saskatchewan canada places to visit

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Saskatchewan

Written by Chloë Ernst and Michael Law Updated Sep 13, 2021

Saskatchewan sometimes gets a bad rap for being flat and boring, but that's not a fair assessment. Scratch the surface a bit, and you'll find a province with over 100,000 lakes, boreal forests, fast flowing rivers, and endless recreational opportunities. One little known fact is that Saskatchewan is Canada's sunniest province ; perhaps that's why it has such a friendly population.

Not quite dead center of Canada, but close, Saskatchewan shares very straight borders with Manitoba in the east, Alberta in the west, and the two U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota to the south. Visitors driving across the province will see seemingly endless fields, but the northern portion is also a treat for anyone with a love of canoeing, angling, and swimming, which can all be enjoyed on the numerous lakes.

To the Cree First Nations, hunting buffalo and living on the Great Plains centuries ago, the biggest of the river waterways was "the river that flows swiftly" or "Saskatchewan." It was from this river that the province eventually took its name.

To learn more about the province's many popular points of interest and fun things to do, be sure to check out our list of the top attractions in Saskatchewan.

1. Prince Albert National Park

2. saskatoon, 3. fort walsh national historic site, 5. rcmp heritage centre, 6. batoche national historic site, 7. trans-canada highway through saskatchewan, 8. cypress hills & grasslands national park, 9. fort carlton provincial park, 10. moose jaw, 11. qu'appelle valley, 12. the battlefords, map of tourist attractions in saskatchewan.

Prince Albert National Park is a gently undulating landscape of spruce bogs, large lakes, and aspen-dotted uplands. It's a hot spot for wildlife watching. The park's northern forests have Canada's second largest colony of white pelicans at Lavallée Lake , a roaming herd of Sturgeon River plains bison , plus moose, wolves, black bears, fox, lynx, caribou, and eagles. In the southern parklands, you'll find elk, deer, badgers, coyotes, and squirrels.

The park also has one of the best beaches in Saskatchewan: Waskesiu Main Beach . This 600-meter stretch of golden sand is located on the eastern end of Waskesiu Lake and is backed by green lawns and trees. Just across the street from the beach are restaurants and local shops that make grabbing an ice cream on a hot, sunny day an easy task.

If this beach isn't to your liking, nine others are sprinkled around the lake, many of which are quiet and deserted. It can get windy here, so take a look at the wind direction, and select your beach appropriately.

First Nations people have lived here for thousands of years, and there is archaeological evidence that in severe winters, tribes from the prairies moved north to these sheltered woodlands, intermingling with the people who lived here.

Grey Owl , a colorful and controversial naturalist of the 1930s, lived in this park for seven years in a small log cabin called "Beaver Lodge" on Ajawaan Lake. The author's popular books tell of his love for the wilderness, threatened by the advance of civilization. His cabin can be reached by boat or canoe across Kingsmere Lake, or by a 20-kilometer trail from the south end of the lake.

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/sk/princealbert/index.aspx

Sunny Saskatoon is a pleasant city in the South Saskatchewan River. Many tourist attractions explore the local heritage, from the first Prairies people at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park to European settlers and culture at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. The largest of the province's four Western Development Museums is located in the city and features a vibrant reconstructed main street known as "Boomtown 1910."

Traveling with kids? Then be sure to include the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo on your Saskatoon itinerary, popular not just for its creature collection but also its beautiful grounds. Interested in art? Pay a visit to the new Remai Modern Museum, already famous for its collection of works by Picasso.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Saskatoon

Fort Walsh National Historic Site was established in 1875 under the direction of James Walsh. It was intended to stop the illegal whisky trade and became one of the most important posts in the West. During its life, the fort negotiated with the whisky traders, the native peoples, and the thousands of Sioux warriors who sought refuge in Canada after clashes with the U.S. cavalry.

Following the building of the railway and the return of the Sioux people to the USA, the fort was dismantled and abandoned. In 1942, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police acquired the land and built a ranch on which to breed horses. When the RCMP transferred to Ontario, the estate became a national historic site with a comprehensive reconstruction program. In addition to enjoying costumed re-enactments, fun things to do at Fort Walsh include hiking and biking along its extensive trail network.

Address: Fort Walsh, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/sk/walsh

A cosmopolitan commercial and cultural center, Regina is the setting for many government and provincial institutions, some of which, like the Saskatchewan Legislative Building , can be visited. It enjoys economic prosperity, and boasts a number of arts and heritage attractions, including the illuminating Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Mackenzie Art Gallery near the parklands of Wascana Centre around Wascana Lake.

Parades and other military-tattoo-like events are a popular feature at the city's RCMP Heritage Centre , while exploring science is the order of the day at the Saskatchewan Science Centre.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Regina

The RCMP Heritage Centre is the largest of its kind in Canada, with displays of equipment, weapons, photographs, and more. Both the Sergeant Major's Parade (held in the Parade Square, alternately in the Drill Hall in winter or bad weather) and the Sunset Retreat (summer) attract large crowds. The latter is a colorful flag ceremony involving a parade of recruits and a marching band, harking back to the tattoos of 18th- and 19th-century British military tradition.

Other fun things to do here include trying on related RCMP regalia, and joining an informative guided tour of the site.

Address: 5907 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan

Official site: www.rcmpheritagecentre.com/

Batoche was the headquarters of the famous Métis, Louis Riel, during the 1885 Northwest Rebellion. It is also where the rebellion finally came to an end, following a decisive battle. Displays illustrate the way of life of the Métis, events leading up to the rebellion, and the battle of May 1885.

The presbytery, still showing shell and bullet-holes from the battle, and the Church of St. Antoine de Padoue (1883-84) are now excellent museums. The graves of Dumont and Letendre and a mass grave of fallen Métis can be found in the churchyard. There's a good shuttle bus service to get you around this sprawling site, and other fun things to do include renting a canoe and interacting with costumed guides.

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/sk/batoche

By following the Trans-Canada Highway as it runs across the prairies and fields of southern Saskatchewan, visitors can see a substantial part of the province. In the summer, the fields become a riot of color, with canola blooming a brilliant yellow and flax blossoming in a vibrant purple. Near Chaplin, the colorful fields vanish and are replaced with shallow lakes and blindingly white piles of salt.

