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Saskatchewan

Places to go

Where horizons inspire

Sprawling prairie land, 100,000 lakes and rivers, and a sky that never ends: Saskatchewan has a unique spirit that comes to life in its cities, communities and countryside. Whether you visit one of its galleries or museums, or experience world-class freshwater fishing, you’ll return home with a whole new perspective and memories you won’t soon forget. Want to truly experience Saskatchewan — which name is derived from the Cree word, Kisiskatchewanisipi ? Open your eyes to the cultures of the Indigenous Peoples who have lived there for thousands of years. Experience a traditional drumming presentation or learn about the significance of bison to the Northern Plains Peoples at Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Learn the history of the Dakota People while enjoying delicious Bannock and listening to eye-opening storytelling around a bonfire at Dakota Dunes Resort. Or expand your worldview as you hear about the traditional Cree way of life at kâniyâsihk Culture Camps.

The meandering shoreline of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon has been the site of gatherings for millennia.

Small-town intimacy meets big-city excitement in Regina, the home of beloved sports teams, fervent fans who don colorful costumes in tribute, and Scotty, the world’s largest Tyrannosaurus rex at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

Things to do

Inspiring local experiences

5 reasons to love Saskatchewan winter

Saskatchewan's 10 most beautiful lakes

The top 10 attractions in Saskatchewan

Roadside attractions and hidden gems in Saskatchewan

Experiencing a different side of Saskatchewan

Itineraries.

Don’t miss the iconic spots and hidden gems. No matter where you go in Saskatchewan, there are amazing itinerary ideas for you to explore.

Travel packages

Great regional escapes

The Ultimate Rail Journey aboard the Canadian    External Link Title

From CAD $1,307 per person

5 days / 4 nights

On this classic 4-night train journey with VIA Rail, you’ll zip past boreal forests, watch the sun set over the endless horizon of the Prairies and wake up to the wonder of the Canadian Rockies.

Saskatoon Winter Getaway    External Link Title

From CAD $641 per person

Experience an eclectic combination of activities like sampling the local food scene, getting a first-hand look at indigenous culture including seeing a herd of Plains Bison and trying out the new sport of kick-sledding.

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21 Absolute Best Things to do in Saskatchewan

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Saskatchewan is the seventh-largest province in Canada. It is one of the Prairie provinces in the country and is home to unique landscapes from sand dunes, rolling hills, forested areas, to art and historical sites. We lived here for 4.50 years and explored a lot of the province on the weekends and annual holidays. So here are the handpicked 21 things to do in Saskatchewan. 

Table of Contents

21 Things to do in Saskatchewan

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Saskatchewan was created as a province in 1905. It is the only landlocked province in Canada, bordered by Alberta (on the west), with the Northwest Territories in the north, Manitoba to the east, and Nunavut in the northeast. The US states of Montana and North Dakota lay in the south.

The Capital City of Saskatchewan is Regina , and Saskatoon is the largest city and metropolitan area. 

Getting to Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is served by two international airports – Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport and Regina International Airport (YQR). You can connect to these two cities and then drive to parks and other towns.

Saskatchewan is a very car-oriented province, meaning you need a vehicle to reach different places. We love taking road trips in SK, stopping at local ice cream parlors and cute-sy towns. 

There are buses available connecting major cities and towns. But a car/vehicle is the best way to explore this province. 

So, let’s look at the best places to visit in Saskatchewan.

Camp at the Prince Albert National Park 

Prince Albert National Park is one of the two national parks in the province. It is located in northern Saskatchewan.

The park is perfect for summer camping trips. There are a number of front country and backcountry campsites that you can reserve to enjoy a weekend or two in the lap of nature. There are special oTENTik cabins at the Beaver Glen Campground, which are a great option for families and couples to enjoy a comfortable camping experience. 

Inside the park, you will also find restaurants, playground areas for kids, and bike and hike trails. We mostly spent our time hanging out by the beach and Waskesiu Lake. Emma Lake and Kingsmere Lake are two of the other lakes in the vicinity. 

Top hiking trails include the Waskesiu River Trail, and the Boundary Bog Trail. Both are easy hikes to embark on. 

Explore the city of Prince Albert, one of the cities in SK

Prince Albert is the third largest city in Saskatchewan. During our visits to the city, we mostly spend our time hanging out with friends, exploring parks and museums. 

The city is home to four museums, namely the Prince Albert Historical Museum, The John and Oliver Diefenbaker Museum, Evolution of Education Museum, and the Rotary Museum of Police and Corrections. These museums really help you to understand the history of the Prairies and railways, which is something we always appreciate! 

Chase Northern Lights in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan showcases stunning green dancing lights, aka Aurora Borealis at night and early morning hours. They are best seen from October through March. As residents, we have observed the northern lights dancing in the skies in Saskatoon, Yorkton, and Prince Albert National Park (usually after 2:00 am in the morning).

Waskesiu Lake makes for beautiful Northern Lights photos (at the Prince Albert National Park). 

Enjoy Meadow Lake Provincial Park Winter Trails

Head to the Meadow Lake Provincial Park to experience cross country skiing. ​This boreal forest park has a variety of snowmobile trails perfect for all levels of travelers. The trailhead is located at the north shore of Kimball Lake, and there is parking available. 

Take a floatboat to the Athabasca sand dunes

The Athabasca Sand Dunes are one of a kind in the country. It is the most active northernmost sand dunes in the world. They are located on the south shore of Lake Athabasca, and you have to get on a floatplane to reach the sand dunes. 

Wander Saskatoon’s Urban Parks and Trails (Central Saskatchewan)

Although not the capital city of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon welcomes visitors with many urban trails, parks, and a beautiful river valley. Saskatoon is the largest city in the province, and the downtown area is a beautiful place to hang out in the summer and also in the winters.

Meewasin Park and Kiwani Memorial Park are our favorites. These parks have hiking trails, picnic areas, unique sculptures, and seating areas overlooking the river. 

Stay at the stunning Delta Bessborough Hotel in Downtown Saskatoon

Delta Bessborough is a gorgeous heritage hotel , located in downtown Saskatoon. It looks like a fairytale castle out of a storybook, with the South Saskatchewan River flowing by. The hotel rooms are beautifully decorated and have modern amenities for a comfortable stay. 

You can also dine at the hotel. There is a garden-view cafe, and a cocktail lounge for guests to enjoy. The property has 2 pools (1 for kids) and a fitness centre with a whirlpool tub, sauna, and steam room. There is also a day spa, a garden courtyard, and 18,000 sq. ft. of event space, making it a popular wedding/engagement and honeymoon accommodation favorite. 

Learn about indigenous history at the Wanuskewin Heritage Centre

Wanuskewin Heritage Centre is one of the top attractions in Saskatoon. The centre is a wonderful spot to learn about the cultural history and artwork of the First Nations people. Many of the exhibits are in an open/outdoor space. They also organize temporary displays and events.

The centre is a National Historic Site, and is open all year round. 

Or visit the Western Development Museum 

Western Development Museum is a history and socio-economic museum, highlighting the impact of railways, industrial impact, and the colonial trading remnants. The museum is set in an open space with train buggies, farm equipment, and other exhibits on display.

There are 4 WDM branches in the province – Saskatoon, North Battleford, Yorkton, and Moose Jaw. We found the one in Saskatoon to have a larger collection, the one in North Battleford is small, and Yorkton is the cutest!

Photograph the bridges over the South Saskatchewan River

Saskatoon is home to over 80 bridges and is affectionately called the ‘Paris of the East’. You can easily walk across or capture some of the iconic bridges from the downtown river valley itself. Go on a walk, and snap away!

Our top picks are – Traffic Bridge, University Bridge and Broadway Bridge.

