Saskatchewan is one of the Prairie Provinces, situated in the western portion of the country and is the seventh largest province in Canada. Saskatchewan attracts many tourists with its expansive plains and rich natural surroundings.
Those who are wondering about what’s so special about it, let me tell you, Saskatchewan has a lot in its pocket to offer to its visitors. If you are a nature lover there is interesting scenery, lakes, forested areas, two national parks, and a provincial park, you would love to visit. And being an art lover or learner you can experience the treasure of art, a heritage center, historical museums, fishing lakes, and living skies.
Check out my list of the best things to explore there. First, let me begin with the two national parks in Saskatchewan because the list of things to do is incomplete without these parks.
1. Prince Albert National Park
The Prince Albert National Park tops my list and there is a reason for it. It is a huge park that opens every day of the year, the best months to visit are from May to September. It provides places to eat and relax, bike and hiking trails, and a playground for children. If you love hiking try these two top hiking trails- Waskesiu River Trail and the Boundary Bog Trail. Overall, it’s a perfect spot for an exciting outing.
The town of Waskesiu Lake is the only crowded area in the national park. It provides facilities and services and is located on the south shore of Waskesiu Lake. At Waskesiu, a museum has a collection of various wildlife species. I would highly recommend to visiting that too.
2. Grasslands National Park
Grasslands National Park, which lies close to the community of Val Marie, is the second national park in Saskatchewan. I will tell you why I am recommending it as a top visiting spot there.
It is divided into the West Block and the East Block. The East Block is not developed as compared to the West Block. There are no facilities, but the West Block is close to Val Marie, with more hiking trails and wildlife. You will spot some rare and endangered plants and animals that are not even present in other parts of Canada can be found in there
Hold on! It’s not the only thing- The Frenchman River Valley, Seventy Mile Butte, and the Rock Creek badlands are some of the geological highlights of the park. And you must not skip those.
3. Moose Jaw
The most famous place in Moose Jaw city is the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, one of the attractive locations connected to Canadian history.
Be sure to stop in and participate in one of the entertaining and engaging Tunnels of Moose Jaw tours if you’re anywhere near Moose Jaw, possibly while travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway.
And it’s time to unveil the biggest attraction there! You won’t be able to get your eyes off the world’s largest moose sculpture- Mac the Moose is located in the visitor center of Moose Jaw. Do you know, It is 10.36 meters tall and weighs about 10,000 kg?
Western Development Museums is another must-see attraction in Moose Jaw that I would strongly recommend you to explore.
4. Fort Walsh National Historic Site
The Fort Walsh National Historic Site is undoubtedly one of the best historical sites to connect with Saskatchewan’s past. You would love to witness the fort’s structures, the old town, and whiskey trading posts on this site. All this is open for visitors.
And here is this fact I want to tell you- In 2004, the Fort Walsh National Historic Site joined the Cypress Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
This brings us to the Interprovincial Park of Cypress Hills, our next destination in Saskatchewan.
5. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
I don’t know why I am so excited to tell you the interesting facts behind these amazing spots. Anyway, it’s good to gain some information along with fun. So here’s another fact- The first interprovincial park in Canada opened its doors in 1989 as Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. It is located between the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
I want to bring to your knowledge that it’s not only known for hiking trails. Infact, there are ziplining, swimming pools, resorts, skiing, fishing, and even golfing. You can set up a tent at the campground, find a place to sit outside under the open sky and observe the atmosphere without being disturbed by city lights. You will also love the Bonfires. Now you must know why I am recommending you to visit this magnificent spot. The Cypress Hills Massacre is another National Historic Site worth visiting in Cypress Hills.
6. Prince Albert Historical Museum
Include this place on your bucket list while you travel to Prince Albert City. Visit the Prince Albert Historical Museum to learn more about Prince Albert’s role in Canadian history. It displays the history of Prince Albert and includes current military and Indigenous areas in addition to prior shelters, business, and industrial data.
7. Saskatchewan Science Centre
If you are a science enthusiast and want to learn more about it or take part in workshops that are solely focused on science and its innovations, I would highly recommend you to visit there on your trip. The Saskatchewan Science Centre, housed in a former power plant in the Wascana Centre, launched as the Powerhouse of Discovery in April 1989.
So what’s there in store for you? Let me tell you it offers a variety of events and programs, including Ignite!, Adult Science Nights, and instructive and entertaining programming for students and communities throughout Saskatchewan.
8. RCMP Heritage Centre
The RCMP Heritage Centre, the national museum of Canadian law enforcement, is situated in Regina. The museum has several displays about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and items associated with the police department.
I can’t resist telling one interesting fact- The construction of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Heritage Centre started in 2005, and it was made public in 2007.
9. Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a non-profit centre promoting the culture and history of the place. You can learn about more than 6000 years of past there. I recommend you to visit the archaeological excavations, peruse the exhibits in the interpretive center on-site that has an art gallery, and savour traditional First Nations food in the café
It remains open daily but there is an entrance fee that you will have to pay. I can say that the best way to get to the park, roughly 8 miles north of Saskatoon, is by driving.
10. Royal Saskatchewan Museum
Check what’s next on my list. It’s an interesting museum- The Royal Saskatchewan Museum. And why should you visit there? Well, I will tell you this- It also provides various educational programs, displays, and research endeavours highlighting Saskatchewan’s natural, geologic, and First Nations history.
You must introduce your kids to the world’s largest T.Rex structure. Visiting the museum with family and kids is all fun.
11. Athabasca Sand Dunes
Athabasca Sand Dunes, which are roughly spread over 100 kilometres along the south side of Lake Athabasca, is the largest active sand surface in Canada.
The great sand hills typically have a parabolic shape. The bedrock generally is around 20 meters below ground level, and the sand almost entirely covers the underlying sandstone layers.
No matter how much time you spend in Saskatchewan, this unusual prairie province will never feel like enough. It has a lot to offer, whether you enjoy learning about history or historical sites, the stories behind the place, or you want to get closer to nature or wildlife. Try to visit all the above-mentioned spots to experience the best.
Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