When planning your route, it is best to start from the province's southeast border with Manitoba, and drive east-to-west along the Highway, which passes through the capital, Regina , Moose Jaw, and the town of Swift Current .

Detours can then be made either north or south to many other interesting places to visit that are easily accessible from the highway, places like Moose Mountain Provincial Park , Qu'Appelle Valley , and Cypress Hills Provincial Park . Plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hunting will be found along the way.

Note that Saskatchewan is sadly lacking in highway rest stops. Plan your bathroom breaks to coincide with the larger centers mentioned above.

The highest point in Saskatchewan is in Cypress Hills, a vast tract of land in the province's southwest. The region encompasses premier outdoor attractions, including an inter-provincial park that straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and Grasslands National Park, near the U.S. border.

The park is vast and offers a great opportunity to escape to nature. Take a hike and wander through the hills on your own, or pitch a tent in the campground. At night, build a crackling fire and gaze up at an unbelievably dark sky filled with a billion stars.

Though prehistoric sites in the Drumheller area of Alberta are better known, Saskatchewan's Eastend is home to the T.rex Discovery Centre and its full-size skeleton replicas are well worth a visit.

Fort Carlton was originally established as an outpost of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1795 to provide river patrols and provisions for fur traders, and remained in use until 1885. Rebuilt on the foundations of the third and final site on which the fort stood, the present rendition, while a replica of the original (it was built in 1967), offers a fascinating look at life during this period.

Take a canoe tour in summer, or wander the grounds to see the reconstructed fort, a Cree village, displays of hides, and various supplies.

Address: 212 Hwy, Duck Lake, Saskatchewan

The "friendly city" of Moose Jaw sits at the meeting of the Moose Jaw River and Thunder Creek. The city's top attraction is The Tunnels of Moose Jaw , which remain from the days of the first Chinese immigrants. Today, costumed guides recreate characters from Moose Jaw history here. And then, of course, there's Mac the Moose , the giant moose sculpture that graces the grounds of the city's welcome center.

Another branch of Saskatchewan's Western Development Museums is located in Moose Jaw, focusing on the history of Prairie transportation. Other notable museums can be enjoyed in Saskatoon, North Battleford, and Yorkton.

Extending along the Qu'Appelle River is a beautiful, steep-sided valley, carved out of the gently undulating prairie by glacial waters. It is a rich garden-style landscape, with eight lakes strung out along the valley creating unique ecosystems.

The Qu'Appelle Valley is one of Saskatchewan's most popular summer destinations, with three amazing parks to visit. Buffalo Pound Provincial Park , located in the western region, has a great swimming area, mountain bike trails, and camping. Nearby Echo Valley Provincial Park near Fort Qu'Appelle has two beaches on two lakes along with a lovely walking trail and camping opportunities. A bit farther east, Crooked Lake Provincial Park has a great campground featuring amazing waterfront sites, hiking trails, and a golf course nearby.

The Battlefords consist of two cities, North Battleford and Battleford, that are across the Saskatchewan River from one another. During the early settlement days, Battleford was an important Mounted Police post and the first seat of Northwest Territories government. Fort Battleford National Historic Site explores the past of the Mounties with exhibits in refurbished buildings.

The city's Western Development Museum puts agricultural history into practice with a farm and village. If you've got some time, consider a pleasant walk up to the top of King Hill for nice views out over the city and surrounding area.

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Canada Vacation Ideas : When planning your Canada travel itinerary , be sure to consider visiting the beautiful mountain scenery of neighboring Alberta and the unique attractions in Manitoba . In Ontario, Niagara Falls is another must-visit natural attraction. Also in Ontario , the city of Toronto -Canada's largest-is home to the CN Tower, plus world-class attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.

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• Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
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1. Stone Hall Castle

2. Tunnels of Moose Jaw

3. Western Development Museum

4. Royal Saskatchewan Museum

5. Wascana Centre Park

6. RCMP Heritage Centre

7. Legislative Building

8. Western Development Museum Moose Jaw

9. Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

10. University of Saskatchewan

11. Meewasin Valley

12. Prince Albert National Park

13. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

14. Government House

15. Grasslands National Park

16. Wanuskewin

17. Beaver Creek Conservation Area

18. Saskatchewan Science Centre

19. Fort Walsh National Historic Site

20. Regina Floral Conservatory

21. Regina Globe Theatre

22. Castle Butte

23. Casino Regina

24. Regina Farmers' Market

25. Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre

26. Shurniak Art Gallery

27. Black Fox Farm and Distillery

28. Manitou Springs Mineral Spa and Serenity

29. MacKenzie Art Gallery

30. Big Muddy Badlands

What travellers are saying.

Top Things to Do in Saskatchewan, Canada - Saskatchewan Must-See Attractions

Things to do in saskatchewan, explore popular experiences, popular cities in saskatchewan.

Ways to tour Saskatchewan

Chicago Connection Tour

2 Hour Waskesiu Zipline Afternoon Adventure

Discover Downtown Regina: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Explore the City of Bridges with Walking Tours in Saskatoon

Sights of Moose Jaw Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

2 Hour Cypress Hills Zipline Morning Adventure

Passage to Fortune Tour in Moose Jaw Canada

Bunker 24 Tour in Moose Jaw. Canada

Regina Scavenger Hunt: The Queen City

Saskatoon City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers

Top attractions in saskatchewan.

Private Sightseeing Tours

Walking Tours

Cultural & Theme Tours

Tours & sightseeing.