Check out drive-through Christmas Lights at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm & Zoo

Drive-through Christmas events are amazing especially when the winters are so brutal in Saskatoon. The Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is the place to be during the festive season. 

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm & Zoo is a nice forested park, and it looks wonderful with the Christmassy lights in the evening. You can visit the park and zoo at all times of the year. 

Read next: Things to do in Saskatoon in winter

Attend the Yorkton Film Festival – the oldest running film festival in North America

Yorkton, located about 3.50 hours from Saskatoon is home to the oldest running film festival in entire North America. The event is held annually in May. 

Yorkton is a nice stop when you are driving from Saskatoon to Winnipeg, another Prairie capital city. 

Take a walking tour of Yorkton – admire murals, visit museums 

Yorkton is also a cute little place to embark on a walking tour to check out their murals, street art and beautiful parks. 

Enjoy a guided tour of the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina 

When in Saskatchewan you must visit the capital city of Regina. Regina is home to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. The building was built between 1908 and 1912. It is designed in beautiful Beaux-Arts style, and was inaugurated by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught in 1912.

You must take a self-guided tour of the legislature building, and admire all the interior decor and murals and art on the ceilings. 

Outside the building is a nice garden with an equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II. The statue stands in front of the legislative building, and it depicts the Queen atop Burmese, which is her favorite horse. On the eastern side of the building, there is a fountain. 

The legislative building and its grounds are a National Historic Site of Canada. 

Read all the fun things to do in Regina Saskatchewan

Go biking at the Wascana Centre

Wascana Lake is located near the legislature building. It is also the focal point of Wascana Centre and is a nice place for a walk, jog, or bike ride. The centre covers almost 1,000 hectares and is considered to be one of the largest urban parks in North America. 

So after visiting the Saskatchewan Legislature Building, head to the centre and the lake area and admire the water fountains, bridges, trails, and geese.

Visit Royal Saskatchewan Museum

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is a natural history museum located at the Wascana Centre. The museum is great to learn about Saskatchewan’s history and indigenous cultures

The First Nations Gallery here is wonderful, as it showcases many exhibits including beautiful artifacts from the local indigenous groups. If you like dinosaurs, you will enjoy exploring the lower level of the museum which primarily focuses on dinosaurs and their existence in Saskatchewan. 

RCMP Heritage Centre is another museum worth visiting. The museum showcases history and artifacts from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

Watch a Football Game

Although curling is Saskatchewan’s official sport, Canadian football is super popular here. Regina is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And you must catch a game when in town. 

Saskatchewan locals and league fans love to watch a good game of football, with cold beer and pizza at home or at the Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

Pro tip : Buy a Saskatchewan Roughriders hoodie and take back home as a souvenir.

Check out the wildlife at the Grasslands National Park (Southern Saskatchewan) 

Grasslands National Park is the second national park in the province, located near the village of Val Marie. It is in the southern part of Saskatchewan and shares an international boundary with Montana, USA. 

The Grasslands National Park was established to preserve the Canadian mixed-grass prairie ecosystem. There are a ton of animals that are home to the Grasslands, from bison, elks, and prairie dogs, to deer.

70 Mile and Eagle Butte Trailhead is one of the nicest hiking trails, with stunning scenery. 

Take a guided tour of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw

Another destination worth exploring in Saskatchewan is Moose Jaw. The name of the city comes from a Cree name for the place, moscâstani-sîpiy, meaning“a warm place by the river. 

A visit to the Tunnels of Moose Jaw is a must. All tours are conducted with a guide. When we visited the tunnels, the tour was split into two ‘stories’, – one where they share the story of the city’s early Chinese immigrants and another one of bootleggers and rumored Al Capone connection at the underground Tunnels of Moose Jaw. 

Set aside 1.50 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the tunnels, and then come out to enjoy some delicious ice cream in one of the local cafes nearby. 

Snap a photo of the Mac the Moose 

One of the coolest things to do in Saskatchewan is to snap photos of ‘some unique statue’. Alberta has it too, like the Pysanka in Vegreville. Moose Jaw has Mac the Moose, a 32-foot-tall sculpture. It was the tallest moose sculpture in the world for more than 30 years (was later taken over by the 33 feet shiny Norwegian moose sculpture). 

The sculpture is located by the Trans Canada Highway, and you can enjoy murals depicting pages of the city’s history. There is a tourist train also located near the sculpture.

Other things to explore in Moose Jaw include a casino and a geothermal spa. There is a NATO flight training school, and it is also home to the Snowbirds, Canada’s military aerobatic air show flight demonstration team. 

Camp, hike, bike at Canada’s only interprovincial park – Cypress Hills 

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is the only Canadian Interprovincial Park, where it is managed by the two provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Infact, the highest point of SK lies at the Cypress Hills.

Camping is one of the most popular activities in the park. However, you can also explore and go hiking, biking for a day, without overnight camping. 

The distance between Cypress Hills and Saskatoon is 368 km, and Regina is about 406 km. So the nearest places to stay include the Towns of Maple Creek, Leader, Gull Lake, and the Village of Val Marie. 

While at the national park, do stop by the Fort Walsh National Historic Site. This site was a North-West Mounted Police fort and was heavily armed as well once upon a time. You can learn about the history of Fort Walsh and the Cypress Hills massacre here. 

Is Saskatchewan worth visiting?

Yes, Saskatchewan is worth visiting for its varied landscape. We enjoyed driving the Prairie roads, stopping at small towns, and relishing ice-creams, coffee, or brunch. There is also so much history sprinkled all over the province, which really makes it easy to understand the past of this part of the country in an interactive and unique way. 

We hope you enjoyed our list of things to do in Saskatchewan and are ready to enjoy the trip!

Pin : Amazing Things to do in Saskatchewan today

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

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7-Day Saskatchewan Road Trip Itinerary (Saskatchewan Travel Guide)

Looking for a Saskatchewan road trip itinerary to help you plan an epic visit to this highly underrated Canadian province? We got you. After spending a week exploring the cities of Regina, Saskatoon, the gorgeous Grasslands National Park, and stops along the way we came back from our trip in awe at the beauty and unspoiled landscapes.

Scenic drives in Saskatchewan include traversing across its stunning prairies and grasslands. Grasslands happen to be one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet and are home to one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world for those interested in star gazing.

In this Saskatchewan road trip itinerary, we are going to cover Grasslands National Park, which should absolutely be included on your visit and does require a little extra planning as you will be in the more remote areas of the province and will need to bring some of your own meals (more on that later) and potentially camping gear.

In addition, we are including stops in the cities of Regina and Saskatoon along with a few interesting Saskatchewan landmarks and stops along the way including unforgettable and unique stays.

Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Tourism Saskatchewan, as always all opinions expressed are our own. This post also contains affiliate links.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Tips:

Some of the most scenic drives in Saskatchewan and cool places to visit in Saskatchewan are in remote areas, which require a little planning in advance to ensure you have a great visit (that’s where our guide comes in handy!).

While you may pass through towns, not all have restaurants, grocery stores, or even gas stations. So it’s wise to do a little extra planning ahead to make sure you have the supplies and fuel you need! Also, you will encounter spots with no cell phone service, although depending on your provider you will cross pockets of service frequently on the Saskatchewan road trip we suggest.

If you plan on staying in the oTENTik accommodation option in Grasslands National Park , you’ll want to check availability and book these first and plan your Saskatchewan road trip around that availability. Also, be sure to plan for what to bring if you do this option as they do have beds, a grill, fire pit, table, and other amenities but you’ll need to bring your own bedding. We used a sleeping bag.

