This land of endless prairies, rolling hills, unique sites and countless historical areas is a draw for many travellers. If you are travelling within the province or from a different area, there is much to discover and enjoy during the summer months.
Credit: Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site
Hidden gems of restaurants, off-the-beaten-track wilderness areas, ancient sites, First Nations historic and cultural sites, endless outdoor and adventure activities, and fun places to hang out are all features of the province of Saskatchewan. Don’t forget to check out the night skies and phenomenal sunrises and sunsets in this land of the living skies.
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Nature creates some of the most incredible things to see and since every province in Canada has different landscapes and different weather patterns, it is easy to find some very unique formations to visit. From the incredible sand dunes and sand formations to the creepy twisted trees, if you like to see some unusual nature, these will be right up your alley.
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It is so much fun to be driving down the highway or a random side road and suddenly come across something unusual. How would you feel about seeing the largest moose in the world, a lighthouse in the middle of the prairies, a giant Ukrainian statue, a coin way too big to put in your pocket, or a replica Eiffel Tower? You can find out, as they are all located within Saskatchewan! 15 Giant Attractions For a Road Trip in Saskatchewan
A forgotten part of the history of the province, lime kilns were used to produce quicklime through the calcination of limestone (calcium carbonate). Quicklime was used to make plaster and mortar for building construction. Used from the earliest days of European settlement, there is very little evidence left of these structures today.
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You may think of grain crops when you consider the farmland around the province and the farms that produce them are certainly plentiful. There are still many cattle ranches and dairy farms, mixed livestock and grazing lands that dot the central lowlands region of this prairie province, and visiting one for a trail ride or an overnight stay is an excellent way of getting into the lifestyle of the working ranch.
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The open waters of the lakes and rushing waters of the rivers of Saskatchewan call out to fishermen and fisherwomen, boasting some of the best fishing in the country. Spend some time trying to catch a record breaker or simply enjoy casting a line. Since there are 100,000 lakes and rivers along with 68 species of fish available in the province, there is no shortage of places to spend time with your rod and reel.
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Spending the night in the wide-open spaces of the prairies, or tucked into a forest of trees, alongside a beautiful lake or on the banks of a river, there is something special about camping out under a Saskatchewan night sky. Sit back and relax in front of a fire, take a good look at the stars, and sleep listening to the howls of coyotes.
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With the numerous lakes and rivers in the province available for watersports, getting out in a canoe or kayak to explore the watery zones is an excellent way to spend some time during the summer months. It is extremely easy to enjoy a multiday trip on the water to a destination such as the historic Grey Owl’s Cabin, or simply exploring the amazing small islands in Lac La Ronge, or adventuring down the small rapids on the Churchill River.
Credit: Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site
It is difficult to separate out the unique historical sites in Saskatchewan from the provincial sites, the First Nations sites, the museums and the Forts because the history here is so intertwined that it is not easy to separate them into categories. However, every site has something interesting to see and do and you won’t regret any time that you spend exploring these sites.
Credit: Doukhobor Dugout House
In the early 1900’s wood was so scarce on the prairies that many homesteaders built their first homes out of the sod. Soddies were relatively small structures that were cheaply built out of blocks of sod and rudimentary house fittings. Sod refers to grass and the soil beneath it that is held together by the grass’s roots. Other settlers used what the prairies offered up to them to create unique dugout dwellings. Each one of these sites has incredible historic importance in the province.
Cypress Hills Destination Area
There are 39 Provincial Parks in Saskatchewan. Each one offers up a different look at the provincial geography, geology, wildlife, birdlife, and scenery. Some have historic stories; others provide unlimited opportunities to adventure and experience the outdoors. Remember, for all Provincial Parks you will need to purchase a day pass or year-round pass.
There are only two national parks in the province, and each offers a perfect look at the unique differences of the varied landscapes. In the south, travellers will find the beautiful prairies and slightly rolling hills of the grasslands, and to the north, the rugged rocks and coniferous forests of the Canadian Shield plateau.