What travellers are saying

• Western Development Museum
• Stone Hall Castle
• University of Saskatchewan
• Grasslands National Park
• Tunnels of Moose Jaw
• Wascana Centre Park
• Meewasin Valley
• Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
• Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
• Royal Saskatchewan Museum
• Legislative Building

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Saskatchewan

To paraphrase an old line, there are no boring parts of Saskatchewan, just boring visitors. Yes, the terrain lacks drama, there's not a lot of people here, the two major towns define the vaguely complimentary 'nice,' and so on. But that simply means that the savvy visitor can dig deep to discover the province's inherent appeal.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Batoche National Historic Site

A virtual civil war was fought here in what is known as the Northwest Resistance of 1885, when Louis Riel led the Métis in defending their land from the…

Meewasin Valley

The Meewasin Valley, formed by the South Saskatchewan's wide swath through the center of town, is named for the Cree word for 'beautiful'. Mature trees…

Fort Walsh National Historic Site

Amid rolling prairies at the eastern edge of the Western Block is this interesting historic site. Established in 1875 and operational for eight years,…

Royal Saskatchewan Museum

The Royal provides a great insight into the people and geography that make up Saskatchewan. Galleries focus on earth and life sciences and indigenous…

Station Arts Centre & Tea Room

In the old train station in Rosthern, the Station Arts Centre is a beautiful gallery showing the works of local artists, plus a tea room offering lunch…

Tunnels of Moose Jaw

Buried deep under the town's streets is a series of passages that have a tragic and fascinating history. Take a tour and learn about the hardship and…

Provincial Legislature

Escaping significant damage from the devastating tornado in its year of completion (1912), the arresting 'Leg,' nestled in Wascana Centre's leafy embrace,…

T-Rex Discovery Centre

Eastend's claim to fame is the 1991 discovery of the biggest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found. Known as Scotty, the mammoth T.rex is…

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Some of the most beautiful national parks in the country, landmarks in First Nations history, and great outdoor adventures make up the top attractions in Saskatchewan.

The RCMP Heritage Centre: Home of the Mounties

Mounties are right up there with beavers and politeness when it comes to icons of Canada, but they're far more than just the red suits and cool hats. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is Canada's well-respected national police force, which has helped shape and protect our country and identity since 1873. This legacy is put on display at the RCMP Heritage Centre External Link Title , located near the historic RCMP Depot Division where all Mounties are trained. The center uses art exhibits, multimedia and more to highlight the rich story of the RCMP. Cap off your visit with the Sergeant Major's Parade, where drill staff work the cadets through roll call, inspection and more.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

No, this isn't a rap venue. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park External Link Title is a must-visit attraction for outdoor lovers. The park is located in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan and is named for the Cypress Hills that rise 1,900 feet above the surrounding terrain. Cliffs, lookout points, and forest trails are all there to be enjoyed and explored. The area is a Dark Sky Preserve, which means almost no unnatural light will impede your incredible view of the stars, planets and satellites in the night sky. Go camping, fishing, hiking, ziplining, canoeing, skiing, and even golfing. Try a new career as a ranch hand at a working cattle ranch or as a paleontologist, examining dinosaur bones. Visit local restaurants or the Cypress Hills winery. There really is just no way to describe everything this place has to offer in a short paragraph. You're just going to have to see it for yourself.

The Churchill River

For centuries, the Churchill River was used by local First Nations as a travel and trade route. When explorers and voyageurs began visiting the region, the river continued to serve that same purpose. Today, the Churchill is where adventurers can ride the whitewater and make the memory of a lifetime. The mighty waterway is full of rapids and drops that draw out paddlers from around the world. The river connects several major lakes and natural landmarks, including the Nistowiak Falls, the tallest waterfall in Saskatchewan. It’s also a great place to try and spot moose on the shores and bald eagles overhead, or try your hand at angling for walleye, northern pike, and several other species of fish.

Prince Albert National Park

Named one of Canada's "50 Places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic, Prince Albert National Park External Link Title is one of the most popular parks in the country. At nearly 1,500 square miles, you're not going to see it all in one go, but several scenic driving tours will allow you to experience many of the highlights--including the possibility of seeing free-roaming plains bison. Then, leave the car behind for a guided hike or venture out on your own on a bike, boat, or skis (or heck, maybe on a wakeboard). Swim and tan at the many backcountry lakes and six beaches or take a canoe trip to visit the cabin of famous conservationist Grey Owl, whose story was captured in a 1999 film of the same name starring Pierce Brosnan.

Little Manitou Lake

How do you like the sound of a combined spa/swimming day? That's what's in store on any visit to Little Manitou Lake. This unique lake is filled with briny water that apparently possesses natural skin and body care properties, not unlike the Dead Sea in Israel. These properties take their origins in the concentrations of mineral salts, magnesium, silica, potassium, and other minerals found in the water. Go for a float to relax and rejuvenate your body. Once you feel better, you can enjoy all of the attractions in the surrounding community External Link Title , from golfing, to sailing, and even great shopping.

Grasslands National Park

When you imagine the prairies in your mind, the wide grassy plains, the sea of green, the bison herds, you're essentially picturing Grasslands National Park External Link Title . One of two national parks in Saskatchewan, Grasslands is a great place to experience preserved prairie land and find your home on the range. Take a prairie safari that will bring you close to bison, burrowing owls, eagles, antelope and black-tailed prairie dogs. Visit an archeological dig and learn from a paleontologist, or saddle up a horse and join a cowboy on the open range. Hike 70 Mile Butte, which rises 328 feet above the surrounding plains, and end your night with an unobstructed view of the stars, as the park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve. Close to the Montana border, the park is a must-stop for any road trippers.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

For over 6,000 years, Wanuskewin Heritage Park External Link Title was a meeting place for indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains. Long before the pyramids, the Pantheon or the Great Wall of China, Saskatchewan's First Peoples gathered here to hunt buffalo, worship and celebrate. Now, the park is a place to learn about that culture and that history. Explore interpretive trails that wind through the valley. Visit archeological digs full of tipi rings, stone cairns, pottery fragments, animal bones and more. Stay overnight in a tipi and listen to traditional stories around a campfire as you enjoy tea and fresh bannock. Wanuskewin is really an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of an ancient people.

Milton Lake Lodge

Milton Lake Lodge External Link Title is a fly-in fishing destination (with a lodge and outpost camps) in the remote wilds of Saskatchewan. Don't let its location scare you; it's well worth the flight for any angler. The lakes in this area of Northern Saskatchewan are known for their huge fish. Every time you throw a line in these waters, you have a chance at a massive northern pike, a powerful lake trout, or a feisty arctic grayling.

