Canada From Coast to Coast – Saskatchewan

Well we’ve moved on, and are now fully and officially in the Prairies, without a mountain in sight. Admittedly I’ve only spent time in Regina, and driven through on my way to and from the Coast, however, there is something beautiful about endless fields of wheat swaying in those warm prairie winds.

Saskatchewan – best known for its two major cities of Saskatoon and Regina but you’ll find great food and drink, shopping, museums and even nightlife in many of their other cities. Are you a lover of camping? Then you’ll love their 35 provincial parks and two National parks, and their 100,000 lakes and rivers make for great boating and freshwater fishing.

Oh and because it bears comment – the weather! I know tourism Saskatchewan would tell you that there’s lot’s to do all year round, but frankly Prairie winters are cold, we’re talking an average of -5C to -20C (23F to -4F). So if you’re going to there for winter sports, you’ll have a fabulous time, just remember to dress accordingly! That being said, summer-time can be incredibly hot, averaging the 33 – 38C (mid to high 90 F), again, dress accordingly!

I’m going to touch on their main regions below, including both cities.

Saskatoon – Founded in 1883 with a population of about 325,000, it is by Canadian standards one of our larger cities, falling into the top 15 largest. I say that, so that you’ll know that you will find both the infrastructure, but also enough things to keep everyone engaged and entertained.

Saskatoon is a cultural and educational centre with its own symphony orchestra; its Mendel Art Gallery and Civic Conservatory and its Memorial Art Gallery have notable collections of Canadian artists, and the central display at the Saskatoon Western Development Museum is a pioneer village street.

Northern Saskatchewan – Prince Albert is the gateway to breath-taking northern Saskatchewan and world-class fishing, hunting and outdoor adventure. Prince Albert National Park anchors Waskesiu & Area Wilderness Region, and area lakes include McPhee, Emma, Christopher, Anglin and Candle. Provincial parks include Meadow Lake, Lac la Ronge and our newest, Great Blue Heron.

Central Saskatchewan is full of adventure and surprise. The transformation of the landscape from prairie to boreal forest is breathtaking, as is seeing the sky fill with migrating birds, or learning about the passions of the 1885 Resistance. Relax at Manitou Springs, shop ‘til you drop in Saskatoon, and explore Saskatchewan’s rich past at Batoche.

And because I have a thing for orchards, I have to mention that they have many beautiful cideries and orchards in this region. From pear and apple to cherry and of course the Saskatoon berry.

What is the Saskatoon Berry you ask?! Well depending on where you live, they have a variety of names throughout North America, including: prairie berry, serviceberry, shadbush, juneberry and, in past centuries, pigeon berry. They look much like blueberries, though they are more closely related to the apple family. Many would describe the taste of a saskatoon as having a sweet, nutty almond flavor. That’s my piece of trivia for the week!

Southern Saskatchewan – Grasslands National Park, Cypress Hills and Lake Diefenbaker are just three of the many and diverse destinations in southern Saskatchewan. Mountain Provincial Park is a popular hiking and camping spot.

Experience the solitude of the wide-open plain as the prairie wind ripples a sea of grasses beneath the clear blue sky. Ride a traditional wagon, sit before a crackling campfire or spend the night beneath a canopy of brilliant stars. Travel back in time as you gaze at dinosaur bones, wander past tipi rings and catch a glimpse of a prairie homestead on the distant horizon.

As I mentioned earlier, Saskatchewan has an endless abundance of Provincial and National Parks, here are a few to explore.

Saskatchewan’s natural beauty and clean air make camping a refreshing experience. Their parks and recreation sites offer a wide range of camping experiences or if camping isn’t your thing, there are a variety of cabins, yurts or resorts to keep you close to nature. Oh and most of these lakes offer amazing fishing!

Danielson Provincial Park is the ultimate location for those who love the water. From swimming, fishing, windsurfing, canoeing and boating all in one trip. Plus, you (oh and the kids too) can climb, jump and slide into the lake at Danielson’s inflatable water park.

Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park is not only home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada, it is also home to naturally occurring sand dunes. Spanning along the Dunes Discovery Trail, the sand dunes in Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park can reach as high as five stories tall, with gorgeous views of Good Spirit Lake. This beginner-friendly trail is roughly 3 km long, wheelchair accessible up to the water control structure, and is perfect for a quick break and some breathtaking views.

Douglas Provincial Park is nestled along the Qu’Appelle Dam. Depending on lake levels the boat launch may be in operation, if not, it’s a short 10-minute drive to launches in Elbow. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from the store and get out on the water.

Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park is located on the western end of Lake Diefenbaker, less than 40 minutes north of Swift Current. Several boat launches make it easy to get on the water. No boat? No problem! Watercraft rentals are available through the Marina.

Meadow Lake Provincial Park contains a string of over 20 sparkling lakes refreshed by the winding Waterhen River. This beautiful Natural Environment Park is set in over a 100km stretch of lush boreal forest where you can choose a setting as tranquil as a soaring eagle or as lively as a trio of screaming teens tubing behind a motor boat. Kick back on some of the best beaches in Saskatchewan, enjoy a day of fishing or try your skill at waterskiing or paddle boarding.

Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park offers a world of water activities to its visitors. Discover the lake’s fishing hotspots on a guided fishing trip with G & S Marina Outfitters, or rent a boat, canoe or paddleboat from them and explore the lake on your own.

This is just a preview of all they have to offer, just get out there and explore for yourself. So now I’m going to wrap things up with Regina.

Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and the 16th largest city in Canada with a population of about 230,000. It’s located in the south central area of the province. The city covers an area of 118.4 square kilometers. It is in the middle of the Prairie Provinces with Alberta to the west, and Manitoba to the east. It borders the American states of Montana and North Dakota. 

Regina began as one of many European settlements in the 1880s as an agricultural community and served as a distribution point for farm materials and produce; becoming a city in 1903. Two years later, Saskatchewan became a province and chose Regina as its capital. Today, this diverse and vibrant community is one of Canada’s fastest growing major cities.

If you’re looking for things to do, consider starting with one of these attractions: Stone Hall Castle, Saskatchewan Heritage Center, Regina Floral Conservancy, Royal Saskatchewan Museum and depending on the time of year the Regina Farmers Market.

Well there you have it, our middle prairie province, beauty in its simplicity. Hopefully this inspires you to consider the Prairies, even when it’s not considered a premier destination.

Looking to book? Remember, I’m here for all your luxury travel needs.

Because each share truly helps me out, please consider sharing and pinning!

Thanks – Maria

Looking for more inspiration follow me on Instagram & Pinterest.