Canada As You Like It Blog
Top Spots To Explore off Highway 1, Saskatchewan
- by Tourism Saskatchewan
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- 29 Mar, 2018
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We’ve heard it all before: drive right through, there’s nothing to see, Saskatchewan is boring. Well, we’re here to tell you that you’ve got it all wrong! Venture off the #1 to discover a different side of the province.
From East to West here are some top spots to explore:
Head out on a hike through the forests of Moose Mountain Provincial Park
58km from Highway 1, South from Whitewood on Highway 9
Established as one of Saskatchewan's first provincial parks, Moose Mountain offers year-round adventure the whole family can enjoy. With beautiful stands of popular and birch trees along with hilly topography, this park provides an ideal location for visitors to enjoy camping, swimming, boating, golf, tennis and daily programs. An extensive trail system for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling also runs throughout the park. While visiting the park, stop by the visitor centre located in a stately stone chalet surrounded by flower gardens and affording a scenic lake view. Check out the Artist’s Colony or step back in time and learn about pioneer life by exploring historic Cannington Manor.
Surround yourself with the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley by taking the Scenic Drive on Highway 247
21.5km from Highway 1, North from Whitewood on Highway 9
Nestled in the scenic Qu'Appelle Valley, Crooked Lake Provincial Park features stunning valley views and a beautiful lake. This park has numerous campsites including several lakeside sites, a service centre, hiking trails, boat launch, fishing and nearby golf course.
Take a selfie with the World’s Largest Red Paper Clip in Kipling
51km from Highway 1, South from Whitewood on Highway 9, then west on Highway 48
Kipling is home of the Guinness World Record (tm) "World's Largest Paper Clip." The paperclip was unveiled on July 12, 2007 and is made of 3043 lbs of solid steel. It is 15 ft 2 inches tall and 3 ft 3 inches wide; 45 ft 6.75 inches long.
Discover what prairie life was like in the early 1900’s at Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site
35km from Highway 1, North from Sintiluta on gravel road 606
Road trip with your family to Motherwell Homestead to meet farm animals and discover prairie life in the 1900s. Have a blast while exploring the home and farm of W.R. Motherwell and discover his influence on the development of agriculture in western Canada. Join staff at work in the fields, caring for the many farm animals or working in the old stone house. Enjoy a wagon ride and smell the fresh-cut hay. Indulge in the freshly made flavours at the Off The Beaten Path Café and take a stroll along the wetland trail.
Stroll across the Swinging Bridge in Wolseley
Located on Highway 1
Wolseley, also known as the "Town with the Swinging Bridge" is teeming with history. Pick up a Heritage Tour Booklet and check out the Town Hall/Opera House, Courthouse, as well as other sites.
Dive into the delicious baking at the Indian Head Bakery
Located on Highway 1
The agricultural-based town of Indian Head is located along the Trans Canada Hwy, approximately an hour east of Regina. The community offers visitors a friendly group of retailers, restaurants and a variety of accommodations including motels, bed and breakfasts and a campground. While visiting the community be sure to check out the town's attractions including the Indian Head Museum, the Rural Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the Historic Bell Barn of Indian Head, the giant Indian Head Statue and the Indian Head Golf Club as well as the Indian Head Heritage tour featuring 45 properties of historic significance.
Wind your way around through another portion of the Qu’Appelle Valley with a stop at Lebret
25km from Highway 1, North from Indian Head on Highway 56
Situated in the scenic Qu'Appelle Valley on Hwy 56, Lebret sits alongside Mission Lake and is home to the impressive fieldstone Sacred Heart Church. The landmark Stations of the Cross and memorial chapel can be found on the side of the hill across the highway overlooking Lebret. Learn about the rich history and heritage in the region at the Lebret Museum, across from Sacred Heart Church.
View the bison herd at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
23km north off Highway 1, near Moose Jaw, at Highway 31
Located 20 minutes northeast of Moose Jaw, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park offers a balanced blend of nature and recreational opportunities. Once used by First Nations to corral bison, the park maintains a captive herd in a paddock that's situated among the area's scenic rolling hills.
This park offers excellent hiking and biking trails, fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Enjoy migrant waterfowl viewing at Nicolle Flats Interpretive Area and Marsh Boardwalk.
Take in the history of the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site
50km south off Highway 1, near Moose Jaw, on Highway 39 & 339
In the hills of southern Saskatchewan is a splendid example of early 20th century industrialism. This National Historic Site remains virtually unchanged since 1912. Tour brick making from clay to kiln. Bunkhouse Cafe and Gift Shop. Hike the Massold Clay Canyons.
Grab a snack Little Red Market Café, Mortlach
Located on Highway 1
Newly re-opened cafe and liquor store featuring Cajun and Creole style comfort food using local Saskatchewan products. Stop in for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch.
Learn about migratory birds at the Chaplin Nature Centre
Located on Highway 1
Part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, Chaplin, Old Wives and Reed Lakes are important inland sites for migrating birds including over 30 species of shorebirds, American Avocet and endangered Piping Plover. The Chaplin Nature Centre, conveniently situated on Hwy 1 at Chaplin provides visitors with an understanding of the area's importance related to shorebirds, brine shrimp and the mining industry.
Stretch your legs on a hike at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park
51km from Highway 1, North on Highway 4 at Swift Current
Straddling the South Saskatchewan River Valley at the west end of Lake Diefenbaker, the Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park celebrates the site of the first historic crossing on the South Saskatchewan River. A great area to be enjoyed by all ages, the park is popular for its fishing, sun-bathing and hiking opportunities. This park features a number of interpretive trails and historic sites including the handsome Goodwin House, now home to the park's visitor centre, main office and interpretive centre. The boat launch is located on the north side of the lake while the main beach area, located on the west side of the park, is a perfect place to enjoy a warm summer's day.
Stick your toes in the sand at the Great Sand Hills
80km from Highway 1, North on Highway 21, then east on Route 321 at Liebenthal
A 1,900 sq km area of active desert-like sand dunes, grasses and flora. Sand dunes accessible from parking lot by short hike. View mule deer and antelope at the edge of the grassland along the sand hills.
Fill your belly at The Star Café in Maple Creek
10km from Highway 1, South on Highway 21
Housed in a historic stone building, The Star offers fresh seasonal meals for lunch and dinner. In the heart of cattle country, we serve steaks, prime rib, burgers, international dishes and other seasonal items.
See for miles and miles and miles atop Bald Butte in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
40km from Highway 1, South on Highway 21 through Maple Creek
The first interprovincial park in Canada, Cypress Hills offers towering hills, lush forest and fescue prairie provide breathtaking views. Cypress Hills offers several campgrounds, including an equestrian campground in the rustic West Block wilderness area. The Centre Block of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park features exceptional amenities including a resort, swimming pool, hiking trails, ziplining and one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world.
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try:
Head to Northern Manitoba for a wild and exciting trip. Waterways provide refuge to an abundance of wildlife and the land holds the stories of Indigenous peoples.