Saskatchewan: Landscapes, Parks and Culture

More than 25 lakes lie within Meadow Lake Provincial Park, which covers more than 1,600 km². Saskatchewan’s other landscapes are also shaped by diverse parklands: provincial parks encompass pristine lakes and valleys, boreal forests, and Canadian Shield landscapes. The provincial parks and recreation areas span nine distinct ecoregions. To get your bearings, it helps to look at individual regions: Prince Albert National Park lies in the northern boreal forest, while Grasslands National Park is in the gently rolling landscapes of the southwest.

Landscapes and Wildlife

In Grasslands National Park and its surroundings, pronghorn, sharp-tailed grouse and prairie rattlesnakes live among dry hills, badlands and eroded river valleys. The area is also home to Canada’s last remaining colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs. Bison, eagles, ospreys, white pelicans, beavers, elk, bears and moose are found in Prince Albert National Park. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Culture and History

At Batoche National Historic Site, visitors can hike self-guided trails along the South Saskatchewan River. They can learn more about the lives of Métis settlers along the river. Batoche was also the site of the final battle of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont during the 1885 Northwest Resistance and represents Métis resilience and cultural renewal.

At Wanuskewin Heritage Park, more than 7 km of trails lead to historic sites such as bison hunting grounds, tipi rings and medicine wheels. Wanuskewin interprets the lives of the Northern Plains First Peoples before European contact, as well as the continuing connections and expressions of Indigenous cultures. The RCMP Heritage Centre is dedicated to the history of the NWMP and RCMP: six informative exhibits and a driving simulator are among the topics and experiences presented there.

Activities Throughout the Seasons

In summer, visitors can camp at one of the 39 provincial parks and recreation areas; check camping options and make reservations before your trip. Selected provincial parks have inflatable water parks run by Sask Aquatic Adventures, with floating play features on the lake. They operate seasonally, so check whether they will be open during your travel dates. For downhill skiing and snowboarding, Saskatchewan has seven notable hills. Operators and conditions may change.

Agritourism experiences are also part of what Saskatchewan has to offer. These include tours, tastings, orchard dinners, pick-your-own options and culinary events. Specific operators and dates vary, so it is advisable to check in advance. In northern Saskatchewan, a guided boat and floatplane tour can explore the Churchill River system and visit remote places accessible only by water or air. Check availability and schedules with the operator.

Access is also a planning consideration for Grasslands National Park. According to Parks Canada access information dated May 7, 2024, all routes into both units are exclusively via gravel roads. As road conditions can change seasonally, check current conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Division No. 15, Division No. 8, Division No. 10, Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Division No. 1, Division No. 17, Division No. 16, Division No. 9, Division No. 11, Division No. 5, Division No. 14, Division No. 4, Division No. 6, Division No. 7, Division No. 2, Division No. 18, Redvers, Carrot River, Assiniboia, Humboldt, Division No. 13, Division No. 12, Division No. 3.

For the broader travel overview: Canada.