Saskatchewan brings together a wealth of natural and cultural highlights: Meadow Lake Provincial Park encompasses more than 25 lakes, while Grasslands National Park is known for its dry hills, badlands and eroded river valleys. There are also boreal forests, historic sites and experiences ranging from guided tours to agritourism. This lets you focus your trip on wildlife, landscapes or cultural history.

Landscapes and Wildlife

Meadow Lake Provincial Park covers more than 1,600 km² and encompasses more than 25 lakes. Saskatchewan’s provincial parks and recreation areas span nine distinct ecoregions. Landscapes represented there include pristine lakes and valleys, boreal forests and Canadian Shield landscapes. This diversity is also reflected in the contrasting natural environments of Prince Albert and Grasslands National Park: one lies in Saskatchewan’s northern boreal forest, while the other is in the gently rolling landscapes of the province’s southwest.

Prince Albert National Park is home to bison, eagles, ospreys, white pelicans, beavers, elk, bears and moose. In and around Grasslands National Park, dry hills, badlands and eroded river valleys provide habitat for pronghorn, sharp-tailed grouse and prairie rattlesnakes. The area is also home to Canada’s last remaining colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs. Wildlife and landscapes therefore differ markedly between the northern boreal forests and the drier prairie regions.

Trails, History and Culture

At Wanuskewin Heritage Park, trails stretch for more than 7 km and lead to historic sites such as bison kill sites, tipi rings and medicine wheels. Wanuskewin interprets the lives of the First Peoples of the Northern Plains before European contact, as well as the enduring presence and expression of Indigenous cultures. Its trails and cultural interpretation offer different ways to experience the site.

At Batoche National Historic Site, you can walk self-guided trails along the South Saskatchewan River. There, you can learn more about the lives of Métis settlers along the river. Batoche was the site of the final battle fought by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont during the 1885 Northwest Resistance, and stands for Métis resilience and cultural renewal.

The RCMP Heritage Centre offers another perspective: six informative exhibits and a driving simulator bring the history of the NWMP and RCMP to life. Together, these sites show how cultural experiences in Saskatchewan range from historic landscapes and Métis history to the history of the NWMP and RCMP.

Outdoor Experiences and Trip Planning

Visitors can camp in one of Saskatchewan’s 39 provincial parks and recreation areas in summer. Check camping availability and make reservations before your trip. Selected provincial parks also feature seasonal inflatable water parks from Sask Aquatic Adventures, with floating play features on the lake. Agritourism experiences in Saskatchewan include tours, tastings, orchard dinners, pick-your-own offerings and culinary events; individual providers and dates vary.

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 the provider’s availability and schedules before your trip. Saskatchewan has seven notable hills for downhill skiing and snowboarding; operators and conditions may change, so checking current information is part of planning.

Access to Grasslands National Park also deserves attention: access information dated May 7, 2024, listed gravel roads as the only access routes to both sections. As road conditions can change seasonally, check current information before driving. This makes it easier to combine nature experiences, cultural sites and practical travel decisions to suit your interests.

Discover More Destinations

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

For the broader travel overview: Canada.