25 Awesome Places to Hike in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan provides the perfect backdrop for any avid hiker and nature lover to get out there and experience wondrous, scenic beauty. If you thought the province was flat with just grass and fields as far as they eye can see, then you’re in for a surprise! Saskatchewan offers diverse terrain and from the north part of the province to the south, the landscape shifts and changes. You will be shocked at the dense forests, sheer rock faces, towering buttes and sand dunes that await your exploration. Many parks offer something for the entire family so don’t be afraid to get out and experience all that province has to offer.

 

1. Meadow Lake Provincial Park

Nature lovers will delight in this beautiful park. With so much more to offer than just trails, you can bring the whole family and there will be something for everyone. The pristine lakes offer great fishing, kayaking and canoeing and the sandy beaches make an excellent spot for swimming. Meadow Lake Provincial Park also boasts the province’s longest developed hiking trail. At 120km in length, the Boreal Trail is beautiful, unique and challenging. Experienced hikers will love to challenge themselves to complete the entire trail while beginner and intermediate hikers might just want to try part of the trail.

2. Douglas Provincial Park

 The Douglas Provincial Park is just one of the parks that lay on the shores of the incredible Lake Diefenbaker. Known for its amazing fishing, water sports, sandy beaches and gorgeous campgrounds, the park also has hiking trails that are sure to please any experience level. Make it a point to explore the sand dunes in the park. It’s well worth hiking to! Also of interest is Gardiner Dam. No visit to the park would be complete without seeing it!

3. Buffalo Pound Provincial Park

For those that have explored the Qu’Appelle Valley before, the beauty of the area is unrivaled. If you haven’t ever gone, make it a point to go! A great starting place to see the valley is the Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. With over 30km of hiking and biking trails, people of all ages and all experience levels are sure to have a great time. During the winter, many of the trails double as cross country skiing trails so you can enjoy the wonder of nature all year round.

4. Narrow Hills Provincial Park

Toted by some as one of the most underrated hiking trails and by others as one of the most beautiful trails in Saskatchewan, you won’t want to miss out on the hiking trail at Narrow Hills Provincial Park. The trail is a 5.5km circle that takes you around the Gem Lakes. For thrill seekers or just those looking for an escape there are backcountry campsites for you to spend the night.

5. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Avid hikers flock to Cypress Hills for good reason. The park is full of amazing hiking and biking trails. You could literally spend days hiking and never get bored. There is a trail for everyone, from the beginner level to the more experienced hiker. Overnight trails are offered so be sure to bring your gear. If you want to bring the whole family down, there is no place like Cypress Hills. The area is full of exciting activities including pristine lakes for great fishing, sandy beaches, cool waters for swimming, horseback riding and ziplining.

6. Anglin Lake

The trail system at Anglin Lake is absolutely fantastic. There are multiple trails that you can enjoy. Many are used in the winter for cross country skiing so you can take advantage of the beautiful area all year round. The trails are perfect for beginner level hikers but will require doubling back as they move away from the starting point. The Fire Tower hike offers an amazing, to miss view of the entire forest area. It’s a tough hike but well worth the effort as the view is spectacular!

7. Meewasin Trail

Located within the city limits of Saskatoon, and 60km in length, this trail is perfect for those who can’t get away for longer than a couple hours or for those who have a day to dedicate to hiking but no time for travel. The Meewasin trail is one of the most scenic, beautiful trails located within an urban setting. Located on both sides of the river, the trail offers spectacular views of the river, the city’s bridges and the amazing downtown buildings including the Delta Bessborough.

8. Wascana Lake

Located within the city limits right by the Legislative Building in Regina is Wascana Lake. The lake is a hotspot during the spring, summer and fall for the paved path that winds around the lake. The area is beautiful and offers a surprising amount of trees and wildlife as well as exciting features like bridges, islands, and the marina as you venture along.

9. Prince Albert National Park

Once of Saskatchewan’s most beautiful and popular parks, the Prince Albert National Park offers a whole host of natural wonders to please even the most avid outdoorsman. Numerous trails dot the park but the most popular trail by far is the Grey Owl Cabin hike. You can reach the very cabin the famous naturalist lived in via a 40km trip. Usually it takes two days to complete the distance and get to the cabin so be sure you have the appropriate gear. Also be sure to try the Spruce River Highlands Trail.

10. The Great Sandhills

 The Great Sandhills are one of the country’s most amazing and unique areas. Who would have thought that you could see dessert like sand dunes in Saskatchewan? Most people are surprised to learn of this natural wonder and even more shocked to find that these dunes are some of Canada’s largest sand dunes. The scenery and landscape are literally changing all the time. Be sure to bring your camera and get ready to enjoy the view!

11. The SkyTrail, Outlook

The Trans Canada trail is one of the most exciting trails in Saskatchewan and a must see, must hike for all avid hikers. If you start your hike in Outlook and follow the South Saskatchewan River, you will come to the unique SkyTrail Bridge. The bridge is 48 meters tall and is the longest pedestrian bridge in the entire country! Don’t miss out on the spectacular views and unique part of the country. You might not be able to cross the bridge since it has had structural issues that have forced a closure since 2013 but just seeing the fantastic structure is sure to take your breath away.

Closed permanently.

12. Lac La Ronge Provincial Park

Young and old alike will enjoy the splendor of the unspoiled wilderness in the Lac La Ronge Provincial Park. The park is perfect for anglers, nature lovers, photographers, hikers, or those looking for a family getaway. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Nut Point Trail. At 30km in length and winding through the incredible Canadian Shield, the hike is suitable for all skill levels. Many people complete the hike in one day while others prefer to spend the night. Bringing gear for backcountry camping is recommended if you can’t complete the trail in one day.

