Regina 
Coronach is home to two unique attractions of Saskatchewan – the Castle Butte and Outlaw Caves.
Castle Butte is part of the badlands of Saskatchewan. This land is known as the “Big Muddy Badlands”, as they are essentially formations of mud and rock, formed by erosion over time that occupies the southern part of Saskatchewan along the Big Muddy Creek.
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the Badlands comprised part of the Outlaw Trail – a system of caves and trails that were used by outlaws – which extended from Canada, all the way down to Mexico. You can tour one such outlaw cave here.
The town of Coronach is located about 200 km south (~ 2.5 hrs drive) from Regina and about 150 km from Trans Canada Highway (from Moose Jaw).
The town offers guided day trips of the region, departing from the Visitor Information Centre at 9:30 a.m. from June to October.
Big Muddy Day Tour:
These scenic tours of the Badlands include some of the incredible rock formations in Big Muddy Valley.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
The first stop on your tour is Castle Butte – this relic of the Ice Age is one of the natural wonders of Saskatchewan and has been used as a landmark by many who settled in Saskatchewan, from its Indigenous Peoples to 19th-century settlers. You’ll get to see Castle Butte up close and enjoy the staggering size for yourself.
Next, you’ll travel to Aust’s General Store, in the small community of Big Beaver – named after another behemoth rock formation – this 4,000-square-foot general store sells a bit of everything, a perfect place to stop for a drink and some food. Souvenirs are available as well.
Once you fuel up at Aust’s, you’ll visit the Big Beaver Nature Centre – this interpretation centre features local artifacts and Indigenous stone tools, as well as mounted wildlife.
For those with an interest in history, you’ll find your next stop on the tour to be most enjoyable: Sam Kelly’s Outlaw Caves. These caves were the refuge of renowned Midwestern scoundrel Sam Kelly and his gang of outlaws during the early part of the 20th century.
Sam Kelly’s Outlaw Caves – Tourism Saskatchewan Eric Lindberg
From there, you’ll visit three sacred Indigenous Sites – these are boulder monuments that Indigenous tribes of the past and present view as sacred. These include a Ceremonial Circle, Turtle Effigy & a Buffalo Effigy.
Your last stop lands you back in Coronach at the Heritage Schoolhouse – this restored building provides a glimpse into the past at the life of the earliest settlers to Saskatchewan after the Western Expansion.
The rates for the Day Tour are $90 for an adult, and $40 for a youth, aged 6 to 18 and children under five travel for free. You can preorder lunch for $17 or bring it with you.
The town also offers shorter tours for those who don’t have all day to spend in Coronach:
- The 4-hour Outlaws and Effigies Tour explores Big Muddy Valley’s outlaw history, Indigenous sacred sites, Sam Kelly Caves, ceremonial circles, and turtle and buffalo effigies.
- The 5-hour Highlight Tour covers Sam Kelly Outlaw Caves, Castle Butte, Buffalo Effigy and Coronach Museum.
The Town of Coronach also provides a guide for chartered buses and school bus tours of the Badlands.
While here, also plan a trip to Avonlea Badlands and other interesting sites in the area.
Trip Planning — Big Muddy Tours
The town of Coronach offers various tours for those interested in exploring the Big Muddy Valley.
- Day Tour — Castle Butte, Aust’s General Store, Big Beaver Nature Centre, Sam Kelly’s Outlaw Caves, Ceremonial Circle, Turtle Effigy & Buffalo Effigy and Heritage School House
- Highlights Tour — Sam Kelly Outlaw Caves, Castle Butte, Buffalo Effigy, Coronach Museum
When: June 1 to November 1. Various start times.
Where: 212 1st Street East, Coronach, SK S0H 0Z0
How Much:
- Legends and Landscapes (full-day tour): Adults (19+): $90 each; Youth (6-18): $40 each; 5 and under: Free
- Outlaws and Effigies Tour (4 hours): Adults (19+)- $70 each; Youth (6-18) – $30 each
- Highlights Tour (5 hours): Adults (19+)- $80 each; Youth (6-18) – $30 each
All tours must be booked online or via phone: 306 267 3312