Based on our guide and places to visit in Saskatchewan, here are our top travel tips to be aware of:

• When driving through Saskatchewan always have at least a half tank of gas and fill it up every opportunity you have . Gas stations are few and far between AND some are a bit tricky to get fuel if you’re not used to driving here.
• Many gas stations are not full service , so someone will assist you in filling up your gas. There are gas stations in remote towns that don’t have an attendant on site and require you to call someone who will come and fill you up. We avoided this as we stopped in gas the next town, but you’ll want to check on your Google Maps to see where the next gas station is. This is why you always want to have over a half tank of gas to avoid any emergencies!
• Be sure to preload your Google Maps with the locations you want to visit saved so it’s easy to navigate when there’s no service. We didn’t have any issues getting directions with TMobile as we always were driving in and out of service pockets.
• Invest and pack a travel cooler . You’ll need one for when you are visiting Grasslands National Park whether you are camping in your own tent, staying in an oTENTik, or staying at a hotel. There aren’t food options in or around the park and you will need to bring food for this portion of the trip including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Get your groceries in the city before taking off to Grasslands National Park. We planned our meals and got all of our groceries in Regina including any adult beverages we wanted as well as large gallons of water (there are water filling stations at the park).
• If you’re staying at the campgrounds in Grasslands National Park, be sure to plan your arrival before the offices close at the campsites in both the East Block and West Block! During our visit, they were open until 7 PM. However, when you make your reservation you will want to check and confirm the time for the date of your visit. (PS these offices sell ice if you need to refill your coolers).
• Bring bug spray with DEET and if you want to hike through the prairies and trails, you’ll want long pants as there are ticks here that hang out in the tall grass, we didn’t encounter any but they are common.
• If you do plan on stopping at a restaurant outside of the cities, be sure to double-check the restaurants are open the day you are visiting as many are closed on Sundays or only open on certain days of the week! This happened to us and thankfully we packed enough food to cover this meal.

7 Day Saskatchewan Road Trip Itinerary

Saskatchewan road trip day 1: arrive & explore regina.

Before we started our scenic drive in Saskatchewan, we spent a day in Regina, the capital city of the province.

We arrived in the afternoon and only had a little time for exploring. We recommend taking a scenic walk around Wascana Park which surrounds Wascana Lake and offers great views of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, one of the most famous Saskatchewan landmarks here in Regina.

Our two favorite spots for views were the Wascana Observation Deck that overlooks Willow Island and Trafalgar Overlook Fountain.

This was an easy 10-15 minute walk from our hotel at Hotel Saskatchewan . On your way to or from Wascana Park, be sure to stop in Central Park . This small, manicured park has a cool tribute to Mary Baker, a local who played professional baseball in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II.

I am personally a fan of the film A League of Their Own , so this was a fun little gem to stumble upon while exploring Regina.

Be sure to plan a dinner at Avenue Restaurant and Bar downtown. This is one of the best restaurants in Regina and offers a menu with a French and global influence using local ingredients. They also have excellent cocktails like their tableside martinis.

Since we arrived in the afternoon, this was all we had time for on our visit. However, if you have more time to explore Regina we encourage you to check out MacKenzie Art Gallery , Saskatchewan’s oldest art gallery that features modern and abstract artworks from local and international artists.

Another great museum includes the Royal Saskatchewan Museum featuring collections that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the province including the world’s largest T Rex that was found in the province named Scotty! Be sure to also check out the First Nations Gallery featuring a display of artwork that highlights the history and traditions of Indigenous societies that live in Saskatchewan.

*You also have the option in the evening to get your supplies for the next leg of your Saskatchewan itinerary.

Where to Stay in Regina

We stayed in the beautiful Hotel Saskatchewan , an Autograph Collection property in the heart of downtown. This luxury hotel is one of Canada’s historic grand railway hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1926, the same project that built the famous Château Frontenac in Quebec City .

The hotel offers elegant rooms and has a beautiful lobby and bar area. Grab breakfast and coffee in the morning from Cafe Royale in the morning. There’s also a parking lot here for guests to use for a small fee. Book here.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 2: Fun Stops on the Way to Grasslands National Park East Block

Get ready for one of the most scenic drives in Saskatchewan! We loved the route from Regina toward Grasslands National Park’s East Block. Along the way, you’ll pass Saskatchewan landmarks like endless scenes of yellow canola fields, gorgeous barns, silos, and sprawling farmland.

We recommend getting an early start as during our visit we needed to get checked in to our campsite before 7 PM and there are a few cool places in Saskatchewan to visit along the way including the town of Ogema, natural wonders like Castle Butte, and the small community of Willow Bunch.

If you didn’t get your groceries and provisions for this portion of the trip in advance, you’ll want to do this first thing in the morning at hit the road.

Stop in Ogema

About an hour into your Saskatchewan road trip is the charming and quaint prairie town of Ogema. If you like historic and scenic train rides, you may want to plan a visit to Southern Prairie Railway which offers 2.5-hour train rides on select weekends.

We didn’t end up doing this as we wanted to make other stops and make it to our campsite in time. If you do plan on doing one of their train rides, you may want to skip the other stops included on this guide. They offer heritage train rides as well as specialty-themed train rides including a craft beer train ride!

We were able to take a look at the historic prairie locomotive before it took off on one of its journeys during our quick stop in Ogema.

Another great reason to stop in Ogema is that this can be one of your last hot meals before camping or staying in Grasslands National Park! Solo Italia Fine Pasta (open Wednesdays through Saturdays only) offers their famous wood-fired pizzas along a menu of other Italian dishes.

If barbecue is more your style, you can also dine at Bud’s Barbecue (open Tuesdays through Saturdays).

Check out Castle Butte

Around a 45-minute drive away from Ogema continuing on your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary is the unique formation of Castle Butte in the Big Muddy Badlands. This striking geological wonder is a massive sandstone butte that rises dramatically from the surrounding prairie landscape.

This Saskatchewan landmark is a testament to the millions of years of erosion that sculpted this castle-like natural wonder.

Visitors are welcome to climb Castle Butte, although if you’re not a confident climber you may have to scoot down on your bottom on the way back down. From the top you get sweeping views of the nearby landscape.

Around the base of Castle Butte, you can explore the labyrinth of crevices and trail around the base of the butte which offers a glimpse at the years of erosion in interesting patterns. Plan at least an hour for this stop on your road trip, it’s really one of the most unique places to visit in Saskatchewan!

See the Giant of Willow Bunch

If time is still on your side, another one of the most interesting places in Saskatchewan to visit on a road trip is the town of Willow Bunch (~1 hour drive from Castle Butte & another ~1 hour to Rock Creek Campground in Grasslands National Park East Block).

This rural community is home to the legendary “Giant of Willow Bunch.” The town celebrates the memory of Edouard Beaupré, who was a circus performer that traveled with Barnum and Bailey due to his exceptional height of 8’3″.

You can pay a visit to the Willow Bunch Museum & Heritage Society which is housed in a former convent to see exhibits that chronicle the history of this community as well as artifacts and belongings that were owned by Edouard Beaupré in his lifetime.

When you’re walking up to the museum you’ll spot a statue of Edouard Beaupré as well as his tombstone as his remains were returned to Willow Bunch and this is his final resting place. Even the local motel and pub named themselves after him at the Jolly Giant Pub & Motel. A local told us the stone erected outside the motel is said to be the same height as Edouard so you can get an idea of his height.

This is also a great place to fuel up before continuing on your Saskatchewan road trip to Grasslands National Park.

Just be careful, there are two pumps here and while one does say diesel fuel, it’s not as obvious as other pumps (or so we thought) and we accidentally put diesel fuel in our car! OOPS! This was obviously a tragic mistake and we were lucky that a local went and found the local mechanic who was able to drain our tank and fuel lines for us. (We all make mistakes from time to time!) Learn from ours!

