Saskatchewan is a diverse and unique province in so many ways. It’s only fitting that the names of the places within should be just as exciting. If you think the fluctuations in temperature between the seasons are wild, or discovering that Saskatchewan does indeed have some pretty impressive hills is fascinating, prepare yourself to be blown away by the unique name choices of these hamlets, towns, and villages. And yes, we’re going to do all that we can to rock bad puns, so strap in and get ready for a wild ride. While some of these places might be incredibly small, with populations of fifty people or less, it would still be a pretty cool road trip to get pictures with the signs from each and every one.
Radville
This unique little town has the hippest, happening name. Radville is located in the south-central part of the province, about an hour and a half from Regina. It turns out, it wasn’t named because everyone thought it was a pretty hip place to live. Radville actually took its name from the owner of the farm it was built on. They used the first three letters of the owner’s name and tacked on ‘ville’ at the end. Even though there’s a population of less than a thousand people, the town still boasts some great restaurants, an interesting history, and some amazing fishing spots!
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Love
Located north east of Prince Albert is a unique little town with an amorous name. Though there could be some epic legends thought of to describe how the town got its name, it was actually named after a train conductor who passed through, Tom Love. Even though Love has a population of less than a hundred people, it’s a well-known town in Saskatchewan for a very good reason. Since Canada Post gave Love a unique postmark- a teddy bear with hearts- many people choose to send their letters through the post office there to receive the postmark before they’re forwarded on. You might even want to try it out for yourself this year.
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Mozart
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Spy Hill
Located near Lagenburg in the southeast part of Saskatchewan (located just thirteen kilometers from the Manitoba border) is the village of Spy Hill. While it sounds like the exciting setting for a cutting edge adventure novel or action movie, the village was actually named after the hills just east of town. You have to admit that the place still has probably the most action packed name in the province. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to visit the Carleton Trail regional park, located nearby.
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Reward
Reward is a small hamlet in western part of the province, located near Unity. The area is perhaps best known for the Shrine of the Holy Rosary. Now a Municipal Heritage Property, history buffs and art lovers alike will find it interesting that the church isn’t just a beautiful example of architecture, (it’s 100 years old this year!) but it also features paintings by the very talented artist, Berthold Von Imhoff.
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Climax
Oh boy. Is there anyone in the province who hasn’t heard of Climax?
The friendly little community is located in the far south of the province, close to the American border. It’s actually located fairly close to Grasslands National Park, so if you’re in the area in the summer, be sure to check out the incredible scenery and many different activities offered there. There are some pretty amazing articles written about Climax. Do a web search. For example, look up why it was featured in a popular board game or the legendary reverse side of the sign. You won’t be sorry that you did.
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Adanac
As far as wild and wacky names go, it’s hard to beat Adanac. In case you didn’t realize it when you read the name, it’s actually Canada spelled backwards. It really doesn’t get much more creative or Canadian than that! Some have labelled Adanac a ghost town, but located just five kilometers from the town of Unity, it’s only a short drive to see the Adanac sign.
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Elbow
Saskatchewan really does seem to love its anatomy names. Elbow is actually located on a bend of the South Saskatchewan River, so the name actually seems to be fitting, given the resemblance. Situated on the beautiful Lake Diefenbaker, Elbow is a gorgeous village with a plethora of activities waiting to be enjoyed. Swimming, incredible fishing, beaches camping, water sports, Lake Diefenbaker has it all.
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Amsterdam
Saskatchewan doesn’t just love the appendage names, it also loves its European place names. Amsterdam is a prime example. The community was actually founded by Dutch immigrants, so the name is fitting. Located seventy kilometers north of Yorkton, the little hamlet has around twenty-five people living there. Even though the community is small, if you want to visit all the unique named small towns, it’s still worth a stop.
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Moose Jaw
If you’re from Saskatchewan, you might not even have thought about Moose Jaw as a unique name, but if you hadn’t heard it before, you might raise a brow. Located just seventy-seven kilometers west of Regina, Moose Jaw is packed full of amazing things to do and discover. Exciting tunnels, beautiful murals, a luxurious spa, the casino, the Western Development Museum, a ship built in the middle of the prairies, street car tours, delightful bed and breakfasts, amazing shopping, and so much more await!