13. Moose Mountain Provincial Park

Offering fun for the whole family, Moose Mountain Provincial Park has so much more than just hiking trails. The area offers golf, sandy beaches, cool waters, great fishing and of course, the massive water park. There are over 15km of designated trails great for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The area is incredibly beautiful in the summer and fall. You’ll likely want to come back year after year for more great memories.

14. Duck Lake

Surprisingly, the little town of Duck Lake, located between Prince Albert and Saskatoon, offers a large network of trails that span over 50km. The trails are popular in the winter for cross country skiing but are also incredibly beautiful in the summer and fall. Most people find it quite shocking that only an hour north of Saskatoon the trails run through the boreal forest which means breathtaking scenery and wilderness exploration reminiscent of areas much further north.

15. Grasslands National Park

These phenomenal geographical wonder, created by the last ice age, is a hiker’s paradise. There are many different trails including front and backcountry. This natural wonder is sure to take your breath away. You might even scratch your head a couple times and ask if you’re even still in Saskatchewan. Rolling hills, rugged terrain and towering buttes are sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget. You might even see herds of bison or antelope. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ancient tipi rings that dot the park. For most people, 70 Mile Butte is a favourite. Don’t worry though, the hike is only about 5km long.

16. Candle Lake Provincial Park

Located just over an hour north east of Prince Albert is Candle Lake. This beautiful lake is known by camping enthusiasts as a must visit destination. The beach is the perfect place to kick back and relax and the waters are cool, clear and shallow enough at some points that even small children can enjoy the excitement. The fishing is also excellent. There are over 15km of trails for you to hike. A favorite destination is the boardwalk that leads to the Minowukaw Sand Dunes. Be sure to bring your camera to capture these incredible natural wonders!

17. Wanuskewin Heritage Park

One of the most incredible, historical areas you will ever venture into is located right by Saskatoon. The area is spectacular in every season. As you walk through the area, you’ll be walking trails that people have traveled for generations. You’ll learn the cultural and historical significance of the area to First Nations Peoples and you might even get to see an archaeological dig site.

18. Danielson Provincial Park Trails

Located along the North end of Lake Diefenbaker, Danielson Provincial Park boasts many amenities that make it the perfect place for summer recreation. Sandy beaches, tranquil waters, superb fishing and great camping attract many people over the summer. The Trans Canada Trail runs through the park. The trail runs for over 20km and is suitable for most experience levels. After you’re done hiking you could visit the Gardiner Dam Visitor Centre or go see the dam up close. It’s an incredible experience if you haven’t been to Lake Diefenbaker before.

19. Beaver Creek Conservation Area

Located just south of Saskatoon, the Beaver Creek Conservation Area includes hikes that are anywhere in length from just under a kilometer to 3.2km. Perfect for beginning hikers or for families, the area is beautiful and contains surprisingly diverse scenery. Nature lovers will enjoy the many different kinds of flora and fauna and animal lovers will love spotting the wildlife that call the area home. You might see deer, foxes, beavers and many different types of birds. An interpretive centre is included in the area.

20. St. Louis Ghost Light

For an off the beaten path idea, travel to the small town of St. Louis to see the St. Louis Ghost Light or Ghost Train. Located 130km northeast of Saskatoon, the strange phenomenon has long been debated and discussed. If you’re in the mood for adventure you could hike out of town, down the abandoned railroad track bed and wait until midnight to see if the light appears. At the very least, the area is beautiful. If you do see the light you’ll just be one of many who have flocked to the area to take part in the legend.

21. Blackstrap Provincial Park

Only a short distance from Saskatoon, Blackstrap Provincial Park provides the perfect day trip or overnight getaway. The park offers 5km of designated trails but you can always wonder off the beaten path and explore the hills and valleys along the shores of the manmade lake. The flora and fauna are quite amazing and watch out for the different types of cacti. After you’re done hiking, the cool lake and sandy beaches make the perfect swimming spot. The fishing is quite good or take the boat out for watersports. If you want to stay the night, the campground is beautiful.

22. The Crooked Trees of Alticane

This little known natural wonder is a must see for all nature lovers, photographers and those who love quirky ecology. The area is located approximately 100km northwest of Saskatoon by Alticane. The area contains exactly what it sounds like, aspen trees that grow completely wonky, many along the ground instead of in the sky. It’s thought that the twisting of the trees was a result of a genetic mutation in the trees but others credit paranormal activity since the trees across the road grow perfectly straight. There is a wooden walkway through the area so you can safely traverse the trees without harming new life or getting tripped up in roots.

23. Little Red River Park

Located just five minutes from Prince Albert, the Little Red River Park contains over twelve hundred acres of beautiful and breathtaking boreal forest. If your spirit of adventure is looking for a new playground, don’t miss out on this park. There are many day sites within the park. Pack a picnic and come for the day. The park boasts over 30km of different trails that are fantastic in any season and suitable for all experience levels. Exploration awaits!

24. Dune Discovery Interpretive Trail, Canora

 Some of the sand dunes are five storeys high. The dunes can be reached by hiking the 3km trail that traverses the breathtaking shores of Good Spirit Lake. The trail is definitely just right for beginners and families with signage and benches along the way to stop and rest. If you come at the right time, there might even be park staff on hand to give you a guided tour of the area.

25. Wascana Valley Trails

Located a short distance from Regina’s city limits, the amazing and breathtaking Wascana Valley hiking trails await. The area is home to over 15km of exciting trails perfect for every level of experience. The area is beautiful in any season but fall, with all the dramatic colours, is a favorite time for many. You’ll be sure to enjoy the rolling hills and meandering creek that cuts through the little valley. The trails are also suitable for biking.