From sand hills and clay canyons to lores of smugglers and grand dreams, Southern Saskatchewan offers plenty of adventures to the wandering soul. Here are 50 of them:
You may also like:
50 Summer Outdoor Adventures in Saskatchewan
Shifting Sands
It might come as a surprise, but the Great Sandhills actually contains one of the largest sets of active sand dunes in Canada. These desert-like dunes cover almost 1900 square kilometres! If you haven’t visited, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You won’t just see sand either- the area is home to different species of wildlife as well.
Paddle Away
If you’re an avid canoer or kayaker, the Chief Whitecap Waterway is a must. Running from Lake Diefenbaker all the way to Saskatoon, it’s part of the Trans Canada Trail and stretches on for over one hundred kilometres.
A Dam Good Time
Woodlawn Regional Park is one of Southern Saskatchewan’s best kept secrets. The nearby Boundary Dam draws people from all over the province. Be sure to check out the warm waters, excellent camping, beach volleyball and incredible fishing. It’s the only spot in the province where you can catch Large Mouth Bass.
Art for your Insta Wall
One of the many highlights of Moose Jaw are the murals located throughout the city. With over forty-five murals to see, you can literally spend all day hunting down these incredible artistic treasures which depict life on the prairies and other historic scenes.
The Height of English Society
Located SE of Moose Mountain Provincial Park, the Cannington Manor Provincial Historic Park tells the story of a bizarre little town that sprung up, a recreation of English Society, but was abandoned by 1900. Learn all about this unique little town by viewing recreated buildings and the visitor centre.
Soar Like A Bird
Looking for that perfect adventure that’s only a short drive from the city? Outer Edge Adventure Park has you covered. From zip lining to climbing walls, you can spend the day soaring through the air or scaling new heights. Located not far from Lumsden, in the scenic Qu’Appelle Valley, the landscape is just right for the bird’s eye view.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy a visit to the Government House in Regina. The beautiful architecture, collection of artifacts, Edwardian Gardens, and special programming throughout the year is sure to delight people of all ages and interests.
Fish & Chips
Why not take a road trip out to Regina Beach? Hitting the beach is the perfect summer activity and it’s only about a half an hour drive from Regina. While you’re in town, be sure to hit up the incredible Blue Bird Café for the best fish and chips you’ll ever have.
A Wet and Wild Adventure
If you’re into Kayaking and Caning, check out Carefree Adventures, an eco-tourism business that offers kayaking and canoeing tours on many different bodies of water. If you’re not sure about exploring on your own, go on a tour, or if you don’t own your own watercraft, you can rent one and explore at your own leisure.
Little Town, Big Cathedral
Located in Gravelbourg, the iconic Our Lady of Assumption Co-Cathedral is a must see. Many people travel out just to gaze in wonder at the massive structure, now over a century old, that proudly overlooks the little prairie town.
Pulse Pounding Action
If you happen to be visiting Regina during the summer or are planning a trip, you might be lucky enough to take in a Saskatchewan Roughrider’s game. Even if you’re not a diehard football fan, it’s a unique sporting experience that you won’t be able to replicate anywhere else in the province.
An Angler’s Paradise
Fishing at Lake Diefenbaker is one of those unique experiences that every angler dreams about. With large stretches of open waters, and hundreds of bays to explore, the chances of catching a trophy sized fish are excellent. The fishing is world class and includes species like: Pike, Perch, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Sauger, Burbot, Goldeye, and Whitefish. Diefenbaker actually boasts three world record breaking catches, so be sure to make it a fishing destination this summer.
Tunnel Back Through Time
One of the coolest experiences you’ll have, hands down. If you haven’t seen The Tunnels of Moose Jaw yet, you definitely should. If you have time to do both tours, they’re well worth it, but The Chicago Connection tour, complete with live actors who make bootlegging and history fun, is a must.
The Prairies at Their Finest
Experience the prairies like you’ve never seen them before at the incredible Grasslands National Park. The massive area has just about everything you can think of to do if you’re an outdoors enthusiast, so pack your tent or book one of the famous oTENTik buildings, and plan on staying for a couple days to experience it all.
A Collector’s Paradise
If you find yourself in Regina, or just passing through, or if you’re an antique enthusiast, The Regina Antique Mall is the place for you. With over three floors jam packed with historical treasures- anything from toys to jewelry, ornaments to furniture, it’s a collector’s haven.
Jump A Train
Okay, you won’t do any real train jumping, but you can book an incredible train experience. The Southern Prairie Railway, located in Ogema, offers two really neat tours. Be careful, you might just run into some robbers along the way!
You may like: 15 Girls Weekend Getaways in Saskatchewan
A Blast From the Past
Experience history at its finest at the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw. Take in the many different planes, trains, and automobiles on display, as well as the huge collection of other artifacts. It’s definitely an experience packed with excitement and the wonder of technology.
