniforms.
RCMP Sunset-Retreat Ceremony
Where: On the parade grounds of the RCMP Academy “Depot” Division in Regina
What: A Canadian signature experience, this remarkable 45-minute ceremony includes military music, lowering of the Canadian flag at sunset, a March Past, and the iconic drill display performed by red serge-clad cadets. It honors the rich traditions of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police which has trained members here in Regina since 1885.
Highlights: Witnessing the intricate drill movements and solemn flag lowering ceremony accompanied by the music of the RCMP Cavalry Drill Crue makes for a proud uniquely Canadian experience.
Best Places to Eat
- Ayden Kitchen & Bar – A hotspot by Top Chef Canada winner Dale MacKay, offering modern comfort foods with local ingredients and hand-crafted beer cocktails.
- Duck Duck Goose Tapas Bar – A cozy tapas bar perfect for sharing small plates and trying a variety of dishes along with refreshing cocktails.
- The Hollows – A unique farm-to-table dining experience in a nostalgic Chinese restaurant setting, focused on locally sourced seasonal ingredients and creative cocktails.
- Lucky Bastard Distillery – Saskatoon’s first micro-distillery offering free tours and tastings of their vodkas, gins, rums and liqueurs made on-site.
- Paddock Wood Brewery & Woods Ale House – Saskatchewan’s first microbrewery producing pure, light craft beers recreating international styles.
- Poached Breakfast Bistro – A downtown brunch spot with unique twists on breakfast favorites like the must-try pecan and maple syrup bacon roll-ups.
Getting to Saskatchewan
- By car from Alberta, Manitoba, Montana or North Dakota
- Excellent for road trips spring-fall, with winter activities
- By plane via international airports in Saskatoon or Regina
- 250km between the two cities (2.5 hr drive)
- Both airports have rental cars
Best Time to Visit Saskatchewan
With extreme temperatures from 45°C summers to -56.7°C winters, the warmest, driest months of July-August are most popular when attractions are open. Spring and fall are good shoulder seasons. Winters offer unique activities like dogsledding but can be intensely cold.
Getting Around Saskatchewan
While many top attractions are in southern Saskatchewan making driving easy, getting around without a vehicle can be tricky, especially for exploring different areas. Renting a car is recommended, though Regina and Saskatoon have public transit and are bicycle-friendly in nice weather.
Fun Facts about Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan is a major mustard producer, responsible for up to 75% of Canada’s mustard crop, producing over 150,000 tons in 2010.
- Cree is the second most spoken language in Saskatchewan, with over 20,000 residents speaking it. Over 50% of the 74 First Nations in the province are Cree bands.
- Although sparsely populated with just over 1 million people, Saskatchewan is nearly as large as the state of Texas at 652,000 square km.
- Despite its reputation for flatness, Saskatchewan is home to the highest “mountains” between Labrador and the Rockies – the Cypress Hills at 1400m above sea level.
- Saskatchewan has the world’s most northerly sand dunes along Lake Athabasca, as well as the Great Sand Hills with dunes up to 25m high in the south.
Wrapping Up
In Saskatchewan in Canada, it is easy to locate interesting and fun locations to visit. Although Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, it has a remarkably diverse topography, which makes it a great place for some unique activities. In addition to a few national parks and a lake saltier than the ocean, did you actually know that there exist over 100,000 lakes in the country? So, plan a holiday to Saskatchewan with your dear ones and enjoy a memorable vacation.
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