Most gas stations in Saskatchewan have someone pump the gas for you, but this one didn’t and we just happened to make that mistake. Anyway, that likely won’t happen to you! But a special thank you to the kind folks in Willow Bunch for helping us get back on the road!

Arrive to Grasslands National Park East Block

You will want to carefully plan out all of your activities for the day and journey to the Grasslands National Park East Block to arrive to Rock Creek Campground before 7 PM to check in to your campsite. And make sure to have a full tank of gas .

Rock Creek Campground has campsites for RVs, campers, and tents, along with 8 oTENTik sites which are basically a tent and an A-Frame cabin combined. We stayed in an oTENTik tent at both the East Block and West Block and recommend doing the same and planning your trip around their availability.

These structures are a step above camping and provide a shelter with beds with mattresses that can sleep up to 6 people (you need to bring your own pillow and sleeping bag), table and chairs, electricity, small heater & fan, a front deck with Adirondack chairs, picnic table, fire pit, and grill.

These were incredibly comfortable if you come prepared with food and sleeping supplies. There is no plumbing at these sites, but you can use the campground’s restroom and water station.

If you plan on enjoying the firepit, you will need to secure a fire permit from the ranger station for a small fee. Pay attention to the wind as it typically dies down at night and is safe to have a fire. You can also buy ice here if you need more to keep your food cool.

When shopping for supplies, you may want to pick up a firestarter to help you get your fire going if you plan on using the fire pit along with matches or a lighter.

The Parks Canada ranger at the campsite check-in spot will be able to tell you if it is safe or not to have a fire or when the wind is scheduled to slow down.

During our visit, the ranger station was open 11 AM until 7 PM. However, when making a reservation please confirm when the window is you can check in to make sure you get there on time! If the ranger leaves for the day, you won’t be able to get the key to your oTENTik.

Once you’re settled in, you can enjoy the beauty of the prairies and pop out late at night to see the Milky Way and stars as you’re in one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world ! Also, this can be a great spot for Aurora Borealis too, if you’re lucky you might get to see the Northern Lights!

If you’re here early, consider doing the short and quick hikes around the ranger station , both the Rock Creek Trail (1km loop) and the Creek to Peak Trail (1.5 trail out and back) start right at the green gates at the visitor center. Both are relatively short hikes that offer sweeping views of the prairie landscapes.

Also, since Grasslands National Park is in two sections, the East Block and West Block, make sure you pay careful attention to arrive to the correct side for your reservation as they are about a +2 hour drive from one another!

Another tip: Grasslands National Park can get very windy! Bring a windbreaker and leave the hat at the campsite unless you have a way to secure it to your head. This is a place of extremes it also can get VERY hot, make sure to bring sunscreen and apply it generously and frequently. It also can get cold! Pack accordingly.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 3: Grasslands National Park East Block

Enjoy waking up to the serenity of the prairies! If you stayed up late stargazing you may want to sleep in before embarking on the Badlands Parkway, a scenic 11 kilometers (~ 6.8 miles) of paved road that takes you to 6 scenic stops and overlooks the popular Valley of 1000 Devils hiking trail that takes you through the badlands and where many fossils and dinosaurs have been found!

The East Block is more known for its stunning landscapes and views, along with being one of the richest resources in Canada for finding dinosaur fossils. But you may also encounter some wildlife here.

If you want to do the Valley of 1000 Devils hike , plan for 3-4 hours and try to do this one earlier in the day as it can be 10 degrees hotter on this trail than other areas of Grasslands National Park. The entire trail is 10 kilometers and it passes through the dramatic views of the valley and grass prairies, which you’ll see from above at the overlooks along the Badlands Parkway.

Along the Badlands Parkway , you also have more opportunities for leisurely walking along interpretive trails and enjoy stunning views from the vistas overlooking the valley as well as stops that have the famous red Adirondack chairs found across iconic scenes throughout all of the Parks Canada parks.

Each of the 6 stops offers a stunning vantage point of geological formations and the unique prairie landscape here. The landscape here does remind us of the American Southwest with the buttes and geological shapes, except that these formations and landscapes are covered in grass.

We recommend taking your time to slowly enjoy each of these stops and if you’re wanting to freely roam and explore more, at stop #2 called Crackerjack, the Parks Canada ranger informed us of an interpretive trail here where you can explore the valley down a path (you’ll spot it off the main path that leads to the lookout) and you can wander around looking for fossils (if you find one don’t move it, get its location with GPS and report it to a ranger), quicksand, and see the badlands from another vantage point and perspective.

Each of the stops also has informational signs that teach you more about the grasslands and prairie landscapes of Saskatchewan.

Here are the highlights of each of the 6 stops:

• Stop 1 – Gateway to the Grasslands: This is a short walk through swaying tall grass takes you to two red Parks Canada Adirondack chairs overlooking the rolling grassland and prairie landscape below. There are also two tower viewer binoculars here to get a closer look too and maybe spot wildlife!
• Stop 2 – Crackerjack: Another short walk overlooking the badlands of the East Block. This is where you can find the trail that leads down to the valley and do some interpretive exploring looking for fossils, and quicksand, and take your time admiring all of the geological and archeological wonders of the Grasslands National Park.
• Stop 3 – Zahursky Point: A brief walk will bring you to two more Parks Canada Adirondack chairs, there are more stunning views here as well as a sign explaining how the Zahursky family lived at this point for a period of time in these nearly uninhabitable conditions in 1912.
• Stop 4 – Kapêsiwin: Another incredible vista and place to take in the view in prairie silence as you look out over the same views as the Indigenous peoples of the Astina, Nakoda, Nêhiyawak, Siksika, Dakota, and Lakota peoples had for centuries.
• Stop 5 – Mauvais Terres: An incredible viewpoint of the grassy buttes below.
• Stop 6 – Ta Sunka Watógla: Our favorite scenic vista on the Badlands Parkway and one of the most stunning places in Saskatchewan for views! You’re actually incredibly close to the Western Montana border from here. There are two Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs here to take in the view and this is an excellent place to see the sunset.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 4: Grasslands National Park West Block

We recommend getting an early start to your day 4 on your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary so you have plenty of time to take in all there is to see and do at Grasslands National Park at the West Block. This is just over a 2-hour drive from Rock Creek Campground through farmland and prairie landscapes. Make sure to fill up your gas tank again!

The Grasslands National Park Visitor Centre in Val Marie is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and is a great place to stop if you want to pick up maps. From 11 AM to 7 PM at Frenchman Valley Campground you can check in to an oTENTik or campsite (although double check and confirm this before your visit).

If the East Block is known for the badlands and stunning vistas, the West Block of Grasslands National Park is better known for wildlife spotting. Another one of the most scenic drives in Saskatchewan can be found here as well along the Ecotour Scenic Drive . This is a 20-kilometer (~12.4 miles) paved road and driving tour through the Frenchman River Valley with 7 pull-offs and interpretive signs.

Not only will you find sprawling views of the grasslands and prairies, but you’ll encounter the black-tailed prairie dog colonies known as dog towns, opportunities to spot wildlife like the burrowing owl, coyotes, and bison, but also archeological sites like ancient tipi rings which are evidence of life used by Indigenous peoples for shelter and cultural practices, just look for stones that are in a circular arrangement (some of these sites are marked).

The Ecotour Scenic Drive is a bit different than the Badlands Parkway in the East Block. Each stop has an interpretive sign and some stops require more time than others. A few of the stops also offer trailheads too. It takes the average visitor anywhere from 1-3 hours to do the drive, although we took much longer as we also decided to drive part of the Back Country Loop after the 7th stop on the Ecotour Scenic Drive (more on that later).