Sundogs Excursions

Want to leave the city behind? Explore the million-acre wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan's boreal forest in winter by dogsled, with Sundog Excursions External Link Title . Learn to harness and mush Alaskan husky sled dogs as you take in the beautiful terrain. Spot lynx, owls and moose. Strap on snowshoes and follow fox tracks. Listen to wolves howl in the serene, silent woodland. Gain a deeper understanding of this unique eco-system while in the company of an imaginative nature interpreter. Spend your nights in a 4-star lodge dining local on elk, bison and Saskatoon berries, or choose to sleep rustic among snow-covered trees in a canvas trapper's tent warmed by a wood stove.

Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan

If you can't make your trip out to Saskatchewan this year, you might actually benefit from waiting. In 2017, a brand new art museum will open up on the shores of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon. The Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan External Link Title will be architecturally striking, having won an award from Canadian Architect magazine before construction even started. The museum's collection should be equally impressive, and feature the world's most comprehensive collection of Picasso linocuts as well as 23 of his ceramic works. If you're looking for a reason to visit Saskatchewan next year, this is it.

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Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Canada , Cultural Travel

Places to Visit in Saskatchewan – Canada’s Misunderstood Prairie Province

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All the attractions and places to visit in Saskatchewan Canada show that it’s more than a prairie province. Visit for its silent city revival and a backcountry way of life.

“It’s called ‘the land of the living skies’,” my friend proudly announces as we look up to the crisp blue Saskatchewan sky that’s filled with tracks and swirls of the purest white clouds.

We’ve left the city of Saskatoon to make our way to a traditional cowboy ranch, that you can only reach by driving hours through the prairies. The long, straight road is the only thing that cuts through this scene of beautiful isolation. The land looks as vast and never-ending as the sky as it all blends into a striking stretch of the flat breathtaking landscape of earthy yellows and browns. At times, those prairies belong only to you.

I’ve spent years watching my friend defend her home province – a land similar in size of Texas composed of fertile farmlands and green valleys, flanked in the north by endless lakes and pine forests. It’s become the Canadian province too easily mocked for its wild-west agricultural persona, which made me want to visit more.

“You are stopping at Saskatoon?” I remember the Via Rail ticket desk lady ask surprisingly when I went to pick up my tickets from Union Station in Toronto. I told her the story of my journey crossing Canada by train, knowing all too well the reaction.

“Oh, that’s right,” she added. “People only go to Saskatoon to visit family or friends. Not to see anything.”

READ MORE: Canada Via Rail Experience – Nostalgia on the Tracks

There’s More to Saskatchewan

Although famous for agriculture, only one-third of the province is actually farmland. Such a common misconception of its emptiness and lack of big-city cool means the average adventure-seeking traveller misses out. This province, half-covered by forest, and one-eighth by freshwater, is home to some of the most stunning natural terrain in the entire country.

I learn that there are 100,000 lakes tempting those wanting to sample some of the most revered canoeing routes in Canada and heritage waterways (part of an east-west route used by First Nations people) rich in stories of past explorers and traders. I visited the preserved and theatrically exhibited underground tunnels in Moose Jaw, with tales of hidden Chinese railway workers and the alleged bootlegging operations of Al Capone during the US prohibition era.

My next visit is filled with plans to visit the less trodden nature spots of the Athabasca Sand Dunes (the most northerly sand dunes in the world) along with Cypress Hills – the ‘forest oasis above the prairie’ near to the Saskatchewan and Alberta border.

That’s a lot more than one giant, nondescript prairie.

Saskatoon, the province’s biggest city, brims with a vibrancy that comes from its predominantly young population. It’s riverside banks – a popular local hideaway and exercise ground neighbour a compact city of cool restaurants and independent stores, which play host to over 60 festivals and events every year.

Stand on the railway bridge for a panoramic view of Saskatoon and your perceptions will change. At its core, it isn’t the drab, lifeless place that people’s reactions to it implied. From up high, I could see how the Autumn hues matched the coffee colours of the city’s neat layout, which made for a pretty and pleasurable stroll – an image not often granted to a city desperately trying to emerge from the shadows of its notorious outer neighbourhoods, that damage it’s overall reputation.

160 miles south in the capital of Regina – the base of Canada’s only training academy for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) – a practical and modernised city is too undergoing a resurgence. Repurposed warehouse space is reviving a once run-down central neighbourhood – an urban renaissance springing up alongside the modern, glass-fronted business-district high-rise. Here, you can spend the morning seeing the famous Red Serge and Stetson hat uniformed ‘Mounties’ at the RCMP Heritage Centre and Training Depot, and end the day with a craft beer or two in town.

Saskatchewan really has a lot to be proud of.

Experiencing Traditional Rural Life

It’s the Saskatchewan River Valley’s cluster of hills that preserve a traditional horseback lifestyle far removed from the pockets of urban growth that are just two hours away.

When we approach the ranch, a man decked out in cowboy gear is lovingly attending to his horses. George Gaber, the head cowboy and chief of La Reata Ranch, greets us in the yard which is flanked by wooden shacks that line the green mounds at the foothills of the valley, where nine miles of river softly weaves through. The entire area is silent, although not eerily; a peacefulness only granted in unstirred territories.

We are slightly late, thereby missing the group of hardened cowboys out for a full day of riding after breakfast. This isn’t a place where you come and briefly ride a horse and leave. The province is known for its scattering of authentic ranches, where the opportunity to play cowboy is far removed from being a touristic gimmick.

Guests are fully assimilated into all aspects of the preserved cultural heritage, from saddling up the horses ready for an entire day of riding, to checking on the heard and embarking on overnight trips.

We help George saddle up two horses, as I clumsily learn to mount and sit in the most comfortable position. My last recollection of horse riding was in my pre-teen years, and this would be far more sophisticated than a short trundle through Devonshire farm fields.

Out here you feel at one with the land, trotting through the prairie landscape and cantering up and over the riverside hills that are laid out like a scene in a country movie. We are wearing cowboy boots borrowed from my friend’s mother (herself a keen rider) and checkered shirts purchased from a thrift store so that we could play the part.

The entire time was spent revelling in remoteness. Of the fresh air on our faces and our giggles in the wind as our horses picked up the pace, stopping at the top of an incline to look out over creases in the landscape.

