It’s road trip season! Whether you rock your own whip or are catching rides with mom and dad, summer is a great time to throw on some good music, then hit the road and explore the province. Here’s a list of our top 7 summer road trips for 2019.
Cypress Hills
Location: Located in Southwestern Saskatchewan
Why you should go: Experience wild prairies, vibrant forests, and rolling hills all in one park. There is something for everyone in this interprovincial park; from rustic camping experiences in the West Block to treetop biplane tours.
The Cypress Hills area is known for some of the best trout fishing on the prairies, so don’t forget your fishing rod. A visit to Fort Walsh will be a step back to the 1870s and you’ll be immersed in the history surrounding you. Rockhounds will marvel at the unique “cobbles” of Conglomerate Cliffs and the stunning views of the surrounding prairies.
Good Spirit Provincial Park
Location: Northwest of Yorkton and Northeast of Springdale
Why you should go: This is a haven for hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers. The sand dunes here can reach a staggering five stories tall and gives an incredible view of of Good Spirit Lake below
After your hike enjoy a dip on this pristine beach; white sand, warm waters, and no weeds. The peaceful nature of this lake makes it a great place to both explore as well as sit and hang with friends.
Grasslands National Park
Location: Val Marie
Why you should go: The night sky in Grasslands is one of the largest and darkest in Canada! As a Dark Sky Preserve, it’s a great place to star gaze and see the night sky like never before. Take an epic backcountry hiking trip through the badlands or canoe/kayak the Frenchman River. During your visit you can explore archeological sites or try to discover a Dinosaur fossil. Keep an eye out for Bison, Burrowing Owls, or Prairie Dog colonies while you explore the park.
Creighton Limestone Crevices
Location: Northeast Saskatchewan, a little south of Creighton and Denare Beach.
Why you should go: Explore miles of natural crevices and imagine the ancient sea that was once here. The limestone in the area is a remnant of coral reefs that existed 450 million years ago. The freeze-thaw cycle has created deep gouges with straight narrow walls, creating a labyrinth of deep crevices. In some of the deeper crevices you can even find snow in the middle of the summer!
Great Sand Hills
Located around 2 hours west of Swift Current
Why go: the Great Sand Hills are a hidden gems of Saskatchewan — the dunes are just like the ones you see in pictures of the Sahara.
It is simply a sublime and unexpected site in one of Canada’s coldest provinces! The Great Sand Hills are definitely one of the coolest places to check out in the Province.
Lac La Ronge
Location: Located near La Ronge in the boreal forest of Northern Saskatchewan
Why you should go: As one of the largest parks in the province it’s easy to find a quiet, picturesque spot to pitch your tent and surround yourself in natural beauty. The provincial park has something for every nature-lover; 100 lakes and 1,305 islands to explore by canoe, trails to explore, fantastic fishing, and beaches galore! Plus, visit the stunning Nistowiak Falls where Lac La Range drains into the Churchill River!
Big Muddy Badlands
Location: Southern Saskatchewan, east of Coronach and Big Beaver
Why you should go: Outlaws, bandits, the Wild West, relics from the Ice Age, an amazing sandstone outcrop, and caves – all good reasons to take a trip down to Big Muddy Badlands and Castle Butte.
These remote badlands were hideouts for bandits such as Sam Kelly, Dutch Henry, and the Sundance Kid. Hiking up the imposing Castle Butte can be challenging but you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding badlands. You can also find stone effigies, ceremonial circles and ancient buffalo
jumps.