Here’s a breakdown of the stops on the Ecotour Scenic Drive:

• Stop 1 – Welcome to the Grasslands National Park: A brief stop at the beginning of the Ecotour Scenic Drive with an interpretive sign.
• Stop 2 – Top Dogtown Trail: This short loop takes you through a trail in one of the black-tailed prairie dog colonies. We spent alot of time here observing the prairie dogs! During dawn and dusk look out for burrowing owls in some of the burrows too! We saw some across the road from here.
• Stop 3 – Grasses Reign Supreme: This is where you can find the trailheads for the Bearpaw Sea Trail (10 km in-and-out) that traverses through the prairie landscape passing through more prairie dog colonies (*exercise caution as part of this trail passes through a rattlesnake hibernating spot) and the Timbergulch Trail (15 km loop) traverses through a gulch which a chance to encounter a bison. This is more of an advanced trail as bison do knock over the trail markers and it helps to be savvy with navigational equipment.
• Stop 4- Coming Full Circle: You can read the interpretive sign here and look for historic tipi rings at this stop.
• Stop 5 – Ranch Corrals: This is a cool stop, you can see a glimpse into Saskatchewan’s wild west history here. Remnants from an old ranching corral from the 76 Ranch remain here.
• Belza: This is a day-use picnic area that offers beautiful views of the valley and prairie below along with restrooms and two Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs.
• Frenchman Valley Campground: Campsite and where the oTENTiks campsite is. There is a small trail here that leads to a tipi ring and a bench that offers views of the creek below.
• Stop 6 – A Cowboy of Mystery: This stop gives visitors a glimpse into ranching life here as there are still buildings left behind where the Larson family lived as ranchers from the 1920s until 1984. You can walk around the buildings and see where he built shelter for his animals in the hill bank. There is a picnic table here and also the Larson Trail hike (1.5 km loop) starts here.
• Stop 7 – A Prairie Hot Spot: Between stop 6 and 7 is when you’ll start noticing a long stretch of black-tailed prairie dog burrows and colonies. This is where you might see alot of wildlife activity, we saw a coyote hunting for prairie dogs here.

Once you’re done with the Ecotour Scenic Drive you have the option to also continue driving along the Back Country Loop, a dirt road that takes you through rolling pastures with ranching cattle through lands of transition.

The park ranger told us about the Borderlands Lookout point you can stop at that is very close to the US border of Montana. This is a more rugged area of the park and it’s only open when the conditions are dry. You can also access the Otter Basin Trail hike (15 km loop) which is for more skilled wilderness explorers.

You have the option of reserving an oTENTik at Frenchman Valley Campground or you can stay in one of the few accommodation options in the town of Val Marie. Unlike the East Block, the town of Val Marie offers more options as it’s around a 20-minute drive to the entrance of the West Block of Grasslands National Park.

We also stayed at the Convent Inn one night during our Saskatchewan road trip, which is a really unique hotel set in a former convent. They have shared restrooms and serve breakfast in the morning. It’s a great place to sleep if you need a break from camping.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Day 5: Swift Current & Overnight in a Luxury Grain Bin Stay

Continuing your road trip itinerary and cool places in Saskatchewan to visit, we will encounter a few more small towns and end the day pampering yourself in a grain bin on a farm that’s been converted to a luxurious stay.

Take your time in the morning at Grasslands National Park at the West Block, whether you spent the night stargazing again or want to wake up early for another hike before hitting the road. There is no rush to leave in the morning.

We actually woke up early just to go see if we could spot more burrowing owls and wildlife since the wildlife is most active in the mornings and evenings in the prairie. We weren’t disappointed as we saw a whole family of burrowing owls and the coyote hunting prairie dogs as we mentioned earlier.

It was fascinating watching the prairie dogs communicate to one another letting their colony know that there was a predator in the area.

Have Lunch & Explore in Swift Current

Enjoy more of the scenic drives in Saskatchewan on your way to Swift Current (~ 1.25 hours from Val Marie). This small southwestern city was one of our favorites as we were delightfully surprised to find cool shops and restaurants here.

We ate lunch at Nightjar Diner Co. which offers a farm-fresh, seasonal menu that’s always changing along with a nice selection of craft beer. The food here was incredible and we highly recommend it!

Take some time to mosey down Central Avenue and explore the cool shops . A few that really caught our eye were The Fill , a sustainable goods and refill station for beauty and home products, Sunny Side Up , a cute stationary store, Fusion a boutique carrying higher-end clothing and beauty products, Farmer’s Daughter Homestead carried a nice selection of home goods, and Bre’s Boutique for more women’s clothing.

And for hockey fans, did you know that Saskatchewan has the highest NHL hockey players per capita from here?! If that’s your thing, you’ll want to check out another cultural Saskatchewan landmark here in Swift Current, the Ted Knight Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame .

Spend the Night at Alive Sky Lodge & BINcredible

Scenic drives in Saskatchewan include miles and miles of driving past farmland, so what better way to spend a night during your Saskatchewan road trip than on a working farm in a grain bin that’s been transformed into a luxe stay?!

Located outside of the town of Rosetown, Alive Sky Lodge & BINcredible offers guests a Bed and Breakfast experience in their main lodge or in one of their converted grain bins. We stayed in the Bohemian Grain Bin which has its own front porch, balcony with table and chairs overlooking the fields, and hot tub.

Inside you’ll find a full kitchen, luxury bathroom with heated floors, living area with a small electric fireplace and tv, and then the ladder that goes up to the bedroom which has a queen size bed (that was REALLY comfortable) and a bunk bed if you’re traveling with kids or a group of friends.

Not only do you get a really unique place to stay, but April, the owner goes above and beyond to make you feel at home. We had homemade dessert delivered to our grain bin and in the morning a homemade breakfast is delivered to your door.

There are also a few friendly farm critters too, we really loved Jinxie the cat who followed us around and joined us for a campfire at night.

Saskatchewan Road Trip Days 6 & 7

To end your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary, you will spend your last full day in Saskatoon (~1 hour drive from Rosetown) before leaving the following day. We returned the rental car that we picked up in Regina at Saskatoon Airport for an afternoon flight.

Check Out Riversdale

If you spent a leisurely morning getting to Saskatoon, the first stop you will want to make for lunch and wandering around is Riversdale. This artsy neighborhood is full of trendy restaurants, cool murals, and fun shops to check out that really showcase the city’s creative spirit.

We actually came to Riversdale more than once and recommend having lunch at Odd Couple , an incredible Asian fusion restaurant that has a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. Then come back to Riversdale for the tasting menu for dinner at Primal, an Italian eatery sourced with local ingredients along with organic wines.

Beyond the incredible culinary scene here, there are tons of fun shops too. Nefelibata Arts & Crafts is a really fun shop to explore, they have vintage arts and crafts supplies plus other fun nostalgic finds. If you love stationery stores, check out Soul Paper for fun gifts and paper goods. If you love indie bookstores as much as we do, head to Peryton Books who have a great collection of used books. Hazelwood is another exceptional store to check out. They carry a nice curated selection of vintage clothing.

Don’t leave Riversdale without stopping in Hardpressed Print Studio which carries the COOLEST clothing and accessories all themed around Saskatchewan that they make in-house. They definitely have a lot of talent here as I have never wanted to buy so many graphic tees, sweatshirts, and shorts in my life branded with a destination. We actually both walked out with a shirt and I also got a sweatshirt, so we both will be repping the “Land of Living Skies” everywhere.

Browse the Galleries at Remai Modern

Another place in Saskatchewan you’ll want to spend a few hours at during your time in Saskatoon is the Remai Modern Gallery. This renowned contemporary art gallery is known for its impressive collection of modern and indigenous artworks.

As a cultural hub, it showcases world-class exhibitions from artists, both Canadian and international, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. It’s worth checking out what their current exhibits are during your visit and join one of their guided tours.

With its stunning architecture nestled along the South Saskatchewan River, the gallery offers breathtaking views of the city.