This kind of adventure requires energy and passion. Guests, who are a mix of diehards and those wanting to fully immerse themselves and learn this tradition for days or weeks on end, are involved in every aspect from horse grooming and saddling up, to the preparation of home-cooked meals.

Like any wild-west scene, the Saloon brims with camaraderie as everyone cracks open evening beers to the sound of country tunes, before retiring to a wooden cabin to sleep off the day’s work.

I say goodbye to the cowboys at breakfast, ready for my brief visits to Moose Jaw and Regina on a loop back to Saskatoon. They are fuelling up for another full day of riding the badlands, as I prepare to dig on some history and modern-day urban revival. I need a mix of both, which Saskatchewan provides in bite-sized chunks via long, gloriously scenic drives.

A province that neither overwhelms nor disappoints, its simple prairie status deserves more acclaim for its silent city revivals and a backcountry way of life that attracts the more curious wanderer.

If you are not convinced and rely on the hearsay that you should only go to Saskatchewan if you have a friend there, then it’s about time you found yourself one.

Things To Know About Visiting Saskatchewan 

• For more ideas and details on how to plan your trip in the prairie province, visit the Tourism Saskatchewan website.
• For further information on travel in Canada, visit the Destination Canada website .
• All visitors to Canada are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa .

Dedicated to Steph. The friend in Saskatchewan.

My three-day adventure in Saskatchewan (split up with my own time in Saskatoon) was in conjunction with Tourism Saskatchewan and Destination Canada who helped facilitate the partnership. I finally made it. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Ashfaq says

5 April 2016 at 3:22 am

This white horse is very beautiful, i like horse riding on rural areas where till far you can’t see any human.

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7 Unique Places to Visit in Saskatchewan

March 12, 2024 By Robin and Arlene Karpan 7 Comments

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Are you looking for some interesting and unique places to visit in Saskatchewan?

If you like your travels a bit on the odd or unusual side, Saskatchewan has plenty to offer. From saltwater lakes and snake pits to Canadian wars and mysterious bushes, here are seven unique places to visit in Saskatchewan that range from historic to imaginative to downright spooky. One is even a bit creepy.

The Mysterious and Spooky Crooked Bush

Not surprisingly, trembling aspens are the most common trees in the aspen parklands of the Prairie Provinces. For the most part, the trees look quite similar – except here. In one small bush, every branch and every trunk of every tree is twisted and contorted as if they couldn’t make up their minds about whether to grow up, down, or sideways. A former landowner said that cattle wouldn’t go into the bush, and some folks say that dogs don’t like it here either.

Even more perplexing, neighbouring bushes are perfectly normal. So what gives? The local joke is that they must have buried a lawyer here. The “official story”, posted at the site, is that years ago someone claimed to see a flying saucer land. The passengers got out, peed on the ground, then flew off again. The trees were never the same after that. This area used to be a hotbed for making home brews, but perhaps that’s just a coincidence.

Scientists have more mundane explanations involving genetic mutations. But we have to ask what caused the mutation in the first place. Was it spaceman pee? It’s the perfect place to gaze over the spooky scene, let your imagination run wild, and come up with your own conclusions. But just to be on the safe side, we don’t recommend going at midnight during a full moon.

How to get there: The Crooked Bush is about 70 kilometres east of North Battleford. Near the community of Speers along Highway 40, watch for signs directing you north to the bush.

North America’s Oldest Bird Sanctuary

In 1887, the Canadian government set aside the north end of long, narrow Last Mountain Lake as a bird sanctuary – the first on the continent. Now known as Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area, it preserves an ideal wildlife habitat with shallow bays, and islands for nesting pelicans, and is surrounded by other wetlands, creeks, and native prairie grasslands, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Saskatchewan.

The more than 300 bird species using the area include huge numbers of ducks, grebes, herons, terns, songbirds, and raptors. Some rare or endangered species you might see are peregrine falcons, loggerhead shrikes, and piping plovers. It’s the best place we know of anywhere to get close to Pelicans.

It’s among the most user-friendly wildlife areas, with picnic sites and a visitor pavilion that serves as an interpretive centre with information on the area’s importance and the wildlife that call it home. Hiking trails take you through grasslands, along wetlands, and beside the lake to a viewing tower for a bird’s eye view. The highlight is a 14-kilometre driving route near lakeshores, wetlands, and over dikes used for water level control.

What we might see varies according to the season. Spring is the prime time to see birds in their most colourful plumage and sometimes engaging in flamboyant mating rituals. Summer is when we can see a lot of resident birds up close, often with their young. Fall can be especially spectacular since this is a major staging area for the waterfowl migration. Counts have been as high as 50,000 sandhill cranes and 450,000 geese.

How to get there: The National Wildlife Area is roughly halfway between Saskatoon and Regina . The easiest access is from the town of Simpson along Highway 2. Drive straight east of town then follow the signs.

Bienfait Cemetery

It’s one of the most unusual cemetery headstones we’ll find anywhere. It indicates that the three men buried here were “Murdered in Estevan by RCMP”.

The tragic event dates back to 1931 when coal miners in Estevan and the nearby community of Bienfait in southeastern Saskatchewan went on strike for better wages and working conditions.

The strikers were marching in Estevan and the RCMP tried to stop them, ostensibly because they didn’t have the necessary permits. A riot broke out and the police opened fire, leaving three miners dead and several miners and police injured. The strikers claimed that the RCMP were acting on behalf of the mining companies.

The three miners were buried together, with a lot of controversy over the inscription on the headstone. It was mysteriously painted over and rewritten several times. A few years ago, the gravesite was refurbished with landscaping and a new coat of paint. It now identifies the men as heroes of the labour movement and is one of the most unique places to visit in Saskatchewan.

How to get there: Head east of Estevan along Highway 18 to Bienfait. Turn north on Weldon Road to get to the cemetery. The gravestone is in the northwest corner of the cemetery. While in Bienfait, also check out the Bienfait Coalfields Historic Society Museum for a more comprehensive look at coal mining history. Estevan also commemorates Coal Miners’ Corner, where the 1931 incident took place next to the city’s ornate courthouse.

Snakes of Fort Livingstone

Fort Livingstone was once the most important institution in western and northern Canada. It was here that the North West Mounted Police established their first headquarters after the historic March West in 1874. The post also served as the temporary capital of the North-West Territories in 1876-1877 while a permanent capital was being built in Battleford.

