Hit the Road
Take a Tour of Saskatchewan’s Treasures
As spring approaches, it’s time to think ahead about things to do when the ground thaws and we trade heavy coats and boots for shorts and sandals.
How about a trip out of the city, to see what rural Saskatchewan has to offer? Here are some highlights that we love, both near and far from the Queen City.
- Lumsden – This one is easy. Just minutes north of Regina, Lumsden is tucked into the gorgeous Qu’Appelle Valley and beautiful year-round. Enjoy some shopping downtown, grab an ice cream cone, and don’t forget to pick up locally distilled spirits at Last Mountain Distillery and delicious fruity wines and delights at Over the Hill Orchard.
- Motherwell Homestead – This national historic site is must-see. Discover what life was like over a century ago in this carefully preserved homestead site. You can take a hayride, stroll the wetland trail, check out the farm animals, and enjoy delicious treats at the on-site café.
- Claybank Brick Plant – Another national historic site, this is North America’s best-preserved brickmaking site. Virtually unchanged since it opened in 1914, the plant made bricks for places like Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City and the cathedral in Gravelbourg. Check out the plant, and the prairie trails around the Massold Clay Canyons for a trip back in time.
- Boundary Dam – located near Estevan, this is the only place to catch big mouth bass in Saskatchewan. There’s also great camping, boating and golfing nearby.
- Grasslands National Park – home to one of darkest dark preserves in Canada, this is a place you’ll feel like you can touch the stars. It’s also home to stunning landscapes, tipi rings, and rare flora and fauna.
- Cochin Lighthouse – Yes, there is a lighthouse in Saskatchewan! This picturesque place is north of North Battleford, and just so pretty. Bring your camera and a picnic to enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Nistowiak Falls – head up north to see one of the highest waterfalls in Saskatchewan. This trip is for the adventurer, because the falls are only accessible by floatplane or boat…but it’s worth it. You can canoe from Stanley Mission via the Churchill River or take a tour with a local private operator.
- Churchill River – If you’re checking out Nistowiak Falls, you’re already there! Some of the best wilderness canoeing in the world is found here. You can follow the fur trade route and view ancient First Nations pictographs. Be sure to register at the Visitor Centre at Air Ronge and bring your sense of adventure!
- T.Rex Discovery Centre – At Eastend (ironic name given its in Saskatchewan’s deep southwest), this is where “Scotty”—one of the most complete T.Rex skeletons was discovered in 1997. With guided tours and free exploration, there’s plenty to learn about the province’s amazing fossil history.
- Regional Parks – ever visited one of Saskatchewan’s many regional parks? Found throughout the province, this park system is unique to the province. The parks offer a variety of amenities with everything from great camping to golf, beaches to pools, fishing to boating and so much more. Learn more at saskregionalparks.ca.