Saskatchewan is home to some very large bodies of water, and the expansive waters of Lake Diefenbaker fall into the category of large lakes.
In fact, this man-made lake offers up 800 kilometres in shoreline, as it is 225 kilometres long. Technically a reservoir and bifurcation lake, this body of water is the largest in southern Saskatchewan, and the area surrounding it offers an amazing variety of landscapes, activities and things to see and do.
There are three regional parks and four provincial parks, which you can find on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker, along with historical sites, a cable ferry, small towns, and sandy beaches, making this an exceptional circle drive in the province. You can do this drive quickly or slowly, making it a multiday trip and staying in the campgrounds that surround this beautiful body of water.
Danielson Provincial Park
A good starting point for this drive is the Danielson Provincial Park’s Visitor Centre, which is located between Lake Diefenbaker and Coteau Bay on the north side of the lake.
Danielson Provincial Park surrounds the Gardiner Dam, built in 1967 and among the largest embankment dams in Canada and the world. This centre is home to numerous interactive displays about the Gardiner Dam and the river systems of southern Saskatchewan, not to mention that there is a convenient beach to hang out on for a bit, a boat launch and fish cleaning station, and a café that has some pretty darn good hamburgers and ice cream.
The Park itself has three main campgrounds, as well as an overflow area, so there are plenty of sites to set up camp in if you want to spend a night or two before or after your circle drive. In fact, if you don’t need power or water, the overflow camping area is extremely pretty and quiet.
If you like to hike and have the time to explore, there are two main trails within the Park – the Great Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail, and the Prairie View Nature Trail. Information on these hikes and fishing and boating information are available in the Visitor’s Centre.
Danielson Provincial Park to Bonnie View Church
Once you have had your fill of this area (although potentially, you won’t want to leave), you can head out on the fun-filled drive around the majority of the lake. You will start the drive on Highway 44 and travel northeast and then south along some secondary roads to the first interesting historic site – Bonnie View Church. This beautiful brick church was opened in 1928 and has an informative sign which will give you the history.
Bonnie View Church to Elbow
From here, travel the backroads down to the little town of Elbow, where you can stop to enjoy some activities and sites. There is an RV park and golf course here if that is your kind of thing, or spend some time enjoying both the outdoor and indoor activities in and around this charming town.
A must-see exhibit is the sod shack which is part of the Elbow & District Museum. In the early 1900s wood was so scarce on the prairies that many homesteaders arriving in the province built their first homes out of sod. Furnished with period pieces, this symbolizes the past, giving visitors a glimpse of how thousands of settlers lived when they homesteaded on the prairies in the early 1900s. The Elbow Museum also contains an original “buffalo chair” as well as several First Nations artifacts from the area.
While the town of Elbow is small, there are some other interesting aspects to it that you should check out before moving on. Make your way to Elbow’s Community Park & Urban Orchard, developed for locals to have fresh fruit available for everyone.
Stroll down the meandering walking path to look for birdhouses and read the identification labels for the trees or the storyboard on the main path added by the local library. Take the path to the south side of the park to see the memorial stones laid to commemorate Canadian veterans in honour of their sacrifice and service and to view the stunning art installation by Canadian sculptor Joe Fafard. His masterpiece, the Peace Tower, is a must-see. This lovely five-acre park is located on Aaro Avenue on the lake side of the railroad tracks. You can park along Aaro Avenue near the Urban Orchard sign or in the parking area near the playground structure (access from Elevator Road) on the other side of the park.
If you would like to stretch your legs, try a hike on the Elbow Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The trail spans seven kilometres in length, travelling from Tufts Bay along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Diefenbaker to the marina and Harbor Golf Course clubhouse. It features multiple look-out decks and points of interest along the way with beautiful and interesting informational signage. Parking lots are available at both Tufts Bay and the golf course clubhouse, and a mowed grass area is available for parking mid-point along the trail.
Leaving Elbow, you will head south to Douglas Provincial Park.
Elbow to Douglas Provincial Park
Douglas Provincial Park is home to some incredible natural attractions, including the massive sand dunes that tower more than 25 meters above the grasslands.
The park’s Cacti/Dune Trail provides visitors with access to one of the park’s main natural features and perhaps its best-kept secret – the large, picturesque sand dunes that are constantly moving with the prevailing wind. The Cacti portion of the trail is 5 km and the Dune portion of the trail is 6.5 km. The trail is for hiking use only. It is rated moderate to hard, and can take two to three hours to complete. The trail starts at the sign located across the highway from the park’s entrance, with an adjacent parking lot for vehicles.