Photo Credit: Royal Saskatchewan Museum
What constitutes a traditional museum for us? Well, there are so many museums and historical sites in Saskatchewan that we must try to break them up into some sort of categories. So, this category covers the museums that we consider to be the most traditional in setup and content.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
One of the best types of adventures in the province is to get away to a fly-in destination. These are more numerous than you may think, as the entire northern part of the province is wilderness and lake regions that encourage visitors to look for a local plane to take them to their desired site. Stay at a resort fishing lodge or discover the areas on a backcountry camping, hiking or canoe trip.
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The First Nations of Canada in the provincial area of Saskatchewan have been here for thousands of years. They gathered on these prairies to hunt, fish, worship and celebrate. Their traditions remain alive today, and the historical sites and museums provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more and appreciate everything about the long history and culture.
Spend some summertime days getting out in the fresh air at one of the “pick your own” farms. This is a fun, safe and educational opportunity to pick some fresh berries, fruit and veggies. It is always a good idea to check with the farm before you go, both to check on crop availability and hours.
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Step back in time as you spend a night or two in one of the historic hotels or bed and breakfasts in the province. With properties that are more than 100 years old, you may have low expectations, but these are beautifully restored and have all the amenities that you may require, including fantastic restaurants, gorgeous décor, and comfortable rooms.
Imagine yourself flying over the treetops, walking over a suspension bridge, climbing up a “ship ladder”, dangling far above the ground as you navigate a ropes course, fat biking through the forest, free-falling down a very long waterslide, or “gliding” over the sidewalks of Saskatoon. All of these activities are possible in this fabulous province!
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Eating out is a big part of travel. It gives travellers an opportunity to try foods that they might not eat at home and provides an opportunity to taste some different styles of meals and seasonings. Saskatchewan is made up of a wide variety of cultures, and these can be found in some of the unique, and yummy, places to eat in the province. Try a drive-thru perogy stop, munch down on one of 100 flavours of wings, or try some traditional First Nations cuisine.
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Extending across three provinces – Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – you can travel part of this trail to relive the dramatic days of 1885 when Métis, led by Louis Riel, clashed with the Canadian Militia. These sites commemorate the significant events that occurred in 1885 during the Northwest Resistance.
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Riding out onto the wide expanse of the prairies on horseback is a traditional experience second to none. The freedom of horseback riding, through the variety of landscapes, with working cowboys guiding you every step of the way, is a way to create memories that will last a lifetime. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere as you enjoy a bit of the western life that has been an integral part of the province for so long.
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Get outside and explore some of the magnificent landscapes and terrains that are available in the province. From trails that lead you through lovely rolling prairies, to those that take you through the boreal forests, wetlands or into canyons, you will surely enjoy every step that you take.
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Mountain bikers may think that Saskatchewan is too flat for good bike riding, but the valleys are more challenging than riders think because of the small but constant changes in elevation. There may not be visible mountain peaks but there are plenty of valleys and coulees that provide consistent side slopes to create beautiful bench cut trails.
Credit: Parks Canada
To be honest, with the province being fairly flat, it is not easy to find a canyon here! There are lots of coulees, and dips, and small hills, but proper canyons that travellers may be looking for are few and far between. There are still some beautiful and unique places to visit though, that we can include in the “Canyon” category. Spending time in these will ensure some fantastic Instagram pics.
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While there are tons of fantastic buildings and great architecture in the province, along with impressive, historic grain elevators and barns that dot the landscape, there is one particular engineered wonder which can not be missed. One of the largest earth-filled dams in the world, you can not only drive across the top to view it, but you can also visit the impressive visitor’s center, with its visual interpretive displays, souvenirs, and a not-to-be missed vintage film on the construction of the dam.
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Get your clubs and head to one of the many fabulous golf courses around the province. Spend some time trying to get on par, or simply enjoying the walk around the gorgeous greens. Surrounded by prairies or boreal forests, the courses in the province offer up surprisingly varied landscapes and difficulties.
Credit: Tunnels of Moose Jaw
There are some unique museums in the province that are well worth a visit. While traditional museums may give visitors the opportunity to see exhibits about the general history of the area and peoples, these slightly unusual museums that focus on specific areas or unique parts of the history of the province.
