Northern Saskatchewan is defined by rugged boreal forests, sparkling lakes, remote trails, rushing rivers, and wide-open wilderness. It is one of the province’s best regions for fishing, paddling, camping, hiking, and quiet escapes from city life. Known for its abundant lakes and strong angling opportunities, the north draws outdoor enthusiasts looking for both accessible adventures and more remote wilderness experiences. From trophy fishing and scenic canoe routes to forest trails, rapids, historic sites, and lakefront getaways, Northern Saskatchewan offers plenty of summer adventures worth adding to your list.
Note:
Please be aware of fire bans, wildfire conditions, closures, and responsible travel guidelines before confirming your trip.
Here are 35+Northern Saskatchewan Summer Adventures for your bucket list.
The Oldest Building in the Province
Take a trip to Stanley Mission to see Holy Trinity Anglican Church, one of the most significant historic buildings in the province. Built between 1854 and 1860, it is widely recognized as the oldest existing building in Saskatchewan. The church sits along the Churchill River, giving the site both historical and scenic value. It is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in architecture, northern history, or communities along the river.
Camp Out
If camping is part of your summer plans, Lac La Ronge Provincial Park is one of the best places to start. The park has lakes, campgrounds, canoe routes, hiking areas, beaches, fishing spots, and plenty of boreal forest scenery. It works well for families, solo travellers, paddlers, anglers, and anyone looking for a northern lake getaway. Check campsite availability, fire restrictions, and park conditions before heading out.
A Whole Lot of Land
Meadow Lake Provincial Park offers a large northern park experience with lakes, beaches, campgrounds, trails, and fishing areas. The park is one of Saskatchewan’s largest provincial parks, so it is worth choosing your lake, campground, or activity area before you arrive. Spend your time swimming, paddling, boating, fishing, hiking, or relaxing at a campsite. It is a strong option for a longer summer trip because there is enough to do for several days.
Hike the Boreal Trail
Hikers rejoice! Located in Meadow Lake Provincial Park, the Boreal Trail is one of the most beautiful and exciting trails in all of the country and we’ve got it right here in Saskatchewan. Spanning over one hundred and twenty kilometers, it’s the perfect destination for days of backcountry camping or just a day long hike. There are multiple start and end points so that you can get out and experience the beauty of nature, the boreal forest, and many unspoiled bodies of water.
A Town with a Unique History
Creighton, near Flin Flon, is a vibrant town with a unique history. Visit this small community this summer to learn all about how one prospector, Thomas Creighton, staked a claim that went on to become the original mine for the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company. You can see the monument on Main Street dedicated to this incredible man and even see one of the spikes that was used in his claim, and learn a whole lot more about the area’s early history at the beautifully constructed Creighton Northwest Mounted Police Post Museum. With tons of things to do and see in this area, it’s worth planning a vacation around. Be sure to stop in nearby Flin Flon and check out the Flin Flon Station Museum to see all the incredible mining exhibits.
Zipline Through the Trees
For a more active summer adventure, visit Treeosix Adventure Parks near Waskesiu and Elk Ridge. The aerial adventure park offers zipline and treetop-style activities in a forest setting. There’s also a climbing wall and lots of other activities, so be sure to come for an entire fun-filled, adventure-packed day. Located at the Elk Ridge Resort, only a short distance from the Prince Albert National Park, make it a day-long adventure or come for a week of other outdoor fun.
Walk the Boundary Bog Trail
Boundary Bog Trail in Prince Albert National Park is a short and accessible way to experience boreal wetland habitat. The trail includes a boardwalk and passes through black spruce bog terrain. One of the highlights is the chance to see carnivorous plants that grow in the bog’s nutrient-poor environment. It is a good option for a slower walk, especially for families or visitors who want a short trail with something unusual to see.
Go Horseback Riding Near Prince Albert National Park
Horseback riding is a classic outdoor adventure, and Sturgeon River Ranch offers guided rides near the west side of Prince Albert National Park. The rides take visitors through northern landscapes that may include forest, meadows, river areas, and open terrain. With many different rides to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something for you.
Ride Near Bison Country
Sturgeon River Ranch also offers longer riding experiences connected to the landscape around the Sturgeon River plains bison herd. This is not the same as a short beginner trail ride, since the focus is more on the wider natural setting and wildlife habitat. Bison sightings are never guaranteed, but the area is known for its connection to the free-ranging herd in and around Prince Albert National Park. It is a memorable option for visitors who want a guided northern experience with more time on the land.
