Saskatchewan holidays - Secluded, laidback and welcoming

A wild and stunning location

With so many freshwater lakes scattered across Saskatchewan, particularly in the sparsely-populated area north of Prince Albert, spending a summer day, weekend or longer at the water, is one of the most popular things to do. Between the months of June and September, temperatures typically stay above the 30-degree Celsius mark for weeks on end, and you’ll find plenty of open water for boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing and much more. Explore secluded waterways by kayak or canoe, catch a prairie breeze in your sail or spend all of your time out on the water by renting a houseboat. Even if you don’t have your own watercraft, all types, including gear, can be rented at many of province’s lakeside destinations. Simply relaxing and soaking up the sun on one of the many beaches is a popular pastime here too.

Outdoor adventures abound, from horseback riding over lush, grass-covered hills to hiking and biking through picturesque valleys, camping under millions of stars and telling tales around the campfire. Despite its reputation as a flatland, downhill skiing and snowboarding are even possible in the winter, as the province is surprisingly filled with thousands of valleys and hills, some of which are big enough to glide down on a board or skis. A number of ski resorts have popped up over the years, including Mission Ridge near Fort Qu’Appelle, Wapiti (north of Melfort) and Table Mountain Regional Park, just west of Battleford.

Hockey is very popular in Saskatchewan, with matches often intense and entertaining - Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Saskatoon all host teams. History buffs should check out the historic sites related to the settlement of the west, like Duck Lake, Batoche and Fort Carlton.

Five reasons to visit Saskatchewan

• The over 100,000 lakes that offer the opportunity for a wide range of water sports, from sailing and boating to canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing
• In nearly every town across the province you’ll find a stream, river, lake or pond that freezes over in the winter, making an ideal spot to enjoy the province’s favourite winter pastime. Bring your own gear, or rent some skates and a hockey stick and get out on the ice like the locals do
• Saskatchewan hosts a number of fun festivals, including the Craven Country Jamboree in July, and the Regina Folk Fest in August
• Wildlife and the boreal forest: If you’re a nature nut, you can head to the boreal forest of Northern Saskatchewan for the chance to view caribou, wolves, bears and bald eagles
• Peace and quiet – there is no lack of space in this province, and, with such a sparse population and few visitors, it’s the ultimate province for enjoying peace and tranquility