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It is a lot of fun to go poking through antique stores to find treasures – be it furniture, glass, dishware, signs, pictures, or other odds and ends. The province is home to some incredible stores offering up a wide selection of great antiques and collectibles, some of them housed in historic properties.
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Outdoor artwork is a lovely, free way to experience some of the towns and cities in the province. Saskatchewan is home to many towns that pride themselves in the beautiful murals that tell the stories of the past.
Tourism Saskatchewan /Paul Austring
Summertime is meant to be enjoyed, and the beaches in the province allow visitors to rest, relax and soak up the sun while experiencing some of the most stunning waters and surrounding scenery. The long stretches of fine sand that can be found at most of the province’s lakes allow travellers to find the perfect place to spend some time. Take a picnic and your bathing suit, because you will want to swim and stay all day.
Credit: Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa
At the end of a long day of hiking, biking, shopping or driving, there is nothing better than soaking your bones in some lovely hot springs or mineral spa waters. There are only two places in the province that offer natural springs waters to help heal your body and soul.
Credit: Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre
There are more than 400 species of birds that use Saskatchewan as a home or as part of a migration route. That means that there are an incredible number of opportunities to birdwatch throughout the area. No matter where you travel there will be amazing chances to view and listen to some of the beautiful songbirds, eagles, waterfowl and more that frequent the province.
Credit: Southern Prairie Railway
At this time there are only two scenic rail journeys available for enjoyment in the province. Each one offers different excursions and fun outings for special occasions. Travel back in time and experience the beauty of the prairies in a different way.
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Since the province is made up of farms of all sorts, why not use the local ingredients to create fresh, creative dishes from locally sourced, sustainable products and ethically raised animals? These restaurants, among so many more that we just don’t have room to list, have made a name for themselves as providing clients with fabulous farm to fork meals.
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Archeologists are uncovering hundreds of artifacts in Saskatchewan every year. In fact, as of 2005, there were more than 20,000 officially recognized archaeological sites in the province. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (listed in another category), generally houses artifacts found here, but there are several other sites where it is possible to view ancient items.
Credit: Prairie Lily
Even though there are numerous lakes and rivers throughout Saskatchewan, there are few places to take an actual cruise, so we’ve been a little creative with one of our choices. However, if you want to experience some life on the water without worrying about taking care of yourself, this is an excellent way to do it.
Credit: Government House
Saskatchewan has some interesting historic government sites and stories, and a visit to one of the following will give you some insight into not only the current government aspects but also the history of the buildings and one of Canada’s Prime Ministers – John Diefenbaker.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan Eric Lindberg
Saskatchewan is a mixture of flat prairie land, slightly rolling hills and stark cliffs and canyons. This mixture creates opportunities for unusual formations, such as the “Big Muddy” which supports dens and caves for not only animals, but humans.
Big Muddy Outlaw Cave Tours – Once the stomping grounds of Sitting Bull, Sam Kelly and the North West Mounted Police, these rolling hills are dotted with dramatic cliffs, canyons and ravines, with one of the most famous hiding places for the outlaws. The caves, which were originally wolf dens, were enlarged and used as living quarters by the Nelson-Jones gang. Another cave, a short distance away, was ideal for hiding their saddle horses. 2 Railway Ave, Coronach
Tourism Saskatchewan/J.F. Bergeron/ENVIRO FOTO
This may not be the first activity that you think of when travelling, especially on the prairies or in cities that aren’t considered to be “old” by the standards of most. While western Canada doesn’t have as long of a history as other countries, the building of churches represented the faith of the settlers and those communities that built up across the province. These unique and beautiful structures allow us to take a look at how members of the communities worshipped in the past, as well as today.
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The building and use of forts in the Canadian West were primarily to create bases for trading and for the Mounties. Scattered throughout the prairies at prime locations, each one holds pieces of the past for us to enjoy and helps us step back into the lives of those who helped shape the prairie life that we know today, along with allowing us to view the impact of the settlers on the First Nations in the area.