Its commitment to inclusivity, diverse programming, and innovative art experiences make it one of the best places to explore Saskatoon’s dynamic art scene and embrace the spirit of creativity that defines the city.

Also, it’s worth checking out their restaurant on site, Hearth which has won several accolades including being named one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants, and has excellent cocktails.

If you’re still thirsty, walk over to the Shelter Brewing Company nearby for some great local craft beer.

Remai Modern is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays .

Wander Around The Broadway District

Exploring Saskatoon on your Saskatchewan road trip must include checking out the Broadway District. Not only are there great restaurants here but you’ll also find nice shops and nightlife here as well.

This district is known for its bohemian and artistic vibe. This is actually where Joni Mitchell started her career in the 1960s, she did her first performance at what was once the Louis Riel Coffee House (where the restaurant Calories is today). You can stop by and see a plaque dedicated to her here as she was also from Saskatoon.

You’ll want to plan a meal at Odla , an incredible farm-to-table restaurant that sources all of its food and ingredients from 50 farms within a 2-hour radius of Saskatoon.

Some of the cool shops in the area include The Better Good which sells sustainable products from home goods to beauty products, McQuarrie’s Tea & Coffee Merchants is a haven for tea lovers, Outter Limits sells outdoor and adventure apparel and gear, and be sure to stop in Vinyl Diner CD’s & Records to browse their collection and find that next vinyl you’ve been searching for.

Be sure to pay a visit to Wanuskewin Collective and Wanuskewin Gift Shop , both shops neighbor one another and carry products from the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples along with an art gallery. There were so many beautifully hand-crafted items from jewelry to clothing and artwork here along with product lines that are indigenous-owned.

And two hidden gems off of Broadway on Main Street are Turning the Tide Bookstore , an independent alternative bookstore and Alt Haus Interior Design which carries a mix of new and vintage interior decor and furniture plus really fun clothes! I found the most fun leopard jumpsuit here that I can’t wait to wear.

Drive to Black Fox Farm & Distillery

To do a little exploring beyond the heart of Saskatoon, drive to Black Fox Farm & Distillery for seasonal flower picking and tasting their premium award-winning Canadian gin and whiskey.

Founded by a renowned fifth-generation farmer Saskatchewan couple celebrated for their agricultural philosophy and practices, this distillery emerged from their transition from grain farming to crafting fine spirits. With the same unwavering passion that fueled their farming success, they now apply their expertise to produce exceptional spirits, embodying the essence of their heritage and dedication.

They offer great cocktail-tasting flights, which is something I’ve always said I’ve wanted to try when there’s a good selection of cocktails at a place and you can’t quite decide which one to order. Most bartenders would scoff at the idea of having to make tons of mini drinks for one customer, but this is something that Black Fox specializes in and each cocktail I tried on my seasonal flight was phenomenal.

Beyond the seasonal u-pick flowers, they do offer tours of the distillery and farm as well as the occasional cocktail making class .

Shop Around 33rd Street

If you find that you still have more time in Saskatoon on your Saskatchewan itinerary, head over to 33rd Street for a few more interesting hidden gems!

Glitch Gifts & Novelties has a fun store full of novelty gifts and quirky items whether you’re trying to find something unique for a friend or loved one or just love browsing random fun finds for yourself like we do. The real hidden treasure is in the back of the shop though where you can find Glitchy’s Oddities , a small museum housing a collection of bizarre and random finds from a haunted doll to weird taxidermy (including a two-headed cow), and mummified mermaids?!

And if you like antique shopping as much as we do, it’s worth doing a lap around Vintage Mall YXE here too!

Where to Stay in Saskatoon

End your Saskatchewan itinerary with a bang by staying at The James Hotel in Saskatoon. This is one of the best hotels in the city located along the South Saskatchewan River and provides stunning views.

Not only are you within walking distance to all the Saskatchewan landmarks mentioned in the Saskatoon section of this itinerary, but the hotel offers modern and luxurious rooms. Before staying here everyone told us about how soft the sheets were, and they were not wrong. After a week with camping, it was really nice to have a more luxurious and comfortable stay. Book here.

We also spent the night in Alt Hotel Saskatoon , which is another excellent hotel option located directly across from Remai Modern and within walking distance to just about everything we mentioned in the Saskatoon portion of this guide.

The hotel pairs nicely with the Remai Modern as it’s a contemporary space with a modern design throughout the property and rooms. We also had a cool view of the city from our room that I regrettably didn’t capture. This is definitely another stylish option for where to stay to end off your Saskatchewan road trip itinerary. Book here.

Saskatchewan’s special allure lies in its vast and untamed landscapes, showcasing the beauty of the Canadian prairies. From stunning national parks and dark sky preserves to warm hospitality it offers a captivating blend of nature, heritage, and a rich cultural scene.

Saskatchewan is best known for its expansive prairies, abundant natural beauty, friendly locals, and rich indigenous heritage.

The best time of year to visit Saskatchewan for a road trip is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is generally pleasant, and the roads are clear for easy exploration of the province’s stunning landscapes and attractions.

The most scenic drive in Saskatchewan is the Grasslands National Park’s Ecotour Road, offering breathtaking views of the prairies, wildlife, and unique geological formations.

Enjoyed this guide for an epic 7-day Saskatchewan road trip visiting the best places in Saskatchewan to visit from the prairies to natural landmarks, hidden gems, small towns, and cool cities? Bookmark for later and share the love below on Pinterest!

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Hidden Gems in Saskatchewan: A 6-Day Itinerary

You may have heard many people saying to just skip the Prairies when road tripping across Canada since it’s flat … and boring. But I am telling you “You should NOT as you would miss some cool hidden gems in Saskatchewan.”

And to prove it to you, I’ve created this amazing 6-day itinerary for a Saskatchewan road trip.

But in order to see all those unique places in Saskatchewan, you have to get out of the Trand-Canadian highway and explore Southern Saskatchewan.

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Hidden Gems in Saskatchewan: A 6-day road trip from Moose Jaw to Medicine Hat

Here is a Saskatchewan road trip itinerary from Moose Jaw to Medicine Hat (AB). You’ll be exploring Moose Jaw, then head off the Trans-Canada highway to discover Southern Saskatchewan and its hidden gems.

You’ll visit a French town, a national park, ghost towns, an historic fort, an archeological site and so much more.

Are you ready?

Day 1: Moose Jaw

Spend your first day exploring Moose Jaw.

Wakamow Valley

Start the day at Wakamow Valley just outside Moose Jaw historic center. Wakamow Valley is located along the Moose Jaw River, and it covers over 550 acres.

There are over 20 km of hiking and walking trails . Some of the most popular trails in the park include:

• the River Park Trail: 2.4 km
• the Plaxton’s Lake Trail: 2.1 km

You can find the map of the trail system here .

In addition to hiking, Wakamow Valley is also an excellent place for birdwatching . The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and more. There are several lookout points throughout the park where you can stop and observe the birds in their natural habitat.

Tunnels of Moose Jaw

Then, head to Historic Moose Jaw and join one of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw tours . During the tours, you’ll walk through a network of tunnels that were once used as a hideout for:

• rum runners during Prohibition,
• a place to smuggle Chinese immigrants into Canada, and
• a training ground for Canadian soldiers during World War II.

There are two different tours available:

• the “ Chicago Connection ” tour: This tour focuses on the city’s connections to the American mob during Prohibition
• “ Passage to Fortune” tour . This tour tells the story of Chinese immigrants who were smuggled into Canada through the tunnels.

Both tours are suitable for families with young children, but some parts of the tour may be a bit scary. The tours are conducted in underground tunnels, so visitors should be prepared for some low ceilings and narrow passageways.