They chose this pleasant spot on the banks of the Swan River in what is now eastern Saskatchewan. The only glitch was that the site was already occupied by countless red-sided garter snakes. Journals from the fort talk about the snakes getting into everything and causing quite a fuss.

The reptiles keep a low profile for most of the year, but come spring they emerge from their burrows by the thousands and start mating in earnest. They form massive mating balls that keep moving as others join in, or sometimes they break off into smaller groups. Several mating clusters could be going at the same time. There are so many snakes that you have to be careful where you walk. They will even slither over your shoes if you’re in their way.

Fort Livingstone is long gone, with only a monument and a few information panels to attest to its former significance. The snakes have prevailed to continue their age-old rituals. The window to see the phenomenon is only for two to three weeks in early May. Around Mother’s Day is usually a good bet to see them. If this isn’t one of the most unique places to visit in Saskatchewan, then I don’t know what is.

How to get there: Head to the town of Pelly, which is about 100 kilometres northeast of Yorkton. Drive straight north of Pelly for about five kilometres and follow the signs to Fort Livingstone National Historic Site. Once you arrive at the historic marker, keep going on the same road for another 200 metres to a clearing with the best access to the riverbank.

The Cochin Lighthouse

No, we haven’t taken a wrong turn somewhere and ended up on the East Coast. The small resort village of Cochin in Northwest Saskatchewan has a fully functioning lighthouse. It sits high atop Pirot’s Hill overlooking Cochin with Jackfish Lake on one side and Murray Lake on the other.

So why does a prairie lake have a lighthouse? The answer is why not? Like many communities, Cochin wanted to build a large roadside attraction to interest visitors and catch the attention of people passing the community along the highway. With a prominent hill next to the lakeshore, a lighthouse seemed an obvious choice. While visible from miles around, you get up close to the 11.5-metre-high lighthouse by climbing 153 steps to the top of the hill. It’s a popular spot for admiring the sunrise over Murray Lake, and sunset over Jackfish Lake. For a prairie province, this is one of the most unique places to visit in Saskatchewan

How to get there: Cochin is 35 kilometres straight north of North Battleford along Highway 4. While in the area, head a couple of kilometres farther north to visit The Battlefords Provincial Park , a popular spot for fishing, watersports, the beach, golf, and hikes into the hills.

The Magical Waters of Little Manitou Lake

This peculiar lake is unique in the Western Hemisphere. Due to its unusually high mineral content and salt concentration several times greater than the ocean, the buoyant water makes it easy to float and bob without effort. It’s almost impossible to sink, even if you sit or lie motionless in the water. You can even read a newspaper while floating in the lake.

For ages, people have been coming to Little Manitou’s legendary waters seeking relief for various ailments. The lake was once dubbed the Carlsbad of Canada, and Canada’s Dead Sea, where people came to soak in the soothing waters and “take the cure”.

Manitou Beach is a resort village on the shore of the lake, with a beach where you can go swimming. To experience the magical waters in more comfort in a heated pool, check out Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa , the largest indoor mineral spa in Canada, open year-round.

How to get there: Manitou Beach is about 120 kilometres Southeast of Saskatoon. Take Highway 16 east, then Highway 2 to Watrous. Manitou Beach is just north of Watrous.

Site of the Last Military Battle on Canadian Soil

Steele Narrows Provincial Park commemorates the final encounter of the 1885 conflict, which became known as the Northwest Rebellion but is also referred to as the Northwest Resistance.

During the mid-1880s, Cree Chief Big Bear and his band were experiencing difficult times. On April 2, 1885, acting contrary to Big Bear’s advice, his War Chief Wandering Spirit and followers killed nine settlers and took others prisoner in Frog Lake, just across the border in what is now Alberta. They then moved on Fort Pitt on the North Saskatchewan River where they forced the Mounted Police to withdraw, then burned the fort and took more prisoners.

The Canadian militia was sent in pursuit of the Cree. On May 28 they fought an indecisive battle at Frenchman Butte. The Cree were well entrenched in rifle pits on the hilltop so the militia could not advance. Later the Cree moved farther into the forest. On June 3, militia scouts led by the famous Mountie, Sam Steele, surprised a small band of Wandering Spirit’s followers at a narrows on Makwa Lake. Four Cree died in the skirmish. There was to be no more fighting after that. It was the last battle of 1885 and it is considered the last military engagement to take place on Canadian soil.

This historic spot is preserved as Steele Narrows Provincial Park, amid the beautiful forested Lakelands of Northwest Saskatchewan. You can climb to a hilltop viewpoint where interpretive panels provide a synopsis of the battle and background history and one of the most unique places to visit in Saskatchewan.

How to get there: Steele Narrows is 10 kilometres straight west of the town of Loon Lake. Along the way, we pass the entrance to Makwa Lake Provincial Park, a popular recreation area for fishing, watersports, golf, and hiking. Makwa is the Cree word for loon.

Want more Saskatchewan?

From north to south, there are so many unique places to visit in Saskatchewan. For more things to do, check out our Saskatchewan travel guides below:

• Best Restaurants in Saskatoon
• Duck Mountain Provincial Park
• Saskatchewan’s Big Muddy Valley
• Grasslands National Park

About Robin and Arlene Karpan

Robin and Arlene Karpan are award-winning writers, photographers, bloggers, and book authors. Their work has appeared in over 100 publications around the world. Their popular blog photojourneys.ca , which looks at travel from a photographer’s perspective, has been rated among the Top 100 Travel Photography sites by Feedspot. Robin and Arlene have a special interest in capturing the beauty of Canada’s magnificent and diverse landscapes.

Reader Interactions

March 16, 2024 at 9:30 pm

There is a little known Historic Site at Pine Island lookout. Its noth and east of Maidstone Saskatchewan, and its history goes back to the late 1700’s.

March 17, 2024 at 10:46 am

Wow, looks like we need to add more!

