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They say that Saskatchewan is so flat you can watch your dog run away for three days. That’s because you’re in Canada’s prairie province, known for its neverending stretches of grassland, as well as 100,000 lakes and rivers and expansive forests. Head here if you’re hungry for undiluted adventure and jaw-dropping scenery.
Channel your inner cowboy
Saskatchewan’s sprawling and sun-soaked ranches are steeped in the spirit of the West with cattle grazing on open prairies, boundless skies overhead, and, of course, real cowboys with dust-covered boots. Horses and ranches have always played a pivotal role in the development of western Canada and the founding of the province of Saskatchewan. Whether you’re an experienced horse rider or a total equine novice, the best way to see cowboy country is to travel by horseback. Head to La Reata Ranch on Lake Diefenbaker to visit a true Saskatchewan working ranch, where you can join wranglers as they gather, move, and sort cattle the way it’s been done for over a century. Giddy-up!
Indigenous communities
For an immersive insight into the rich history of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities, head to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. It’s Saskatchewan’s beating cultural heart and a sacred meeting place for over 6,400 years where Indigenous communities would congregate at Opimihaw Creek to hunt bison, gather plants, and hold ceremonies. Here, you’ll encounter buffalo jumps, medicine wheels, and rich oral histories, each offering a glimpse into the traditions of the Northern Plains tribes.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Destination Canada
City life
For a more urban outing, head to Saskatchewan’s two cities – Saskatoon and Regina. The former is also known as the ‘Paris of the Prairies’, a buzzing spot pinned on the map by its many bridges that straddle the South Saskatchewan River, burgeoning food scene and bohemian energy. Regina starkly contrasts Saskatoon, the capital city that’s more stately and famous for the Canadian ‘Mounties’ – famous worldwide for their traditional red uniform. Regina offers more than just military drills, too – with a glut of farmers’ markets, an exciting beer scene and the annual Regina Folk Festival with an unmissable line-up of artists.
Wild wonderland
If you’re craving nature, Saskatchewan has an ace up its sleeve when it comes to breathtaking landscapes. The region’s north is blanketed by forest and gin-clear lakes, while the south is a patchwork of golden fields, grasslands, rolling hills and badlands. If you’re seeking out mountain views, head to Cypress Hills, an oasis on the border between Saskatchewan and Alberta that reaches an elevation of 4,567ft – filled with towering hills, lodgepole pine and white spruce forests, and wildflowers. It’s a designated Dark Sky Preserve, so visit at night to feast on the sky of stars. Equally, hike around the Gem Lakes to see the dazzling coniferous forests reflected in the pristine waters or get your heart pumping on a canoe down the Churchill River to discover northern Saskatchewan.
11-night trip to Saskatchewan from £2,799 per person at mycanadatrips.co.uk. For more information visit tourismsaskatchewan.com