Moose Jaw Trolley

End your day on the Moose Jaw Trolley to explore the town and its history.

The trolley is a replica of an old-fashioned streetcar. It takes visitors on a 45-minute guided tour of the city’s main attractions.

Don’t like guided tour? Why not take a Moose Jaw Audio Walking Tour.

The tour begins at the Moose Jaw Visitor Centre and will take you around the city’s historic downtown area including:

• the Tunnels of Moose Jaw,
• the Murals of Moose Jaw, and
• Crescent Park.

The Moose Jaw Trolley runs from May through September and operates daily except for Mondays.

🛏️ Where to stay in Moose Jaw Temple Garden Hotel & Spa : It’s a nice hotel with an indoor and outdoor geothermal natural pools. It offers a complimentary breakfast

Day 2: Moose Jaw to Gravelbourg

Slowly make your way from Moose Jaw to Gravelbourg. The overall drive is 117 km.

Old Wives Lake Nature Area

Make a first stop at Old Wives Lake Nature Area . It’s a designated migratory bird sanctuary home to a wide variety of birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds.

Walk the Prairie Trail . It’s a self-guided, 2.4-km walking trail where you’ll walk through grassland and wetland. Then, enjoy the lake and the beach . It has shallow water and a sandy shoreline.

Gravelbourg

When you’re ready, drive to Gravelbourg. The town is known for its rich Francophone history and cultural heritage . It’s one of the places to visit in Saskatchewan.

In Gravelbourg, visit the Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral . The cathedral features murals that tell the story of the town’s French-Canadian and Métis heritage. You can even do a guided tour.

Then, take a self-guided Heritage Walking tour and end your day with a dinner at Cafe de Paris .

🛏️ Where to stay in Gravelbourg There are not many options in Gravelbourg. You can stay at Heritage Place Hotel

Day 3: Gravelbourg to Grassland National Park

Drive from Gravelbourg to Grassland National Park (156 km).

Thomson Lake Regional Park

Leave early and stop at Thomson Lake Regional Park . You can enjoy the large sandy beach. It’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There is a playground with swings and slides for the kids to enjoy.

Grassland National Park

Then, enjoy the rest of the day at Grassland National Park . This park shows the unique landscape of the prairie grasslands of the Great Plains.

As soon as you enter the park, stop at the Visitor Center to get the Xplore booklet for the kids.

Start your visit to this national park with the 20-km Ecotour Scenic Drive in the West Block . On this self-driving tour, you can see the herd of Prairie bison. You might also get to so pronghorns and coyotes

Don’t miss the Top Dogtown Trail at pull-off #2 of the Ecotour Scenic Drive. It’s an easy 0.75 loop. You’ll probably see lots of little prairie dogs.

But remember to put lots of sunscreens and bring a hat because there is no shade. It can get really hot in the summer.

End your day with the Eagle Butte Trail hike . It’s an easy 2.0-km loop trail where you can see wildflowers, such as:

• prairie onion,
• cinquefoil,

Throughout the trail, you’ll find interpretive panels describing prairie vegetation, human history and geology.

🛏️ Where to stay near Grassland National Park You can find a campsite at the National Park campground or find a inn in Val Marie.

Day 4: Grassland National Park to Cypress Hill Interprovincial Park

Drive from Grassland National Park to Cypress Hill Interprovincial Park (292 km).

Wake up early and head back into Grassland National Park , but this time in the East Block. Drive along the Badland Parkway. It’s a 12-km scenic drive . There are six unique viewpoints overlooking the grasslands and badlands of Rock Creek.

Ghost Towns of Saskatchewan

Then, drive to Robsart and Govenlock on Highway 13 to find some of the most unique places in Saskatchewan. The road is known as the Ghost Town Trail. From Wauchope and Govenlock, there are 32 ghost towns. Some towns only have a commemorative plaque, but others have remains of buildings.

In Robsart, you can wander around the few blocks square of the old community and see many historical buildings and houses. In Govenlock, you can see many cement foundations and wooden sidewalks around the town site. But the only building that still stands is the old community hall. There is also a commemorative plaque in remembrance of Govenlock’s rich history.

Cypress Hill Interprovincial Park

When you are ready, continue driving to Cypress Hill Interprovincial Park . The park is home to over 220 bird species, 47 mammal species, and 24 species of reptiles and amphibians. Cypress Hill Provincial Park really is a hidden gems of Saskatchewan. It’s one of the largest dark sky perverse in the world.

In Cypress Hill, explore the Center Block. You can hike the Whispering Pines Trail. It’s a 2.7 km loop where you’ll walk through mature lodge pole pine forest. Note that it can be hard to find the trailhead since there is no signage.

Then, enjoy Loch Leven Lake . It’s perfect for paddle boarding . The Loch Leven Lake offers rentals for :

• paddleboat,
• paddleboard,
• mountain bike,
• fishing equipment

🛏️ Where to stay in Cypress Hill Provincial Park Cobble Creek Lodge in Maple Creek : It offers a free continental breakfast. You can also stay at The Resort at Cypress Hill .

Day 5: Cypress Hill Provincial Park to Medicine Hat

Drive from Cypress Hill to Medicine Hat (168 km).

Fort Walsh National Historic Site

Start your day early and head to Fort Walsh National Historic Site in the West Block . Fort Walsh was established in 1875 by the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP). It was created for the fur trade in the area and to maintain peace between First Nations and settlers. It’s also at Fort Walsh that Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 were signed.

Make sure to take a guided tour of the fort to learn about its history and the role of the NWMP in Canadian history. The tours include visits to the barracks, stables, and other historic buildings on the site.

The site also offers a range of living history programs that allow visitors to experience what life was like at the fort in the late 19th century including demonstrations of blacksmithing and cooking.

Elkwater Lake

After your visit to Fort Walsh, drive to Elkwater Lake and enjoy the lake .

You can also find a few hiking trails such as the Rodeo Loop Trail . It’s a 2.2-km hiking trail. You can also do the Elkwater Lookout trail . It’s a 3.9-km out-and-back trail. Both are beautiful forest trails.

Then, drive to Medicine Hat where you can relax for the rest of the evening.

🛏️ Where to stay in Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Lodge, Trademark Collection by Wyndham : This hotel has a pool with a waterpark, which is perfect for kids.

Day 6: Medicine Hat

Explore Medicine Hat on your last day.

World’s Tallest Teepee

Start your day at the World’s Tallest Teepee. The teepee was originally constructed for the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics. It is 65.5 meters (215 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest structures in Canada.

The teepee is a symbol of the First Nations people who have lived in the Medicine Hat area for thousands of years. It represents the traditional shelter of the Plains Cree people and serves as a reminder of their cultural heritage. Each of the 10 masts features a large storyboard depicting aspects of native culture and history.

Then, look at the Saamis Archaeological site . Between 1390 and 1820 A.D, the site was a campsite for the winter and early spring seasons for the Saamis first nation group. This area provided excellent campsites for processing bison meat, and it was rich in water, shelter, and a variety of plants and animals.

Devonian Trail

In the afternoon, walk or bike along the river on the Devonian Trail . The Devonian Trail is a 6.3-km out-and-back multi-use trail along the South Saskatchewan River. It starts at Strathcona Island Park where you can find picnic areas and kids’ playground.

If you have a bike or want to rent some, Devonian Trail is the perfect trail for a family bike stroll.

Medicine Hat Sunshine Trolley

End your day on the Medicine Hat Sunshine Trolley . It’s a hop-on, hop-off type of bus tour with commentaries. It starts at the Visitor Information Center and stops in many places such as:

• Saamis Tepee 
• Kiwanis Central Park, 
• Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown and Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre.
• Medalta in the Historic Clay District,
• Strathcona Island Park

F.A.Q Saskatchewan Road Trip

What wildflowers are in grasslands national park.