This is only one of the many trails that take you through the diverse landscape of the Park, so the best place to start your adventure is at the Douglas Provincial Park information center. There are plenty of camping spots as well, so it is easy to spend a night or two here while you are taking the time to explore.
Douglas Provincial Park to Riverhurst
To continue on the circle route, you will be getting back onto Highway 19 to continue south before taking a short detour to a fabulous viewpoint of the lake, located right by the dam.
Travelling the backroads allows an opportunity to soak in the glimpses of the lake, along with natural protected areas, and the grasslands that Saskatchewan is known for. Of course, it is easy and fast to take the highway to the next destination of Riverhurst, but if you have the time, wander the back ways to really enjoy the area.
Riverhurst is a small town with lots to do. A great stop along your route, this town offers up some history at the F.T. Hill Museum, boasts an extensive collection of guns, native artifacts, rocks and fossils, antique furniture, tools used by the early settlers, and many other interesting local items.
If you fancy a short stroll, check out the walking path at the Riverhurst Wetland, located at the main entrance to the Village. Along this path, you can enjoy watching birds from the viewing platform and read up on different plants, birds, and ecosystems from the educational signage along the walking path. Take a moment to stop by The Garden to see what the youth in the Village have accomplished.
The town has two municipal campgrounds, a local inn and other amenities. While Riverhurst is well known for being close to one of the most fun ways to cross Lake Diefenbaker – the free Riverhurst Ferry – this circle route continues down the lake before crossing. Of course, if you want to experience the ferry, you could always ride it both ways across the lake! Running 24 hours a day, the ferry leaves the west shore on the half hour and leaves the east shore on the hour.
Riverhurst to to Palliser Regional Park
From the town of Riverhurst, a very short drive takes you to Palliser Regional Park, which also offers an opportunity to spend the night in the campground alongside the lake.
Palliser Regional Park is a lovely stop off along this circle route of Lake Diefenbaker, as it boasts pretty beaches, a challenging golf course, a swimming pool, camping, a concession, and a marina. An excellent place to take in the prairie sunset, it is a fantastic place to spend the night.
Palliser Regional Park to Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park
From Palliser Regional Park, you will take the side roads to travel to the beautiful Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. This is approximately an hour and forty minute drive, and you will experience the tiny hamlets and open prairies for which the province is famous.
Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park is a perfect destination for outdoor activity lovers, as it offers up fantastic hiking and biking trails, along with camping, sunbathing and fishing. The interesting site of Godwin House creates an opportunity to step back into the past and experience the rich history of the area.
To keep yourself busy, you can rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the Sask. Landing Marina, or try out one of the best 18-hole mini golf courses in Saskatchewan. Of course, if you are an avid golfer, you will definitely want to give the incredible Saskatchewan Landing Golf & Country Club a try. Don’t forget that because this is a provincial park, you will need to purchase a park pass if you don’t already have one. You can spend a night or two in the campgrounds here or continue on your route to the next destination.
While Lake Diefenbaker continues on, Saskatchewan Landing is the most logical place to cross the lake to get to the other side and continue on the circle back to your start point.
If you happen to be spending a night or two in Saskatchewan Landing, you might want to take an evening out to the famous Clearwater Drive-In, located outside of Kyle, just 20 minutes away. Playing movies since 1957, this is an authentic drive-in theatre experience that movie lovers shouldn’t miss.
If you decide to continue on instead, you will be taking the same route to return to the northern part of the lake and your end point.
Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park to Coteau Beach
Start with the short journey to the town of Kyle, from where you will take some of the backroads around the western side of the lake, through the open prairie landscape, and through pretty farmlands with glimpses of the lake beyond.
Roads dip in and out towards the lake, and there are opportunities to go exploring here, you don’t have to stick to the map in order to get where you are going. Enjoy the drive as you make your way to Coteau Beach, a perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some sand time.
This pretty hamlet is considered a resort village and is a great stop along the way. Spread your blanket on the sand and soak up the sun, or simply take a walk along the lakeshore to soak up the atmosphere.
Coteau Beach to Danielson Provincial Park
From here, a short 10 minute drive takes you to the ghost town of Dunblane, which, at its heyday, was a town of about 300 people, but due to the decline of the railway, became a ghost town in the 1980s.
You are now on your final drive back to Danielson Provincial Park and the end of the Lake Diefenbaker journey. Spend another night or two in the area and on the lake, throw in a line to catch your dinner, or relax and enjoy the beaches and fresh air.
No matter how you want to end your travels, you will leave having experienced the wide variety of activities and nature areas that are available in the area.