Make the most of summer in Saskatchewan
With restrictions on travel outside the country, there’s never been a better summer to stay home and explore great experiences and adventures right here in Saskatchewan. It’s true that our favourite annual festivals and special events are on hold for 2020 due to COVID-19, and we eagerly await the time when we can all gather together safely. However, there’s still plenty to see, do and experience here in Saskatchewan this summer. Here are just a few suggestions for great Saskatchewan getaways:
1. TAKE A HIKE
Saskatchewan is a hiker’s paradise, with a diverse range of treks, ranging from lakeside walks to heritage tours to forest trails. Plan your next hike by visiting the Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) website at sasktrails. ca. The STA has developed an online directory of the province’s many trail experiences, including maps, GPS coordinates and descriptions of many of Saskatchewan’s trails and nearby amenities. Just one of the trails the STA suggests checking out is the Saskatchewan Ghost Town Trail, with stops including Candiac, Frobisher, Shackleton and Bromhead. Incredible photo ops await along this suggested trek.
2. DRIVE-IN DELIGHTS
In Saskatchewan’s southeast corner, the Prairie Dog Drive-in Theatre has been warming our hearts on summer nights for 40 years. We are fortunate to have a handful of these classics in the province. The drive-in is a link to the past, a perfect summer outing and a wonderful way to support small businesses. Plan a night of family entertainment at the Prairie Dog Drive-in Theatre in Carlyle; Clearwater Drive-in Theatre in Kyle; Jubilee Drive-in Theatre at Manitou Beach; and Twilite Drive-in Theatre in Wolseley. In recent weeks, pop-up drive-in theatres have also opened up in Saskatoon and Regina.
3. BIRD LAND
Get to know the many feathered travellers that pass through Saskatchewan each spring and fall, and some that stay year-round. Check out the Nature Saskatchewan website and download your copy of the Saskatchewan Birding Trail Experience. Search up birding trails in boreal forest, rolling prairie, sand dunes and marshes to see some of the 350 species found here, including Piping Plovers, Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owls and Whooping Cranes. For more information, visit naturesask.ca/useful-resources/saskbirding-trails.
4. TEE TIME
Golf is one of the first recreation activities to re-open under Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 protocols. Our province is home to over 200 golf courses, offering a wide range of experiences and challenges. There’s a course to suit every player’s skill level, from the finest nines to top-rated 18-hole championship courses. Look for inspiration at saskgolfer.com and golfsaskatchewan.org.
5. ZIP IT!
Tree-o-six Adventure Parks, located at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and Elk Ridge Resort, has been given the green light to operate this summer as an outdoor individual recreation provider. The staple experience is a two-hour treetop zipline tour, but basecamp activities are constantly being updated. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, advance reservations are required. A maximum of four participants are allowed per activity. For complete details, visit treeosix.com.
6. LAKE LIFE
Saskatchewan is home to more than 100,000 lakes—creating plenty of opportunities for fun while physically distancing. One of the province’s most unique lakes is Lake Diefenbaker, a lake that was formed in the late 1960s after the construction of the Gardiner and Qu’appelle Valley dams. Lake Diefenbaker boasts 800 km of shoreline, providing haven for an abundance of birds
and wildlife. Sailing, waterskiing and fishing are among the most popular activities here, though the surrounding communities’ golf, hiking and attractions are a close second. You’ll find more details at lakediefenbakertourism.com.
7. NATIONAL PARKS
There are two national parks in Saskatchewan: Grasslands National Park in the southwest plains and Prince Albert National Park in the northern boreal forest. At Grasslands National Park, scenic driving tours through both the West and East block are great ways to see this untouched tract of grasslands. Hikers can try geocache challenges, guided nature hikes and enjoy what is Canaad’s darkest Dark Sky Preserve! Stop for information at the Val Marie Visitor Centre or click on pc.gc.ca/ grasslands. Prince Albert National Park has it all: epic hikes, canoeing, sandy beaches, the quaint townsite of Waskesiu, camping, resorts, golf, birding, biking… phew. Check out the park’s re-opening information at pc.gc.ca/princealbert.
8. PROVINCIAL PARKS
Saskatchewan’s many provincial parks are a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. While historic parks are closed until further notice, there are 29 provincial parks that have re-opened for camping, fishing, golf and other outdoor activities. Best of all, provincial parks are only open to Saskatchewan residents this summer! Visit saskparks.com for more information.
9. FISH TALES
Fishing is an activity that is well-suited to pandemic life. It’s easy to spread out and distance yourself from other anglers— whether you’re fishing from shore or out on the water. Our province boasts some of the world’s freshwater fishing, with catches including walleye, northern pike, lake trout, Arctic grayling and more. Before you cast your line, purchase a valid fishing license or wait for the annual Free Fishing Weekend, on July 11 and 12, 2020. Download the 2020 Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide, available at publications.saskatchewan.ca.