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Any aspen tree grove in the world has that signature and linear look to it. Aspen trees, typically grow relatively straight and quite tall. So straight, in fact, that this is a defining feature of the tree. This is true everywhere except for Alticane, Saskatchewan.
Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Saskatchewanderer
On the side of a secondary Alticane highway is a strange but natural curiosity in the form of some not-so-straight aspen trees, one of the many unique places to visit in the province.
Stopping at the Crooked Bush
The Crooked Bush or Twisted Trees of Alticane in central Saskatchewan, is a small aspen grove that defies nature. Rather than grow straight up as any other aspen tree does, this group of trees have grown in all sorts of directions to give them a crooked appearance.
It is believed that these trees have grown in crooked due to a genetic mutation. However, the strange part about this possible mutation is that it didn’t affect other aspen trees about 10m from the crooked trees. Local lore attributes the crooked growth to supernatural causes, other-worldly causes, or a possible lightning strike.
Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Saskatchewanderer
And no matter the cause, these crooked aspens create a strange landscape. Explore the trees with the park’s short trail, enjoy a picnic at the site, and be sure to visit in the fall!
The trees, as with any other aspen, will have a bright gold colour during the fall season. But for a truly spooky vibe, the crooked trees offer great Halloween scenery after the leaves have fallen.
Nearby Regional Parks
The two closest parks to the Crooked Bush site are both open until September 15th for camping and day use activities. Both parks offer swimming, hiking, disc golf, and picnic areas.
- Redberry Lake Regional park is to the southeast of the Crooked Bush and on the west shores of the lake.
- Glenburn Regional Park is on the north banks of the Saskatchewan River to the south of the Crooked Bush.
Find Picnic Food in North Battleford
The smaller town of North Battleford is about 50km west of the Crooked Bush. For many road trippers or visitors, this may be a stop along the drive.
- Depart from the Yellowhead Highway and head into North Battleford’s Railway Avenue or 11th Avenue for several local options. These include Taste of Battleford, Moon’s Kitchen, the Four50 Grill, or Moose Kebab and Shawarma.
- There are no major centres to the east of the Crooked Bush within an hour drive. There are, still however, more places to dine! Stop by towns like Blaine Lake, Radisson, or Shellbrook, for more options.
History in the Battlefords
The City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford on either side of the North Saskatchewan River are home to several historic properties.
Founded in 1875 as a fur trading post and the first North-West Mounted Police post, Battleford is Saskatchewan’s oldest community.
Fort Battleford, a key site in the 1885 North-West Rebellion, played a central role in significant events, including the arrest of Chief Poundmaker and the hanging of eight Indigenous men. Fort Battleford is now a national historic site managed by Parks Canada. Admission is free.
Plan your Trip – Crooked Bush/Twisted Trees of Alticane
What: a grove of aspen trees in central Saskatchewan which grow crooked and bent branches. This is unlike the usual straight growth of an aspen tree, making the location a “botanical mystery.”
Location and how to get there:65km northeast of North Battleford and the Yellowhead Highway
Crooked Bush is located approximately 90 minutes from Saskatoon (120 km) and 4 hours from Regina (380 km)
Best time to go: open year-round
Cost: free
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