Fly Through the Trees
Experience adventure at its finest at Treeosix Adventure Park. With adventures for the whole family, including zip lining, be sure to visit if you’re in the Cypress Hills area.
The Incredible Capital
One huge draw to Regina is the incredible Legislative Building. You can book a tour to see the inside of the beautiful building or walk through, self-guided, outside. In the summertime, the gardens are incredible and just a short distance away is a man-made lake with a beautiful walking path.
A REALLY BIG Discovery
Be sure to make the drive to see Scotty the T-Rex. Located in Eastend, Scotty is the most massive T-Rex discovered in the world. The T-Rex Discovery Centre is home to some pretty incredible exhibits and offers different programs throughout the year.
Experience Fort Life
Experience what life was like for early settlers at the Fort Walsh National Historic Site in the Cypress Hills area. Take a trip back in time as you tour the historic fort. There are lots of events going on throughout the year, so be sure to check out the website.
A Splashing Good Time
No trip to Kenosee would be complete without a stop at the Kenosee Superslides. Whether it’s blasting down the crazy Free Fall Slide or taking a more leisurely trip on the lazy river, you’re seriously never too old for a trip to the water park.
The Nature Life
You’ll love all the incredible outdoor adventures you’ll have at Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park. From hiking to fishing, or relaxing on the incredible beach, there’s something for everyone. If you’re just looking for a day trip out of the city, it’s a great destination spot, or if you’re coming from further away, the campground has everything you’ll need.
A Really Big Dam
Drive across the world’s largest earth filled dam this summer. Located on Lake Diefenbaker, in Danielson Provincial Park, is the incredible Gardiner Dam. If you want to learn all about this feat of engineering, you can stop in at the Gardiner Dam Interactive Centre after, located just a kilometer from the dam.
Beautiful Qu’Appelle
Nestled in the heart of the Qu’Appelle Valley, between two different lakes, Echo Valley Provincial Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With beautiful scenery, rolling hills, clear waters perfect for swimming and fishing, nature walks, and camping, it’s perfect for any summer getaway.
Where the Buffalo Roam
Located only twenty minutes north east of Moose Jaw, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is the perfect summer destination for adventure. If you’re into water sports, canoeing or kayaking, or even swimming, the lake is just right. The rolling hills around the area provide the perfect backdrop for hiking and biking. Come for the day or camp out and make take a few days to appreciate everything the Park has to offer.
A Hidden Gem
If you want to have an awesome summer adventure, but don’t have the time, check out The Condie Nature Refuge, just fourteen kilometers north of Regina. The area boasts a beautiful lake, walking trail, and a picnic area. Wildflowers and wildlife are in abundance, making the area a perfect little getaway spot.
Take Your Best Cast
Fishing in the Cypress Hills area is a unique experience in the province. There are different stocked lakes and reservoirs in the area which make for some exciting fishing. Three different species of Trout, Perch, Walleye, Pike, and Arctic Grayling can all be found in the area.
Treat Yourself
Summer is all about sweet treats. Ice cream, milk shakes, berry pie… just a few of the many images that summer brings to mind. The Grotto Gardens Country Market in Maple Creek will help you fulfill all of your summer sweet tooth cravings. More than just an orchard, Grotto Gardens also offers a bakery and a quint log barn where you can enjoy delicious sweet treats.
A Different Landscape
If you have some time for a summer adventure, plan a trip to the Big Muddy Badlands. Once you get there, you might not even believe you’re still in Saskatchewan. The landscape is awe inspiring and completely unique. Be sure to visit Castle Butte, or take in the tours offered in the area.
Segway
Yes, that’s right. You’ve seen it in the movies and in all those fancy travel brochures for bigger cities (there is one in Regina too), but now Cypress Hills offers Segway tours. If you’re going to be camping or staying in the area, checking out these tours is a must! Or, make it a destination vacation just to give it a try.
A Meandering Trail
If you happen to find yourself in Swift Current, be sure to check out the Chinook Parkway. With over twenty kilometers of trails running alongside a beautiful creek, you can spend the entire day exploring, relaxing, and watching for waterfowl.
A Ship in the Middle of the Prairies
Come learn all about the amazing story of Tom Sukanen and the ship he built to sail home, even in the middle of the land locked prairies. The Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum is a unique experience that is totally destination worthy. The Museum has an impressive collection of over one hundred thousand artifacts, so be sure to budget a good chunk of time to see everything.
Frenchman River Valley Tour
Head for the French River Valley, a beautiful rugged area carved by glaciers years ago. From the Chocolate Oeak, a reddish-brown hill to the the site of the Crazy Horse’s (a great Sioux Chief) Camp to the WhiteMud Pits (below which you can find prints of ancient trees and fossils of early plains mammals) to Jones Peak (named after Harold Saunders ‘Corky’ Jones, a palaeontologist), this drive covers a distance of 40 km.
