Day 1 - Arrive in Saskatoon and pick up your rental car

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s largest city, is described as being the best of both worlds – dynamic urban energy in sync with nature. This dynamic and lively city hosts year round festivals, cultural events, performing arts and sporting competitions. Many take place in venues near the South Saskatchewan River, which winds its way through the city and affords visitors access to picturesque parks and an extensive trail network. Just steps away are boutique shopping and restaurants serving up fresh, local cuisine and international flavours. 

Step back in time during a visit to the Western Development Museum - Saskatoon. Its 1910 Boomtown is a life-size indoor recreation of a prairie village main street from yesteryear. On the city’s northern edge sits Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site that has yielded evidence of human occupation dating back 6,400 years. Traces of every cultural group that existed on the Northern Plains have been discovered here. Set amidst the beautiful and unspoiled natural prairie landscape, the park offers scenic trails, interpretive sites, dance performances, galleries and a restaurant serving traditional cuisine with a modern twist. After exploring the city by land, set sail along the South Saskatchewan River aboard The Prairie Lily riverboat, then pay a visit to a local brew pub or distillery for a tour and tasting.

Stay two nights in Saskatoon. 

Day 3 - Drive to Little Manitou Lake, approx. 75 miles

At Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa, relax and rejuvenate in the indoor mineral pool. The soothing water, drawn from Little Manitou Lake, is noted for its unique healing properties. An abundance of salt and minerals makes swimming effortless. It is impossible to sink in this water. Play a round of golf on the 9-hole grass greens course or enjoy a drive-in movie. Saturday night dances and licensed dining make for a delightful evening of entertainment at the world-famous Danceland – an historic dancehall with a horsehair-cushioned floor. 

Stay two nights at the Manitou Springs Resort.

Day 5 - Drive to Emma Lake via Wakaw, approx. 135 miles

On the way to Emma Lake, enjoy a train excursion aboard the Wheatland Express train that travels between the communities of Cudworth and Wakaw. Tours showcase the beautiful, wide-open prairie countryside and magnificent sky. Events feature Saskatchewan performers, talent and entertainment for adults and children. Excursion times vary, so it is best to book ahead. 

Continue on your way to Emma Lake, nestled in the boreal forest, from Route 2 via scenic Route 263. Take a calming paddle on Tuddles Lake or explore the surrounding 30 acres of forest and nature trails. Cruiser bikes and canoe rentals are available for guests to tour the surrounding area. Nearby Christopher Lake offers a selection of restaurants and shops, along with beaches, outdoor recreation and golf all within a few minutes’ drive.

Stay two nights in a fully-furnished yurt at Flora Bora Forest Lodging where you will enjoy all the comforts of home in a private forest retreat. 

 

Day 7 - Drive to Prince Albert National Park, approx. 35 miles

Continue on scenic Route 263 to Prince Albert National Park. Discover the resort village of Waskesiu Lake, with numerous shopping and dining options as well as the Waskesiu Marina Adventure Centre (located within PANP), which offers canoe, kayak and boat rentals as well as guided, customized tours. Consider a trip to Grey Owl’s Cabin, home of the famed conservationist Archibald Belaney who adopted the name Grey Owl and was inspirited by Indigenous teachings and culture. Daily interpretive cruises on Hanging Heart Lakes aboard comfortable pontoon boats offer a chance to see loons, herons, eagles, ospreys and sometimes elk, moose and bear. Delve into the fascinating ecology and biology of the common loon on a boat cruise of Anglin Lake, which boasts a loon population that is 14 times denser than anywhere in North America.

Stay two nights at Elk Ridge Resort, a four-star property with excellent dining options, onsite spa, saltwater pool with waterslide, and 27-hole championship golf course. Take a self-guided hike and discover the natural wonders of the boreal woodland, which include over 195 species of birds and a variety of wildlife or experience the thrill of zooming through the treetops on a zip line canopy tour. 

Day 9 - Drive to Missinipe/Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, approx. 155 miles

Travel further into Saskatchewan’s majestic north to Missinipe, where pristine lakes and waterways are framed by lush boreal forest. This is prime canoe and fishing territory. Stop in La Ronge en route and visit Robertson Trading, a genuine trading post that buys and sells raw furs as well Saskatchewan-made products and Indigenous handcrafts.

Stay two nights in Missinipe in a cabin at Churchill River Canoe Outfitters. You can take a guided or self-guided canoe tour on the historic Churchill River and nearby waterways. Motorised boat tours are also offered and take guests to locations such as Otter Rapids, Devil’s Lake and other areas where the scenery and wildlife viewing are spectacular. Watch for eagles and ospreys as they fish the riffles and pools along the way.

Day 11 - Drive to Prince Albert, approx. 195 miles

Head back towards Saskatoon and overnight in the city of Prince Albert for your final night in Saskatchewan. Prince Albert is Saskatchewan’s oldest city and is known as the “Gateway to the North.” The city is rich in recreation and leisure opportunities, and offers a variety of parks and hiking trails, as well as some of the best golfing around. Set some time aside for tasting local flavours, sightseeing or shopping. Browse the racks of hand-crafted Indigenous goods at the North West Company store. 

Stay one night in Prince Albert.

Day 12 - Drive to Saskatoon, approx. 90 miles

Return to Saskatoon airport and drop off your hire car in time for your flight home.