Stay and Play at Elk Ridge Resort
Elk Ridge Resort is a convenient base for a summer trip near Prince Albert National Park. The resort offers accommodations, dining, golf, nearby trails, and access to other regional activities. It is close enough to Waskesiu to pair with beach time, park trails, lake activities, or a visit to Treeosix. It works well for travellers who want a northern setting with more services than a rustic campground.
Plan a Remote Getaway to Stony Rapids
Stony Rapids is a far-northern destination for travellers looking for remote scenery, fishing lodges, and access to Lake Athabasca country. The town is close to some pretty amazing lodges that are any angler’s paradise. The area is incredibly beautiful, so if you’re looking for a remote getaway, check out a few of the inns and lodges, some of them located right on the lake. This is not a casual weekend road trip for most visitors, so transportation and accommodations should be planned carefully. Confirm flights, outfitter services, seasonal access, and weather conditions before booking.
See the Athabasca Sand Dunes
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
The Athabasca Sand Dunes are one of Saskatchewan’s most remarkable wilderness landscapes. Stretching along the south shore of Lake Athabasca, they are among the most northerly active sand dunes in the world. This park is remote and generally accessed by air, so it is best suited to experienced wilderness travellers or guided trips. Anyone planning a visit should be prepared for backcountry conditions, pack-in and pack-out travel, and careful route planning.
Visit Steele Narrows Provincial Park
Make the journey to see the location of the last battle ever fought on Canadian soil. Located fifteen kilometers from Loon Lake, Steele Narrows Provincial Park is the location of the battle of Loon Lake, the conclusion to the Northwest Resistance. The site includes interpretive signage that explains its role in the battle. It can be visited as a short history stop or paired with time on the water. The park also has lake access, making it useful for fishing, boating, or a quiet outdoor break.
Explore Deep Bay on Reindeer Lake
Deep Bay, located at the southwestern tip of Reindeer Lake, has long been a fascinating part of the lake. The round crater is the deepest body of water in the province, at two hundred and twenty meters deep. The thirteen kilometer wide bay was formed millions of years ago by a meteor strike. Of course, there has been plenty of speculation about a mythical creature who lives below the water’s surface. Come check it out for yourself!
Get Away to Besnard Lake
Located fifty kilometers west of La Ronge, Besnard Lake is a beautiful, pristine northern lake. If you’re a wilderness lover, it won’t disappoint. Made up of Canadian Shield and Boreal forest, the lake boasts over two hundred and fifty islands. The fishing is excellent, and there are several lodges on the lake to ensure your stay will be perfect.
Spend Time at Candle Lake Provincial Park
Located only eighty kilometers from Prince Albert and boasting excellent fishing, pristine waters, a beautiful shallow beach, biking, and scenic camping, Candle Lake Provincial Park is jam packed with summer adventure potential. The park even has a hike on the boardwalk to see the wondrous Minowukaw Sand Dunes. The Park is located close to Candle Lake.
Stop at the Prince Albert Historical Museum
Brush up on your history this summer at the Prince Albert Historical Museum. The museum, located in the historic Central Fire Hall building, the museum contains artifacts from early settler life, the NorthWest Rebellion, and much more! The building alone is incredibly beautiful, so be sure to stop by if you’re in the area. It is not an outdoor adventure, but it fits well into a summer travel day, especially when the weather changes your plans. It is a good way to add context before continuing toward Waskesiu, La Ronge, or other northern destinations.
Diefenbaker’s House
Located in Prince Albert, the Diefenbaker House Museum is the site of Diefenbaker’s actual house right before he became Prince Minister. Decorated with artifacts that are period correct and boasting photos and other information about Diefenbaker, there are also staff onsite to help make your visit an informative one.
Fish Reindeer Lake
You haven’t really fished Saskatchewan if you haven’t fished the north. The northern waters of the province are clear and cold and produce some monster-sized fish. Even though it’s a bit of a hike up there, fishing at Reindeer Lake is definitely worth it for the quality of fish. Try your hand at catching the elusive Arctic Grayling.
Try Guided Angling in the North
Northern Saskatchewan, with its many deep, clear lakes, is often referred to as the unspoiled north for a reason. The scenery, away from dense population, is absolutely breathtaking. The Boreal forest and the Canadian Shield are both featured in all their glory. The potential for a trophy-sized fish is excellent. Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Trout (and other species of Trout), Perch, Arctic Grayling and other species can all be found in the northern lakes. Come for the amazing angling. You’ll probably be back for the natural beauty!
Go Rustic at Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Park
There isn’t any better place for some rustic camping than the north. Located one hundred and fifty kilometers north of Prince Albert is the Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Park. The beautiful park is serene and is a preservation area for parts of the Boreal forest. There really are only basic amenities available, including five rustic campsites. The camping is free and is pack-in, pack out.