There are a lot of different types of wildflowers in Grasslands National Park including: Crocus, prairie onion, cinquefoil, rose, vetch, locoweed, violets, asters, fleabanes, goosefoot, and buttercups.

Why are there so many ghost towns in Saskatchewan?

Many of the ghost towns in Saskatchewan were once thriving communities that developed along railway lines. When the railway lines were rerouted or abandoned, the towns lost their main source of transportation and commerce, leading to their decline and eventual abandonment.

Also, Saskatchewan has experienced several droughts and environmental challenges throughout its history, which have contributed to the decline of many communities.

What is unique about Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park?

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is one of the highest points of land between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador, with an elevation of over 1,400 meters. This elevation creates a unique climate and diverse landscape that is different from the surrounding prairie.

Also, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world .

Is Cypress Hills in Alberta or Saskatchewan?

Cypress Hills is located at the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan making the park the first interprovincial park in Canada.

How long does it take to drive across Saskatchewan?

It takes about 640 km to drive across Saskatchewan, from east to west along the Trans-Canada highway.

Does Saskatchewan have mountains?

Yes. Saskatchewan has mountains. It has 137 named high points. The highest point is the Saskatchewan High Point (1,392m/4,566ft) and the most prominent point is Brockelbank Hill (814m/2,617ft) .

Is it worth going to Saskatchewan?

Yes, it is worth going to Saskatchewan. I would recommend exploring outside the main Trans-Canada highway. There are many unique places to visit in Saskatchewan, especially in Southern Saskatchewan such as national parks, ghost towns, lakes and badlands.

Final Thoughts: Hidden Gems in Saskatchewan

There are so many hidden gems in Saskatchewan that you’ll want to take your take and not hurry to Alberta. Take your time, get out of the Trans-Canada highway and explore all the unique places Saskatchewan has to offer.

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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

Tourism Saskatchewan Releases Pathway To Recovery Plan Video

Friday, July 10 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic brought tourism, worldwide, to a staggering halt. This new reality demands an additional role for Tourism Saskatchewan in helping to alleviate the serious impacts on Saskatchewan’s visitor economy through thoughtful and proactive recovery planning.

Tourism Saskatchewan’s new video, Pathway to Recovery, introduces a plan to support the tourism industry through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. During the plan’s three phases – Response, Recovery and Resilience – Tourism Saskatchewan will work closely with DMOs, CMOs, tourism operators and industry stakeholders.

As the Re-open Saskatchewan plan states: "Although the challenge is formidable, it’s one that we’re overcoming by working together."

For more information about Pathway to Recovery, contact the following:

Marketing inquiries

Jonathan Potts, 306-787-2313, [email protected]

Development and training inquiries

Carol Lumb, 306-933-5905, [email protected]

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Saskatchewan tourism sector optimistic about 2024 events

N ational Tourism Week is taking place across Canada and things are looking optimistic for Saskatchewan, according to some local tourism professionals.

Steph Clovechok, CEO of Discover Saskatoon said last year presented some challenges that stemmed from the pandemic, but said she is already impressed with visitation levels for 2024 so far.

She said in 2022 almost $70 million was generated from the visitor economy in Saskatoon. She said this accounted for roughly 13,000 jobs in the city.

Video: Tourism industry booming in Saskatchewan despite inflation

"This is really such a unique opportunity for us to celebrate being the province's fourth largest exporter and being a contributor to the community's wealth and well-being," Clovechok said.

"We're seeing partners like SaskTel Centre, TCU Place and Prairieland Park. The amount of experiences that they're bringing and the shows that they're bringing into the community, many of them selling out, is a demonstration that there's this pent up demand for travel and for experiences."

She said the business sector is also building up, adding that they are confirming more bids for events than previous years like 2019, which she called a banner year for the city.

Clovechok said they are still seeing a delay in the business event sector and corporate travel, noting that there are challenges with air access in Saskatchewan.

That being said, Clovechok said the work they've done in other communities to promote Saskatoon is starting to bear fruit, with several sporting and business events and leisure travel coming to the city.

She pointed to the Hockey Canada Rivalry Series that was held in Saskatoon in February and the launch of the YXE Urban Games slated for Saskatoon in August as some of the amazing events hitting the city this year.

Clovechok said events like the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Saskatoon Folkfest and the Saskatoon Fringe is a great opportunity for locals to enjoy the city, but is also a compelling invitation for people outside the city to visit.

Video: Shaping Saskatchewan: Tourism Saskatoon CEO Stephanie Clovechok

When asked whether events like Taste of Saskatchewan, which was cancelled last year, would see a return, Clovechok said the docket of events currently on the table is sound and that they've reconsidered some past events.

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"We're going to see new iterations of that, and I think what we saw the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival do last year in their new location in Victoria Park has really reimagined some of the standard and carousel events that we became used to pre-pandemic."

She said inflation is impacting the tourism sector and is forcing organization to deepen partnerships to make sure events can still continue.

Jonathan Potts, CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan said nearly 70,000 people are employed in the tourism industry across the province.

He said the industry produces almost $2.5 billion in visitor expenditures each year.

Potts said many events are still on the road to recovery, but he said they expect visitation to come back.

"This is a worldwide issue. People's habits changed between 2020 and maybe 2022 and found that they could stay indoors more or connect to things via their computer or televisions," Potts said.

He said it's important to the tourism industry to break those habits and get people back out enjoying what they did before the pandemic.

Potts said event-goers are feeling the pinch with increased costs, but said Saskatchewan events and experiences are a good destination for nearby markets due to our affordability.

Alaskan storm system brings snow to Saskatchewan

Snow isn’t expected to completely melt until the weekend or early next week.

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A springtime snowfall has some Saskatchewan streets looking slushy Wednesday.

The storm system coming from Alaska left a slushy mess Tuesday of 5.5 cm in Saskatoon but zero in Regina, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) data, but both cities have more coming Wednesday.

The conditions in Saskatoon are expected to reach a low of –7 C with 70 km/h winds Wednesday, with Thursday's high for the city forecasted at only –3 C.

In a release, the City of Saskatoon said crews would be clearing priority streets and sidewalks on Wednesday, and warned that the slush could freeze, creating slippery conditions as temperatures drop overnight.

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Regina's low is forecast at –6 C, with slightly less precipitation but marginally stronger winds. The city is expected to get about 2 cm of snow on Wednesday and then another 2 cm on Thursday. 

Thursday's high in Regina is forecast to be –2 C, 13 degrees below the seasonal average.

On Wednesday morning, snowfall warnings continued to be in effect for east central regions of the province such as Hudson Bay, Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale, La Ronge and Pelican Narrows.

About 10 cm is expected for the Milford and Hudson Bay areas Wednesday during the day, with another 5 to 10 cm at night.

Eric Dykes, a senior meteorologist with ECCC, said "perhaps as much as 25 cm worth of snowfall" could be expected for East Central to northeastern portions of the province.

Springtime snow in Saskatoon

Highways and melt.

Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline advises that winter driving conditions exist for much of the province's central and southwest regions.

Reduced visibility and slushy conditions are being reported on highways around Saskatoon Wednesday morning.

"Let people know where you're going, of course, so that they know where you are. If you can, don't forget to pack a first aid kit if you don't have one for your car," said Dykes.

"Just take your time as well, because the roads will be a little bit treacherous as we go through today and into tomorrow."

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According to Dykes, the snow will be on the ground for the next few days.

"With the weekend coming up and the sun coming back out and temperatures getting close if not exceeding the normals for this time of year, we're going to be seeing the snow melting quite nicely as we get through the weekend," said Dykes.

"Certainly by early next week, there won't be much of it left."

The Alaskan storm system will slowly move east into Manitoba.

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