March 16, 2024 at 9:32 pm

Nice list but how could you not have the great Sandhills or even the Cypre ss Hills (fort Walsh)

That’s a good point. We’ll add that. We actually do have articles about them. https://www.mustdocanada.com/saskatchewan-sand-dunes/ and https://www.mustdocanada.com/cypress-hills-alberta/

March 17, 2024 at 12:24 pm

Have you.seen the Petroglyphs near St. Victor? I believe that they are only 1 of 3 or 4 sites in the world like that. The local community has done a lot to preserve them. I even got engaged there in 1998!

March 18, 2024 at 11:41 am

Wow, I will check it out!

March 18, 2024 at 1:10 pm

I would love to see La Roche Percee historic site added. If you’re in Estevan and Beinfait, you shouldn’t miss the beautiful sandstone rock formations with caves and carvings. I love it in the spring when the crocus are in bloom.

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10 Best Places To Visit In Canada If You Love Nature And Outdoor Adventures

• Explore the polar bear capital of the world in Churchill, Manitoba and witness the amazing sights of polar bears during fall. Don't miss the opportunity for whale watching and year-round views of the northern lights.
• Immerse yourself in the natural paradise of Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. Enjoy water sports like fishing and kayaking on the lakes and rivers, while the forests and mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking and biking adventures.
• Discover Whistler, a ski paradise with trails for all skill levels. In addition to skiing, enjoy hiking, ziplining, and other amazing adventures. Explore the charming town with its restaurants, bars, and shops.

Canada is a massive country with many things to offer. For those who love nature and outdoor adventures, this country is the perfect choice. Here, one will find everything from towering mountains to massive lakes, charming towns, picturesque coastlines, and every other thing needed for an unforgettable adventure.

In all honesty, the list of nature and adventure destinations in Canada is inexhaustible, but these have been carefully selected to save travelers the dilemma of what to choose and also give them an unforgettable experience.

Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill is a unique town in Manitoba, situated by Hudson Bay and renowned as the polar bear capital of the world. During fall, these polar bears come out in huge numbers, offering visitors the opportunity to get on safari rides and take in the amazing sights.

In summer, Beluga Whale migration sightings are a top priority for visitors here. Plus, the northern lights are visible in this town nearly all year round, which makes it an irresistible town for outdoor recreation.

• Things to enjoy: Whale watching, shopping, aurora borealis, wildlife watching

Related: These Are The Best Things to Do in Churchill Beyond Polar Bear Viewing

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

The Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario is one of the largest parks in Canada . This park is a nature paradise with different ecosystems and landscapes that offer amazing scenery and plenty of outdoor adventures.

While numerous lakes and rivers set the stage for water sports such as fishing and kayaking, the forests and mountains are perfect for hiking and biking adventures.

The park is also home to diverse wildlife such as mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians.

• More things to enjoy: Skiing, snowboarding, stargazing

For lovers of skiing, Whistler is one of the best destinations for the sport in the world. In winter, this place becomes a ski paradise filled with lots of ski trails for all skill levels and several other amazing attractions including a small charming town that has several facilities like restaurants, bars, and shops.

Besides skiing, Whistler also offers several other amazing adventures like hiking and ziplining.

• More things to enjoy: Mountain biking, winter sports, gondola rides, mountain climbing, golfing

Related: 10 Reasons To Visit Whistler, Canada This Winter

Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, is an exciting destination to spend quality outdoor time. The valley is filled with evergreen forests, lush vineyards, and beautiful laid-back villages with pine-forested hills.

It also encompasses the Okanagan Lake, where water sports like kayaking, paddling, and fishing are active in summer. The lake is home to dozens of beaches suited for picnics, sunbathing, sightseeing, and strolling. In the winter, the valley is a hotspot for skiing at the Big White and Crystal Mountain Ski resorts.

• More things to enjoy: Boating, hiking, train rides, wine tasting,

Big Muddy Badlands, Saskatchewan

The Big Muddy Badlands in Saskatchewan offers the ideal wilderness experience and nature's unspoiled beauty. Here, visitors will find ancient caves, cliffs, peaks, and a 200 feet Castle Butte, made of sandstone and compressed clay that rises to the sky.

The Badland is also a historical site with the famous Buffalo Jumps, a place where buffalos were forced to jump off cliffs. The area also encompasses the Big Muddy Valley, Big Muddy Lake, and the Buffalo Effigy, all iconic sites worth visiting.

Exploring the vast wilderness here on hikes and treks can satiate one's hunger for the outdoors.

• More things to enjoy: Cave exploration, hiking, train rides

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge that crosses over the Capilano River in Vancouver is a paradise for outdoor buffs. This iconic bridge passes through a rainforest filled with lush cedar trees and other flourishing giant trees that ooze their scents into the atmosphere.

It features seven suspended footbridges for sweeping views of the entire forest as one takes the glorious walk. There's a cliff walk 300 feet high that offers a bird's eye view of the entire vegetation and river, sending rushes of adrenaline down the body. Crossing this bridge is truly adventurous and unites one with nature.

• More things to enjoy: Birdwatching, and hiking

Tofino, Vancouver Island

Tofino is a small picturesque resort town in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, that attracts tons of tourists all year round. The coastline of this town is a playing field for outdoor enthusiasts who love water sports activities.

Surfing the ocean, sunbathing, hiking, watching whales, and fishing are the top activities here. For more excitement, one can take a boat to Marquinna Marine Provincial Park, where its natural hot springs are a delight to experience.

The Big Trail on Meares Island, accessible by boat or kayak, is another hotspot for outdoor recreation, with a boardwalk through a lush forest.

• More things to enjoy: Beach walking, surfing, amazing dining, shopping

Bay Of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick is one of Canada's natural wonders . The Bay is notable for its low and high tides that make its shores a high point of interest.

Here, visitors will find the interesting Hopewell Rocks where visitors can observe the tidal movements, take amazing pictures and feel the wonders of nature. Plus, the beaches and shores of Fundy Bay are home to some interesting fossils.

• Things to enjoy: Whale watching, kayaking, and hiking

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is perhaps the most famous natural attraction in Canada. When in Canada, visitors can visit the waterfalls from Ontario and enjoy the several amazing adventures and incredible natural scenery the attraction offers.

At Niagara Falls, there are opportunities for exciting activities like zip lining, helicopter riding, and hiking. There are also opportunities for boat tours and visitors can even climb the Skylon Observatory Tower for incredible views of the waterfalls.