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Eyebrow
The little village of Eyebrow might have a funny name, but it’s actually a beautiful place. Legend has it at the area took its name from an eyebrow shaped hill resting above the lake. Located forty minutes northwest of Moose Jaw, the village does boast several businesses including a great restaurant. If you happen to be driving in the area, it’s worth stopping.
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Drinkwater
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Forget
When making a list of uniquely named Saskatchewan places, we can’t forget about Forget. Yes, we know. Cue the eye rolls. Forget is actually pronounced as for-jay and not forget at all. The village has a population of around fifty people and was named after Amedee Forget, the province’s first Lieutenant Governor. Located east of Stoughton, Forget features some beautiful historic houses and a great café.
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Big Beaver
Located in the south part of the province, this little hamlet has a pretty awesome name. It might have the most Canadian name in the entire country. Don’t let the fact that Big Beaver has a population of less than twenty people fool you. The area boasts a General Store and a Nature Center. Big Beaver is located only a short distance from the Big Muddy Badlands, so if you plan on doing some exploring this spring, summer, or fall, be sure to add Big Beaver to your route.
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Foam Lake
Located two hundred and twenty kilometers southeast of Saskatoon, Foam Lake really does live up to its name. It turns out that the town did get its name when one of the first settlers to the area noticed foam on the edge of a small body of water close to the town. If you visit in the fall, be sure to check out the Foam Lake Heritage Marsh. Many different types of birds including geese, ducks, cranes, and swans stop at the marsh on the way to migrate south. If you’re a history buff or just want to check out some beautiful historic architecture, be sure to see the Douglas House and the Foam Lake Museum. For the warmer months, the area also boasts a beautiful campground complete with driving range.
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Earl Grey
Located only sixty-six kilometers from Regina is the small village of Earl Grey. The name might sound a little funny, if you’re thinking of the popular black tea, Earl Grey, but it actually all makes sense. The tea was named after a real earl, the second Earl Grey. The town itself was named after Albert Grey, the fourth Earl Grey, and Canada’s Governor General at the time of the village’s incorporation. Earl Grey might be a small place, but it has a ball diamond, a curling and skating rink, as well as a community hall. The village is located only thirty minutes from Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park and is also close to Last Mountain Lake.
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Carrot River
Located in the northeast part of the province, Carrot River, it turns out, is one of those towns with a unique, but apt name. It was named for the wild carrots which grew along the banks of the river. In the warmer months, there is a plethora of things to do in the area. Visit the beautiful Pasqua Regional Park. There are also many trails around the area that can be used in all seasons. There are even cross country ski trails. Carrot River boasts a host of diverse dining options as well as several different choices of accommodation. Everything from the RV park and campgrounds, to motels and lodges are located in the area.
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Cut Knife
Located fifty kilometers west of Battleford, Cut Knife might be a bizarre name for the town, but it also seems to be aptly named. The town is home to the world’s largest tomahawk, which stands over 12 meters high. The Clayton McLain Memorial Museum and Archives is a must see if you’re going to be visiting in the warmer months. The museum runs tours to the Battle of Cut Knife Hill National Historic Site upon request. Tomahawk Park is a beautiful park with a small campground and trout pond.
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Biggar
It doesn’t get much bigger than Biggar. In fact, the town’s official slogan is, “New York is big, but this is Biggar.” Located nine-three kilometers west of Saskatoon, Biggar packs a big punch, pun totally intended. The Biggar and District Regional Park is a great place to camp in the warmer months. The arts thrive through the Majestic Theatre. The town also has a gun range, and a golf course. The Biggar Museum and Gallery is truly a must see. The museum provides information on the history of the area and has many interesting artifacts while the Gallery is home to art from local artists and travelling art shows.
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Findlater
Located seventy-five kilometers north of Regina, Findlater is one of those unique towns that actually has a pretty apt story behind its naming. So the legend goes, a group of early settlers were looking for the village of Chamberlain, but they ended up settling down right where they were. Despite promises of moving on to Chamberlain, which they kept promising they would find later, a year later, the village was established and the name Findlater stuck. Though the village has a population of fifty people, it is close to Regina Beach, and also fairly close to Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.
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Saskatchewan is truly a unique place same with its cities and other locations. Have to visit all this place as a lifetime goal.