As fun as winter can be, the advent of warm winds, blue skies, and melting snow to signal the arrival of spring usually has most people excited to get back outside and enjoy the outdoors.
While spring officially starts in March, you’re probably going to have to wait until a little later in the season to really enjoy it. Provincial Parks open mid-May while other activities can be enjoyed soon as the snow goes. Other activities on this list of outdoor adventures during spring can be experienced on your timeline, so even if the snow is sticking around, you can still often get a head start on spring.
1. Hiking
Saskatchewan provides the perfect backdrop for any avid hiker and nature lover to get out there and experience wondrous, scenic beauty.
Re-discover the province as it changes from snow dusted landscapes to lush green as spring blesses the land.
Saskatchewan offers diverse terrain and from the north part of the province to the south, the landscape shifts and changes. You will be shocked at the dense forests, sheer rock faces, towering buttes and sand dunes that await your exploration.
2. Horseback Riding
What better way to connect with nature than to ride through the heart of endless plains, grassy hills, and sandy trails? Horseback riding is an experience the whole family can enjoy and there are many different ranches and stables that offer equestrian experiences throughout the province. With dates available at many locations as early as May, be sure to get out there! See here
Reesor Ranch
3. Learn to Sail
This might surprise a few people, given that Saskatchewan is typically thought of as bald prairie and flat land, but the truth is, our lakes and rivers are incredible! (You seriously have to sail on Lake Diefenbaker at least once in your lifetime!) Don’t own a sailboat? No problem! There are many sail and yacht clubs throughout the province that offer lessons in a whole host of different locations. Details
4. Zip Lining
If you haven’t tried zip lining, now’s the time to do it! The spring is a great time to check items you’re your bucket list and maybe do a little bit of exploring at the same time. There are many places throughout Saskatchewan that offer great courses. It’s something fun the whole family can do, plus as an added bonus, some courses are located in or around Provincial Parks so you can make a day of it.
Treeosix Adventure Parks – Cypress Hills & Elk Ridge
Outer Edge Adventure Park – Lumsden
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride
This might not immediately come to mind, but it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Take in the spectacular scenery and view the province like never before! With flights leaving from both Regina and Saskatoon, this is a must. The ride itself can be a bit pricey, but it’s definitely something worth saving up for and if you watch sites like Groupon, you might get lucky and be able to purchase a discounted ride. Details
6. Ride the Trails
Nothing beats getting out on the trails, even in early spring. You might get a little dirty, that’s half the fun. The province offers some incredible ATV trails. If you don’t own a quad or an ATV, see if you can get a couple friends together and make a day of it! Details
7. Treasure Search
Okay, so this might not be the typical treasure search that you’re used to. The province has a wealth of antique stores and the spring is the perfect time to explore, as many are opening their doors for the first time since the fall. Treasures abound and there are deals to be had! Spring is also the prime time for garage sales in most communities. Driving around on weekends, on even on a Thursday or Friday night and keeping your eyes peeled for signs in a great way to score some unique finds.
6. Batoche National Historic Site
Many people don’t know about this hidden gem. Opening in May along with the Parks, Batoche is a wonderful and scenic historical site. Plan for a day at the park and bring the whole family! There are many other historical sites in the province as well!
7. Fishing
Okay, it wouldn’t be spring in Saskatchewan if fishing didn’t make the list. The season generally opens in mid-May and most parks open around the same time. The avid angler will be raring to go, but if you don’t have a boat and would rather just do some exploring, that’s alright too. Fishing from the bank can be just as good as fishing right on the lake in many different spots. If you’re really not sure, try looking at the many lodges throughout the province. Many provide boats and guides to get you on your way. Fishing in SK
10. Golfing
For the avid golfer, hitting a real outdoor course again is one of the most exciting things about spring. If you haven’t tried golf, get a group of friends together- you might surprise yourself by enjoying it. The province boasts some incredibly beautiful, challenging, and fun courses. Details
Book Your Campsite
If you want to spend the day of of your choosing in a campsite at your favourite provincial park in summer, you better book your campsite on April 8, 2019. Nightly reservations for 2019 campsites will open at 7 a.m. from Monday, April 8. Reservations open April 2 for seasonal sites, April 4 for group camping sites, and April 8 to 18 for nightly sites.
Camp-Easy sites are great for campers who do not own camping equipment or aren’t sure if camping is for them, but would like to give it a try. Each campsite features a large canvas tent on a wooden platform, six sleeping cots, a screened dining tent, a camp stove and propane tank, a lantern, wash bins, camp chairs and roasting sticks. The Camp-Easy program is expanding for the 2019 camping season and will be available in eight parks in addition to the three parks, where it was available in 2018 (Buffalo Pound, Echo Valley and Pike Lake provincial parks).