Sports are a large part of our lives, whether we watch them or play them. They influence our health, create social opportunities, and enhance our competitiveness. The province has some interesting history when it comes to sports, including being the site of the first baseball game (way back when the province was part of the Northwest Territories). Now is your chance to check out the museums and halls of fame based on the fantastic history.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
With open prairies and endless skies, this is the perfect place to spend nights gazing upwards to search the heavens. The Dark Sky Preserves are great places to either view the stars, the Milky Way, and all the constellations either with your naked eye, or with your own telescope. Otherwise, head to the observatory to use their telescope to explore the night sky.
Short for all terrain vehicle, this has become a popular sport across Canada, and indeed, in many parts of the world. It is a way of exploring the backcountry areas without having to hike and allows riders of all levels to enjoy the beautiful scenery and locations throughout the province. Those without their own quad or side by side can rent one in the major cities in the province.
Credit: RCMP Heritage Centre
The RCMP have a long history in this part of the country, and each site offers up a unique view of the service and heritage of the long-standing police force in the province. You have a chance to watch a sunset ceremony, visit the training grounds of this iconic force, or check out some historic buildings associated with the RCMP.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
Do you ever spend time walking a trail and wondering what is around you? Would you like to know more about the history, the wildlife, the flowers, and plants in the area? Interpretive trails are fantastic ways to get out and moving while learning about the place that you are walking in. These trails provide panels of information on history, flora and fauna as you enjoy your walk.
Credit: Suzanne Schroeter/Flickr
Did you know that there was a gold rush in Saskatchewan? Or that there is a working coal mine, along with a coal-fired hydro power plant? What about the history of brick making in the province? Each of one these fantastic and interesting sites offers up a different side of history and the impact that these have had on the province.
Credit: T.rex Discovery Centre
Dinosaurs lived in Saskatchewan at the very end of the Cretaceous Period (144 to 65 million years ago). This area was covered by a shallow inland sea, which was warm and muddy and teemed with shellfish, fish and marine reptiles such as the plesiosaurs and mosasaurs. The varieties of dinosaurs that lived here at that time included Troodon, Ornithomimus, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, Edmontosaurus, Dromaeosaurus, Thescelosaurus, Chasmosaurus and of course, Tyrannosaurus rex.
Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
Okay, we are not going to lie, getting to see the few waterfalls in the province is not necessarily an easy task. These falls are located outside of the normal travel routes, so you need to be prepared to go out of your way to see them. Since the province is fairly flat, waterfalls are not common on the rivers here, seeing these is certainly a special experience that you won’t soon forget.
Credit: Tourism Prince Albert
Spending the night in a fun, different environment is something that we search for while travelling. Consider spending a night of two in a traditional tipi, or in a converted grain bin, in a yurt, or in a tent reminiscent of the ones that prospectors used on their journeys.
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Why are there so many ghost towns in Saskatchewan? In the early 20th century, Saskatchewan was the third-largest Canadian province by population, right behind Ontario and Quebec. However, over the course of the century, the shifts in farm economics, mechanics, machinery, and government support led to ever-increasing farm sizes and an ever-decreasing rural population. Ramshackle buildings on isolated farms and ghost towns, mere skeletons of their former glory, are all that remain.
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Every river needs a place or two to cross, and the bridges that are put into place to accommodate pedestrians, streetcars, vehicles or trains can be more than just useful, they can have their style and be works of art. From small swinging pedestrian bridges to longer, unique crossings, each one is something to be marvelled at.
Summer is a great time of year to get into your vehicle and head out for a fun day or two to explore Saskatchewan on the road:
Explore Saskatchewan
Thank you for this article. Please remind visitors for all ghost towns and abandoned places, that they do indeed still have owners, and many unknown risks for entering without permission or full details. I see that you say for one to obtain permission before arriving in Bents, but the owner has many people who do not, and this may indeed cause this place to be bulldozed. Please see this article for more info:https://www.bigdoer.com/22765/exploring-history/bents/
We love our ‘Home Province’. So much to see and do and unfortunately so little time. Get out and see the sights and enjoy Saskatchewan.
Kitchener, ON
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