Regina 
Discover the Great Sandhills, a quiet natural treasure in southwestern Saskatchewan. It is one of the largest sets of active sand dunes in Canada.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Dave Reede Photography
Strong, high-velocity winds blow through this active desert-like area, constantly changing the landscape. Each time you visit the Great Sandhills it will feel like you’re visiting for the first time.
Some of the sand dunes rise very high, reaching a height of 15-20 meters. The dunes cover a large area of 1,900 square km.
The dunes are home to some wildlife and plants. You will see mule deer, antelope and the Ord’s kangaroo rat while walking the dunes. You can bird-watch here too. Some plants you will find here include native grasses, aspen, willow and sagebrush. There are interpretive signs around the area that will educate you about its geology and wildlife.
This area is said to pasture up to 16,000 cattle over a 7-month period.
Walk along the dunes or have loads of fun sliding and racing down them. You can also take loads of cool pictures of this unique phenomenon in Southwestern Saskatchewan.
The entire experience is self-guided and completely free for the public. Off-road parking is also available. There are no facilities here, so you should bring water and food. Remember to wear a hat, sunscreen, and good shoes.
You can visit The Great Sandhills Museum and Interpretive Centre in Sceptre before you head out to explore the dunes. At the museum and interpretive centre, the staff will give you information about the dunes and their history.
Great Sand Hills is the most accessible dunes in Saskatchewan. Athabasca Sand Dunes are only accessible by plane or boat.
The Great Sand Hills is located 20 km South of Sceptre. It is 47 km southeast of Leader, 137 km south of Kindersley and 157 km northwest of Swift Current.
You may like:
- Unique Places to Visit in Saskatchewan
- Natural Wonders in Saskatchewan
- 50 Summer Adventures in Southern Saskatchewan
It is an easy visit from Trans Canada Highway (1 hour north of Saskatchewan Highway 21/TransCanada Highway near Maple Creek) and about 2 hours (~160 km) from Medicine Hat in Alberta.
You can include this as part of your Saskatchewan road trip from Grasslands National Park to Prince Albert National Park.
Trip Planning: Great Sandhills Museum & Interpretive Centre, Saskatchewan
Credit: Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Dave Reede Photography
What: The Great Sandhills cover a unique 1,900 sq. km area and feature active desert-like sand dunes.
When: Museum and Interpretive Centre: May to Labour Day Weekend
Hours:
May 15 to September 1
7 days a week | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sandhills: Dunes are open year-round; best to visit from Late Spring to Fall
How Much:
Great Sand Hills Museum and Interpretive Centre:
Admission:
- $8.00 – 19 years and Up
- $5.00 – 6 years to 18 years
- 5 years and under are Free!
SandHills: Free
Where:
- Great Sandhills Location
- Great Sandhills Museum & Interpretive Centre, Highway 32, Sceptre, Saskatchewan
