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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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Apr 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Plan your visit to Saskatoon, the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, with our first-timer's guide.

Aug 9, 2021 • 4 min read

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Explore the stories of saskatchewan, it's easier than ever to find your connection here..

Immerse yourself in ancient traditions. Travel into unspoiled wilderness that hides pictographs and raging rivers. Discover cuisine inspired by the land and storytellers who will awaken your heart. Saskatoon and Regina are the gateway to northern experiences, authentic culture and once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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From traditions and storytelling to wilderness and comfort, Saskatchewan can give you a taste of it all.

A sacred site that advances the knowledge and appreciation of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous peoples and our shared heritage. You will be transformed.

Twin Falls Lodge

An all-inclusive fly-in resort destination located in the remote wilderness of Canada’s north. The Boreal forest and the mighty Churchill River welcome you.

RCMP Heritage centre

Visit our galleries to explore over a century of RCMP history, from the formation of the North-West Mounted Police in 1873, to the modern-day Mountie. Guests of the RCMP Heritage Centre can experience both the historical and modern-day stories of the RCMP through a variety of traditional and informative exhibits, virtual and augmented reality experiences, and live events.

The top 10 attractions in Saskatchewan

Things to do

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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• Western Development Museum
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• Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
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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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About Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan: the land of living skies and much more.

Saskatchewan Tourism Week 2023

Saskatchewan Tourism Week brings attention to the province’s vibrant and diverse tourism sector. The week encourages residents to start making their Saskatchewan vacation plans and discover something new this summer.

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed April 24-30 as  Saskatchewan Tourism Week . 

The week, which coincides with Tourism Week in Canada , brings attention to the importance of tourism, which generates over $2 billion in annual travel spending and employs 70,000 Saskatchewan residents in full- and part-time positions. The week is a time to acknowledge tourism businesses and operators, whose efforts drive a vibrant visitor economy, create jobs and enhance quality of life.

This year, the week will be a time to encourage Saskatchewan residents to discover something new this summer – to plan road trips through the province, try new activities, taste different flavours and explore unique, authentic experiences that set Saskatchewan apart from other destinations.

There is great anticipation this year, as enthusiasm for travel continues to grow and operators prepare for a busy summer season.

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