Saskatchewan trip I researched what to see and explore as this was my first roadtrip into this Canadian prairie province. I have travelled through British Columbia and Alberta many times as I have lived in both those provinces. Not much of a researcher for my trips I did however have a “must see” places in Canada from a Reader’s Digest article I read a few years which I had tucked away.
My first place to see was Manitou Lake. I found it was only 10 km from the Alberta border so decided that would be my first stop. From Vermillion, Alberta where I had been visiting my sister it was only about 2 hours away. Perfect amount to drive on my first day. Using ioverlander app I reached this beautiful little lake and decided to spend the night.
The lake was clear and a picture perfect blue. This stunning lake is a hidden gem. A salt water swimming lake. A quiet safe spot to spend the night. It was a hot day so I used the van as shade, read my book and enjoyed the scenery. A few locals came through the day for a chat. Everyone was very friendly
Am I in the right spot?
After arriving I started reading more about the lake I realized this was NOT the spot on my “must see” list. The actual one was Little Manitou Lake, often known as Manitou Beach which was another 3 hours further east just south of Saskatoon. Oh well, I decided I would head to the “correct” spot the next day. This was such a beautiful spot I absolutely enjoyed my day at this stunning lake. A great way to spend my first day on my cross Canada roadtrip.
Next on my Saskatchewan “must see” list
I headed out the next day to the second place on my Saskatchewan must see list which was about a 2 hour drive through beautiful farm country. The Crooked Bush is a nature preserve near Hafford. I must say I was a little disappointed. I travelled 16 km down a gravel road and came upon an unkept and overgrown little forest of aspen trees. The folklore on the wikipedia page is more exciting than the actual site. There was a wooden walkway, quite damaged in spots and a picnic table that looked a bit haphazard. There was an empty garbage can so someone must be checking the area. I did take a few pictures but was not really impressed. I had a quick lunch and was then back on to the gravel road.
The actual Manitou Lake on my Saskatchewan must see list
From The Crooked Bush I traveled on more secondary highways to Saskatoon. Saskatoon is one the other major cities in this Canadian province. After a few quick stops for pictures in this beautiful farm country I arrived at Little Manitou Lake or Manitou beach as the sign said. It was a little tourist town along this salt water lake. The lake is coined the “Dead Sea of Canada”. The lake has a salinity content five times higher than the ocean and approximately half that of the Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan. It is something of a phenomenon and I was interested to learn this. It is always great to learn more about my country.
I got some beautiful shots of the lake however it did not look as pristine as the Manitou lake from yesterday. There were lots of weeds around the edges and it was not that easy to access because of this. The lake from the day before was much more to my liking and would be a place to visit again. The “correct” Manitou Lake was a bit of a disappointment on my “must see” list. If you get the chance visit my first lake.
Where do I stay tonight?
There were no appealing spots to park for the night at Manitou Beach so I figured I would drive onto Regina, only a couple hours away. Regina is at the capital city in Saskatchewan. I travelled along roads with more stunning farm land. I did spot some buffalo grazing, not wild but still magnificent to see and photograph. Buffalo is my spirit animal. Another article for the future to explain what that means to me.
Arriving in Regina I found that both Walmarts no longer allowed overnight parking. So now what to do? I opened my ioverlander app and found a spot not too far way. The GSP led me up another gravel road, so many of these in this province. 10 km later I still could not finding the spot. Looking at the app again I realized the GPS had directed me to a totally different area. Sigh, not what I needed after a long day of driving.
Nearly dark now I drove back to Pilot Butte which was near where the original spot was suppose to be. I stopped a local couple walking and they suggested I could park at the recreation centre in their town. After a long day driving I took them up on it. It was a safe quiet spot except for a bit of train noise the next morning.
On the road again
I headed along Highway 1 which is a divided highway, so much faster if you want to go from A to B, but not as scenic as the secondary ones. The gravel roads were rougher and dusty but were more interesting.
I wanted to catch up on my email so needing a strong cell service I pulled off the main road and stopped at a historic site called Indian Head. Cell service has been a bit sporadic so far. It was a treat to have full bars on my phone. I found a bit of shade so it was a really lovely area to spend a few hours on my computer.
Since it was a visitor centre I decided to check out some brochures and maps. The office had closed for the season. I decided to get off the #1 for a bit and took the scenic drive along highway 56. It was a lovely trip to Katepwa Lake.
When heading back to the highway I trusted my google map to find me the quickest way. I am questioning my google maps as this was 32 km trip down a dusty dirt road. The scenery was beautiful, the road fairly smooth for gravel but I forgot to close my vent! I had a fun time wiping the dust off of everything inside my van. All part of my adventure.
My little scenic side trip took longer than I anticipated so I spent the night at a huge gas station off highway 1. I like to meander and stop a lot to enjoy the scenery so I really need to add a good hour or two to any google map trip calculations! Future note to self. I am so grateful I have the time to wander on a whim.
#3 on my Saskatchewan must see list
The next place I had read about was Moose Mountain Provincial park. After about a hour drive the next morning I reached Kenosee Lake in Moose Mountain Provincial Park. It was so lovely I stayed all day. I found a quiet parking spot just on the lake. I pulled out my ebike and cycled about 8 km along the lake and neighbouring area. Another stunning spot to spend time. It was the beginning of a long weekend so knew it would be getting busy at the campsites and I am on a budget. If I chose to pay for a camping spot I would definitely come back here, there was so much more to explore on my bike.
In the 4 days I travelled across this province I know I only saw a small slice of Saskatchewan. I saw stunning farmland, beautiful skies, encountered my spirt animal the buffalo and had lots of quiet time. Saskatchewan were very enjoyable and I will be back to explore more of this beautiful prairie province.
From my Saskatchewan must see list Moose Mountain was a hit, Manitou Beach and The Crooked Bush were a miss for me. I would add the gem of Manitou Lake near the Alberta border to a future list I will create. There are a few more places on my Saskatchewan must see list that were further south. A further tour of this prairie province will be a part of my future travels.
My cross Canada roadtrip continues into Manitoba.
Where I stayed on my 4 day Saskatchewan road trip
1 – Manitou lake
2 – Pilot Butte Recreation Center parking lot
3 – Grendal
4 – Manitoba rest stop
Sure enjoyed traveling with you, while sitting in my chair at home😊
Lovely to hear 🙂
Great to re live your trip across Canada. I haven’t been to Saskatchewan.