One Saskatchewan’s Firsts
One of Saskatchewan’s first Provincial Parks, Moose Mountain Provincial Park has everything you need for the perfect summer adventure. Sparkling waters for swimming, watersports, and fishing, hiking trails, biking trails, historic sites, a waterpark, sandy beaches, beach volleyball, and great camping ensure that you’ll never run out of things to do.
Fire Away
With both outdoor and indoor courses for nearly all ages and all abilities, (they have courses for ages four and up) be sure to hit up Prairie Storm Paintball for your next adventure. Located thirty minutes West of Regina, right off the Trans Canada (between Regina and Moose Jaw), the whole family will be sure to have a blast.
A Complete Getaway
If you’re looking for a complete getaway, look no further than the Historic Reesor Ranch. Located in the Cypress Hills area, the ranch offers everything you need to have the perfect stay. Quant cabins, dining, horseback riding, and even ATV tours. Check out their website for details on planning your perfect summer adventure.
Canyons & Pits
Located an hour southwest of Regina and beside the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic site is the Massold Clay Canyons. Hike through shale and clay canyon landscapes that you don’t really see often, and have a fabulous lunch at Bunkhouse Interpretive Centre Cafe that feature hearty homemade goodies, and get old world breads baked fresh on-site in outdoor brick bread oven for your dinner table.
Prairie Life
Step back in time and discover what life was like for settlers in the early 1900’s at the Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site. Located by Abernathy, explore the Motherwell home and farm. With tons of different programming throughout the season, it’s a day away that the whole family can enjoy.
Not All That Glitters is Gold
Be sure to check out the Soo Line Historical Museum in Weyburn to see a large collection of artifacts used by early pioneers in the area. It’s also home to the world’s largest private silver collection, with over five thousand items.
Icons of History
Come learn the history and the story of Canada’s RCMP. The RCMP Heritage Centre offers exhibits with artifacts that date back all the way to the late 1800’s. Offering different programs throughout the year, it’s worth stopping in more than once!
An Unforgettable Drive
Grasslands National Park is a huge park with so many different things to do, it might be easy to miss the amazing Ecotour Scenic Drive (West Block) and Badlands Parkway (East Block). These self-guided scenic routes that you can drive at your own leisure offer an array of spectacular scenery. Be sure to bring the camera and come explore.
A Relaxing Escape
No visit to Moose Jaw would be complete without a visit to the iconic Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa. With many different spa treatments offered, you can relax in style. Of course, there is also the incredible geothermal pool and great dining options.
A Unique History
With over two full floors of artifacts, the Willow Bunch Museum & Heritage Society is worth the trip. Learn all about early life, or just come for the building itself, once a convent, as it’s simply incredible. You’ll also be able to learn all about the life of the Willowbunch Giant, Edouard Beaupre.
The Perfect Summer Spot
With a multitude of things to do, Danielson Provincial Park is truly a summer hot spot. Located on Lake Diefenbaker, the park boasts sparkling waters, amazing sandy beaches, world class fishing, amazing hiking trails (part of the Trans Canada Trail runs through Danielson), and scenic campgrounds. What more could you ask for?
A Bell Barn
The beautiful Historic Bell Barn, located in Indian Head, stands proudly over the prairies, a sentinel from another century and time. The site isn’t just unique and a marvel of history- be sure to check out the events page on the website for what’s going on throughout the season. From car shows to flea markets, you won’t want to miss out.
Wine O’Clock
Located just by Lumsden and overlooking the Qu’Appelle Valley, is the Over the Hill Orchards and Winery. From wines to fruit spreads to chocolates, Over the Hill offers so much more than just wine. Be sure to check the events calendar for some pretty unique offerings throughout the season.
Tee Up
Southern Saskatchewan boasts some of the province’s best golf courses. From the most experienced golfer, to the more casual just for fun enthusiast, there’s a course for everyone.
Sleep in an Authentic Covered Sheep Wagon.
Immerse yourself in a true pioneer experience at the unique accommodations offered at Ghosttown Blues. Sit by the fire and enjoy the quiet solitude while you enjoy the sunset. Put your feet up on the veranda & enjoy a glass of wine or have your supper out of the back of an original 1925 chuck wagon. Experience the historic buildings, wagons and structures and relax at night listening to great concerts!
Mysterious Markings
Just a few km from St. Victor, is the incredible St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Historic Park. Not much is known about the incredible stone carvings, but the area is unique and completely fascinating. (Some areas are closed off to protect the site, and it is quite difficult to see the actual Petroglyphs, but there are replicas and interpretive boards to help you learn about the area).
Explore Saskatchewan for more adventures.
I have been searching for a town called Millerdale and Ermine Saskatchewan Canada. My mother was born there.