Paddle Clearwater River Provincial Park
Sixty kilometers north of La Loche is the Clearwater River Provincial Park. The park includes a large portion of the Clearwater River, which features rapids that range from class 2 to class 4 and even a waterfall. Canoers and kayakers rejoice, the river is an incredible adventure just waiting!
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Stay in Waskesiu
That perfect summer adventure awaits you at Waskesui, located in the Prince Albert National Park. If it’s not enough that the beautiful town is has sprawling sandy beaches, playgrounds, amazing shopping, cafes and dining options, boardwalks, trails, and shimmering waters, it’s also close to Elk Ridge Resort, which has hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and zip lining.
Camp at Great Blue Heron Provincial Park
Great Blue Heron Provincial Park is located near Prince Albert National Park and includes areas around Anglin Lake and Emma Lake. The park offers camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, disc golf, and other seasonal recreation. Yurt-style accommodations and serviced camping options may be available depending on the campground and season. It is a good choice for travellers who want a boreal lake setting with more services than a remote backcountry park.
Explore Narrow Hills Provincial Park and Gem Lakes
Narrow Hills Provincial Park is known for clear northern lakes, boreal forest, fishing, hiking, camping, and backcountry-style recreation. With over twenty-five bodies of water, many stocked with different species of trout (as well as other naturally occurring species), the area truly is an angler’s paradise. The Gem Lakes area is one of its best-known features, with a trail that passes a series of deep lakes known for their blue-green reflections. The park has traditionally been a strong summer destination for trout fishing, paddling, hiking, beach time, and quiet lake trips.
Learn or Paddle with Churchill River Canoe Outfitters
Learn how to canoe this summer, brush up on your skills, or take your game to the next level with the Churchill River Canoe Outfitters. Located in Missinipe on the Churchill River, they offer guided canoe trips, canoe lessons, clinics, courses, and even white water training. Whether you’re just starting out or are more experienced, there’s training for everyone.
Plan a Lake Trip to Pinehouse
If you’re looking for that perfect northern lake getaway this summer, one you haven’t tried before, don’t overlook Pinehouse. Pinehouse Lake boasts beautiful scenery and spectacular fishing. Booking with a lodge is a great way to ensure your summer adventure is the best it can be.
Head into Wildcat Hill Provincial Park
If you’re looking for extreme outdoor adventures this summer, Wildcat Hill Provincial Park has exactly what you need. The park has steep canyons, hilly terrain, beautiful forests, rushing rivers, and is teeming with wildlife. The area is pack in, pack out and has no services available and is recommended for those already experienced with outdoor, backcountry camping and hiking.
Make the Trip to Grey Owl’s Cabin
Located in the Prince Albert National Park, Grey Owl’s Cabin is a must see. It can be reached by land, by canoe, or by kayak. Both routes are just over thirty kilometers from Waskesui. The routes are truly incredible, and the historic log cabin will impress more than just history buffs.
Tee Up Golf in Northern Saskatchewan
If you’re a golf enthusiast, whether you fall on the pro end of the spectrum or are just starting out and want to have some fun, the courses in Northern Saskatchewan have everything you’re looking for. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscape the province has to offer, you’ll be sure to find the course that’s just right for you.
Visit Lake Athabasca
Looking to experience Northern Saskatchewan’s lakes this summer? Lake Athabasca should definitely be on the bucket list. Saskatchewan’s largest and deepest lake has plenty of species of fish, with the real potential for a trophy-sized catch. The lake is huge and diverse, surrounded by incredible terrain. With many different lodges offering accommodations and tons of things to see and do, including sand dunes, it’s definitely a must-visit.
Spend Time in Buffalo Narrows
Buffalo Narrows, located four hundred and twenty-five kilometers north of Prince Albert is truly one of the most beautiful norther destinations. With white sand beaches that extend for kilometers, amazing fishing and gorgeous lakes, if you’re up for a trek, the area definitely won’t disappoint.
See Nistowiak Falls
Nistowiak Falls is one of the notable waterfall destinations in Northern Saskatchewan. It is located in the Churchill River region and is usually reached by water-based travel or with help from local operators. The falls are best suited to paddlers, anglers, or travellers already planning a northern river route. Access requires planning, so confirm routes, water conditions, and local arrangements before going.
Paddle the Churchill River System
The Churchill River system is one of the major canoeing regions in Northern Saskatchewan. It includes interconnected lakes, rapids, portages, campsites, and historic travel routes. Some routes are suitable for intermediate paddlers, while others require whitewater experience and backcountry skills. Experienced travellers can paddle independently, while others may prefer rentals, shuttles, training, or guided trips through an outfitter.
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