Calgary 
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Saskatoon Island Provincial Park and Saskatoon Mountain Provincial Recreational Area for a number of reasons.
Credit: Alberta Parks
The parks are located within a mixed wood region of Alberta’s boreal forest, so the first and foremost sources of fall beauty are the colourful leaves. Another source of natural beauty in the two Provincial Parks is their abundance of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds.
For these two reasons, Saskatoon Island is a picture-perfect fall getaway location. And there are still many other reasons to plan a visit in the coming months, including recreational fun like hiking and boating (non-motorized only), or photography, which can be combined with any hike, bike ride, or paddle.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing
Saskatoon Lake is an official migratory bird sanctuary, and fall is a busy time for the birds heading south. During the late summer and early fall months, you have a high chance of spotting trumpeter swans in large numbers or great-horned owls at dusk and dawn. The Saskatoon Mountain area and its mixed wood boreal forest trees are also home to a large variety of songbirds.
Some larger wildlife you could spot in the parks includes snowshoe hares, weasels, woodchucks, muskrats, beavers, deer, moose, or coyotes.
Enjoy a Hike
There are four short trails around the day use and campground areas which make for beautiful walks or photo settings. Each of the four trails follow a variety of scenery, too, including beside the lakes, in the forested parts, and through grassland sections. The nearby Saskatoon Mountain Provincial Day Use Area provides longer hiking trails with a bit more of a challenge to them. The challenges are worth it, as the hikes can bring you up and above the prairie views.
Paddle Saskatoon Lake
There is a small hand launch on the west side of the day-use area where you can begin a quiet afternoon of kayaking or canoeing. Mornings and early evenings are extra-peaceful and can see a lot of wildlife activity, too. To enjoy extra peace on your boat ride, you can aim to float around the two small bays on the north end of the lake.
Picnics & Farmers’ Markets
Both parks become a stunning array of fall colours each September and October, and both offer space for a family or friendly picnic. You can stop in Grande Prairie, or at a nearby farmers’ market, for local groceries or snacks, and plan for a day of wildlife viewing, photo ops, and time around the fire. Some sites offer shelter, and you can take advantage of activities like the playground, horseshoe pit, or volleyball nets.
- Beaverlodge Farmers’ Market (Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons)
- Fairview Farmers’ Market
Planning your Trip – Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
What: Saskatoon Island is one of Alberta’s first provincial parks! The park opened to lovers of the outdoors in 1932, serving as a federal migratory bird sanctuary since 1948. The park isn’t an island, but an isthmus (a narrow piece of land between two bodies of water) between Little Lake and Saskatoon Lake. The two lakes are home to over 200 species of birds, attracting birdwatchers and photographers from all over Alberta. For glimpses of large and beautiful waterfowl, hike or paddle around Saskatoon Island.
For the sounds of dozens of songbird species, or photo shoots of their bright colours, you can hike around Saskatoon Mountain Provincial Recreation Area. The recently expanded park is day use only and offers longer hikes around 5-10km.
Best time to go: day use open year-round
Camping is open until late September.
Fall is the best time for birding
How to get there: Saskatoon Island is 15 minutes west of Grande Prairie on Highway 43, followed by a north turn on Range Rd. 81 until it leads into the park
Saskatoon Mountain is about 20 minutes west of Grande Prairie on Highway 43, with a north turn on Range Road 92
For more information:
Saskatoon Island Provincial Park
