Regina 
Saskatchewan’s “Fishing Lakes” are, of course, perfect for the perfect catch. These four lakes, Mission, Pasqua, Echo, and Katepwa, are at the heart of the Qu’Appelle River Valley (and part of the river).
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
While the region draws in fishing enthusiasts all year, the area’s lakes also boast a ton of other recreational fun. Much of that fun or the recreational opportunities come from the area’s central park, or outdoor playground, Echo Valley. The park itself is attractive for an overnight getaway and becomes even more so with its proximity to the area’s biggest town, Fort Qu’Appelle.
What Makes Echo Valley a Must-Visit Park
The Qu’Appelle River appears to cut through the prairie landscape to create a unique river valley landscape through central and southern Saskatchewan. While the river is narrow in most spots, expansive lakes are created in central Saskatchewan from the Qu’Appelle River. And, while it appears as though the river has carved the hills and rolling landscape, this is actually a result of ancient glacial meltwaters.
A drive across Saskatchewan via the Qu’Appelle Valley makes the trip run parallel to the Trans Canada, but with far more incredible scenery. At the heart of the Qu’Appelle Valley are the town of Fort Qu’Appelle, and Echo Valley Provincial Park.
Both the town and park sit on the shores of Saskatchewan’s “Fishing Lakes:” Pasqua, Echo, Mission, and Katepwa. The valley hills rise high above the lake shores in some spots, and much lower in others, to create that rolling effect across the Qu’Appelle Valley.
There are several great spots along the campgrounds, beaches, day use areas, and Highway SK-56 for incredible views across the Fishing Lakes, Echo Valley, and Qu’Appelle Valley.
A Day at Echo Valley’s Beaches
Set between two lakes, Echo Valley Provincial Park is home to a beach on either side of the park! Plan for a full day at one of the two beaches to enjoy several activities on or off the waters.
- Echo Valley Provincial Park is home to Echo Beach and Pasqua Beach, both sandy expanses secluded by the hills that create the valley. Both lakes offer crystal clear water for a swim with sections of rocks and pebbles. Both locations also offer dog beach areas.
- Plan for a picnic at either, bring the floaties for a day on the water, laze around, or do a bit of it all.
- The Echo Par Mini Golf Course with a concession is also near the beach for a break from the water.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
Boating & Fishing at Echo Valley Provincial Park
Find boat launches on both Pasqua and Echo Lakes. Both lakes are fed by the Qu’Appelle River on the west side of Pasqua Lake, then the east side of Echo. Explore the narrow or expansive areas of either lake, or the Qu’Appelle River with motorized boats, or paddle boats like canoes and kayaks. Explore lazily on a hot summer day, speed across the waters, or find a quiet place to fish at dusk or dawn.
Some of the common catches from Pasqua and Echo Lakes include carp, walleye, northern pike, or perch. The Pasqua Lake boat launch is equipped with a cleaning and fillet station, too.
Wellness & Yoga at Echo Valley
The scenery, the sheltered lakeside setting, and the mature trees of the surrounding forests, all help to make Echo Valley Provincial Park a peaceful place for an escape. There are, still, more features of the park aimed at helping guests retreat, relax, and rest.
- The park’s Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures provide an on-site sheltered sauna, available to park guests as public or private sessions.
- Yoga Haven also operates occasional yoga classes on the shores of either lake. Yoga Haven is a Regina-based studio who offer virtual zoom classes, in-person classes in Regina, and the in-person classes around Echo Valley or Fort Qu’Appelle.
Camping, Comfort Camping, and More nearby Accommodations
Echo Valley Provincial Park provides several camping options for the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
- Take comfort in the park’s Camp-Easy Yurts. These are soft-sided shelters on a hard floor with a queen bed and two cots. The yurts also come with camping chairs, fire pits, a camp stove with propane, and an axe.
- Park a tent, trailer, or RV at one of seven campgrounds on a regular site, or an accessible site. A handful of campsites, regular or accessible, are also available as long-term rental sites. These include electric, full-service, or no-service sites. Each campsite includes a picnic table and firepit.
- A group campground is available as well! The group campground is open to tents, trailers, and RVs as well.
- Those seeking a bit more comfort than a yurt or tent can look to the nearby B-Say-Tah Point Bed & Breakfast, Valley Cabin Rentals for a spot next to Echo Lake, the Katepwa Beach Hotel
Sightseeing around Fort Qu’Appelle
A simple drive or road trip through the Qu’Appelle Valley offers many things to do, especially with the warmer weather. This could include short hikes, historical experiences and touring, or more beaches and watersports.
- There is plenty more opportunity for beach fun around the Qu’Appelle Valley, including the day-use Katepwa Point Provincial Park. The park and lake are also open to fishing, paddling, and motorized boating. The day-use park and beach feature picnic amenities.
- Visit Fort Qu’Appelle for the local Museum, home to indoor and outdoor exhibits, and the oldest remaining original HBC structure in Canada! The Fort Qu’Appelle Museum is open from June to August.
- The smaller communities around the Fishing Lakes and river valley are filled with local history to explore through preserved buildings or local museums, like the Motherwell Museum Homestead National Historic Site, the Fort Ellis Trail, or the town of Lebret.
Planning Your Trip – Echo Valley Provincial Park
What: a year-round park in Saskatchewan’s Qu’Appelle Valley between Echo and Pasqua Lakes. Both lakes are part of the park as spots for boating and fishing, with public beaches, and picnic or day use facilities.
Camping is also open year-round at Echo Valley, with front country sites, and yurt rentals available.
During the winter, Echo Valley Provincial Park is open for cross-country skiing (with downhill skiing nearby), snowshoeing, winter walking or hiking, ice skating, crokicurl, and ice fishing.
Location and how to get there: use Highway SK-10 from Fort Qu’Appelle or Regina to access SK-210 north toward Echo Valley PP.
75km NE of Regina
Best time to go: camping and day use open year-round
Cost: Day use: $11 vehicle fee; camping $20-$29 per night; yurts $99 per night
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