• More things to enjoy: Golfing, relaxation at a spa, amazing dining, wine tasting

Related: Niagara Falls: 10 Differences Between The Canadian & U.S. Sides

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is the oldest in Canada and one of the most thrilling destinations in the country to experience outdoor adventures. Regardless of the season one decides to visit, the park has amazing scenery and plenty of activities to offer .

Everything from glaciers to mountains, valleys, alpines, forests, wildlife, ice fields, and lakes can be found here, and these natural endowments present a long list of amazing experiences for any visitor.

From hiking and swimming to kayaking and paddling, the park is a playground for outdoor adventures and one can also explore the town of Banff before or after visiting the national park.

• More things to enjoy: Wildlife watching, shopping, gondola rides, hiking

Total solar eclipse sends parts of Canada into darkness

Parts of eastern canada in the dark as moon momentarily blocks sun.

VIDEO | Total eclipse's 'diamond ring effect' glistens over Quebec

Social sharing.

Millions of people across North America fell into chilly midday darkness on Monday as a total solar eclipse slid across the continent for the first time in seven years, leaving crowds to experience a phenomenon they won't see in Canada again for decades. 

Parts of southern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes were momentarily plunged into the dark as the moon slid between the sun and the Earth over the course of a few hours in the afternoon. The sky dimmed, birds went quiet, streetlights came on and the sun's corona — a ghostly white ring around its outer edge — became visible to the human eye.

"This is incredible. That diamond ring ... that's gorgeous," said CBC's Chris Ensing, standing at the edge of Lake Erie during totality in Kingsville, Ont. "What a moment."

Clouds threatened to block the view of the sun in many areas within the path of totality, but the thin layer of clouds didn't seem to make much of a difference as the moon cast its shadow over parts of Canada. Some crowds clapped at the sight overhead, like those in Kingsville, while others went quiet.

The crowd in Niagara Falls cheered for Norma Rois, 58, when she yelled out that it was her birthday during a moment of the totality.

VIDEO | Crowd cheers as total eclipse peeks through clouds over Niagara Falls

"I felt like I was with family members the whole time. I don't know their names, but we were cheering together," she said. 

Kathy Eller of O'Leary, P.E.I., said she had no regrets after waiting outside for six hours to take in the total eclipse near the province's northwestern tip.

"It was better than fireworks," she said. "I forgot about everybody around, and was just concentrating on the sun and the moon. It was kind of like magic."

In the nation's capital, a public inquiry looking into foreign interference in Canada's elections paused proceedings so the lawyers, witnesses and journalists could see the show. 

Thousands of people in Mazatlán, Mexico, were first on the continent to experience totality at 1:05 p.m. ET. Crowds came together in deck chairs on the coastline, looking skyward through eclipse glasses as the moon slipped across the sky.

"It was absolutely remarkable. The sky was a little bit cloudy ... but the eclipse totality was not obscured at all," said Joy Daniels, an eclipse chaser who travelled to Mazatlán from her home in Calgary with 13 friends and family members.

"It went quite dark.... The birds, they all went to sleep and the temperature went way, way down."

The eclipse began over the southern Pacific Ocean before moving into Mexico and the United States. Crowds in southwestern Ontario were the first in Canada to experience the eclipse before the show moved into Quebec and Atlantic Canada, where it ended off the coast of Newfoundland after roughly 30 minutes.

In Canada, the path of totality — the stretch where the moon will block the sunlight entirely — included parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador.

People outside the path of totality in Ontario , Quebec and the Maritimes could see a partial solar eclipse, with just a chunk of the sun obscured by the moon.

Here's what else you need to know.

• What did the total solar eclipse look like?
• Why was this eclipse so significant?

Do I need special glasses to look at eclipses?

• Can I take photos of eclipses on my phone?
• Were Canadian cities in the path of totality busy?

What did the total solar eclipse look like?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. People watching from the path of totality experience what's called a total solar eclipse. The sky goes dark as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the sun's corona, the white ring usually washed out by the bright light of the sun.

Outside the path of totality, the moon moved between the sun and Earth — but the three didn't line up perfectly. Only a part of the sun was covered, giving it a crescent-like shape.

VIDEO | 'Oh my goodness!': The moment a total eclipse appeared

Why was this eclipse so significant.

After Monday, the next total solar eclipse over North America won't be until Aug. 23, 2044.

Beyond that, this event was particularly special because the path of totality passed over densely populated parts of Canada, Mexico and the U.S.  (Most solar eclipses happen over the ocean.)

This one was also a longer show, with darkness lasting nearly two minutes longer over some areas in the path of totality than the last solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.

Yes. It's always dangerous to look at the sun with the naked eye. Space agencies and ophthalmologists agree that looking at a partial solar eclipse without approved eye protection can cause lasting eye damage. The  Canadian Space Agency  and  NASA  have both extended advice for protecting your vision.

Eclipse glasses are sold at a variety of stores, both in person and online, but it's important to check for one key feature: Your glasses should be  marked with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 code. That code specifies the properties that a solar viewer should have to protect your eyes.

Can I take photos of eclipses on my phone?

Photographers don't recommend it. Just like the immense amount of direct light from the sun can damage your eyes, it can damage the lens of a camera.

If you're really compelled to take a photo of the sun, photographers say you should cover the lens with a solar filter — though they say their favourite photos are the ones that captured people as they experience the show.

Were Canadian cities in the path of totality busy?

Busier than usual. Many photographers and eclipse chasers spent months, if not years, planning for the total solar eclipse. Some have spent thousands of dollars travelling to what they hoped would be the best vantage point. Cities in the path of totality expected hundreds of thousands of people to flood their communities on Monday, potentially creating traffic jams. (Niagara Falls, Ont., was expected to be so crowded that the region  declared a state of emergency 11 days in advance .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senior Writer

Rhianna Schmunk is a senior writer for CBC News based in Vancouver. Over a decade in journalism, she has reported on subjects including criminal justice, civil litigation and climate change. You can send story tips to [email protected].

• Send confidential story tips with SecureDrop
• Follow Rhianna on X

With files from Reuters and The Canadian Press

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