Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s only two landlocked provinces, noted for its flat grassland landscapes, but it also has chiseled badlands, deep temperate forests, sandy beaches, and thousands of lakes.
Driving across the province, visitors will witness almost infinite fields, but the northern half is also a pleasure for anybody who enjoys paddling, angling, and swimming, all of which can be done on the abundant lakes.
The largest of the rivers is “the river that runs rapidly,” or “Saskatchewan,” to the Cree First Nations who hunted buffalo and lived upon the Great Plains centuries ago. The province finally got its name from this river.
If you are planning on touring through the lakes of Saskatchewan, this ultimate trip guide has got you covered on that.
The Saskatchewan Lakes:
The Saskatchewan River, Lake Athabasca, Little Manitou Lake, Fond du Lac River, Kingsmere Lake, Jan Lake, Selwyn Lake, North Saskatchewan River, Candle Lake, Tobin Lake, Diefenbaker Lake, Reindeer Lake, The Gem Lakes, Lac La Ronge, Cree Lake, Peter Pond Lake, Churchill Lake, Wollaston Lake, Last Mountain Lake, and many others are just a few examples of notable lakes in this region.
Let us take a dive into some of these lakes:
1. Lac La Ronge/Missinipe
Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, which spans more than 70 kilometers and is peppered with islands bought on leases dating back to the 1960s, has long been renowned as a global fishing lake. There are a number of fishing excursions and chartering companies to choose from if you want to explore this beautiful, untouched area.
A very daring canoe journey may be planned from one of the nearby marinas, or an outfitter can arrange for a package trip from Missinipe to the Churchill River, beginning at less than $1,300 for four days.
Follow along the footsteps of the earliest explorers to Stanley Mission on the banks of the Churchill River, then farther east to Nistowiak Falls. From tranquil streams to whitewater and routes with minor waterfalls, there are several alternatives for both novice and experienced paddlers.
This unexplored wilderness is a great place to get away from the people and wander to your heart’s delight.
2. Little Manitou Lake
Little Manitou Lake is the official name, however, locals refer to it as Manitou Beach. With its operating Jubilee drive-in during the summer season, a seaside ice cream shop, burger shop, and charming bar, it is like going back in time.
This freshwater lake, which has greater specific gravity than the Dead Sea, draws people because it is buoyant and cannot sink. The mineral-rich water has long been a healing spot, initially for First Nations people and then for visitors who bathe in the lake or resort pools.
Little Manitou Lake has grown prominent among Alberta residents who have acquired holiday residences and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and small-town amenities. Dance and, a legendary dancing venue with fur beneath its sprung flooring, can be seen walking down the main street near the ocean.
Here you may swim, ride, hike, and golf. On Saturdays throughout the summer, there is usually a flea market in the drive-in parking lot, with some genuinely great treasures, including a local favorite: Saskatoon berry pies.
3. Diefenbaker Lake
Lake Diefenbaker is 139.8 miles long and has a spectacular coastline. You could believe it is just a lake, but you would be incorrect. Lake Diefenbaker is more than a lake; it is a refuge distant from civilization, where you will find complete solitude. There are a few different sites and locations around, as well as warm and inviting residents.
This area will soothe your body and mind as you feed on the sights and let free in the ambiance of the milieu, whether you prefer to take a boat ride from across the lake, walk, cycle, kayak, or golf early in the morning. There are several places to stay which will make your trip more enjoyable and your days last longer.
4. Churchill Lake
Keep a cautious eye on the gray cliff sides on the water’s edge when paddling along the Churchill Lake between Ille à la Crosse and the Manitoba border, or even on the many lakes and smaller rivers nearby. There are at least 70 locations where you may see pictographs drawn by the Cree people hundreds of years ago. Smith Channel, between Hickson and Mirabelli Lakes, has the greatest cluster, with over 100 photographs.
5. Deep Bay on the Reindeer Lake
Deep Bay, located in the southern section of Reindeer Lake, was formed by a meteorite hit during the Cretaceous era. It has a 9.5-kilometer diameter and is extremely circular. Deep Bay has the reputation of being the largest pool of water in the province, measuring 220 meters deep.
According to legend, a monster dwells in the bay’s waters. Reindeer Lake is located in the very north of the province. It is located 671 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon and 537 kilometers northeast of Prince Albert. If you want to stay, fish, or explore the magnificent Deep Bay, there are various outfitters on the lake.
6. Candle Lake’s Purple Sand Beach
The Candle Lake Beach at Candle Lake Provincial Park is a pleasure to see. The sand is truly purple in several parts and lengths. There are a few additional purple sand beaches across the province that are worth seeing, including Deschambault Lake, Hunter Bay, and Good Spirit Lake, among others. As the sands shimmer in the light, it is truly a sight to behold.
The sand appears purple, according to legend, because of granite particles that rise to the surface from underneath, while there are various beliefs regarding what creates the unusual color. The park is located near Candle Lake and is a little an hour northeast of Chicago.
7. The Gem Lakes
The Gem Lakes are a natural wonder located in the Narrow Hills Provincial Park, one hour and forty minutes northeast of Prince Albert. The magnificence of these lakes, which are beautiful and shimmer in the light like actual diamonds, will almost certainly steal your breath away. There seem to be seven of these magnificent lakes left to discover.
The hiking trails that run throughout the park are wonderful, with one in particular meandering through the lakes and providing some breathtaking scenery. Highway 106 (north of Smeaton) or Highway 120 provide access to the park (north of Meath Park).
Accommodation Facilities in Saskatchewan:
In this location, there are a variety of lodging options available, ranging from low-cost to high-end.
Some of them are listed below:
Budget-Friendly:
Budget-friendly Saskatchewan lodgings provide visitors with basic facilities such as wireless internet, tv, air conditioning, as well as a refrigerator. Such motels provide good value for money given their modest pricing.
You could try staying in:
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Regina, SK
- Hotel Senator, Saskatoon
- Super 8 by Wyndham Prince Albert
Mid-Priced:
Mid-priced lodgings in Saskatchewan typically include extras like an on-site swimming pool and complimentary breakfast. Additionally, they are usually closer to the hub of activity and the major attractions.
The best options to choose from this price range would be:
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough, Saskatoon
- Wingate by Wyndham Regina
- Best Western Premier Prince Albert
High End:
The most costly lodgings in Saskatchewan are those with the greatest facilities, such as spas, hot tubs, saunas, and pools. Rooms in such facilities provide the greatest views in the area.
Choose any one of these for a relaxing stay:
- The Hotel Saskatchewan, Autograph Collection, Regina
- Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Grant Hall Hotel, Moose Jaw
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What Is Saskatchewan’s Cleanest Lake?
Generally, the more northern you travel, the fewer pollutants there are and the clearer the water gets. Waskesiu Lake, like Lake Athabasca, is quite clean.
Q. Who Owns Saskatchewan’s Lakes?
Lake beds and coastlines are Crown-owned public land that anybody can utilize. The public is not permitted to use the coastline or a local preserve next to your cottage. Temporary docks and boat lift built on the surface of the lake without the need for a permit are considered trespassing on Crown land.
Q. Is It Possible To Swim in Saskatchewan Lakes?
Yes. Lake Diefenbaker, the biggest lake in southern Saskatchewan, has some of the most stunning shorelines. Its rocky cliffs, undulating hills, and large beautiful beaches with shallow seas make it an ideal swimming and sightseeing destination.
Q. Do They Have Any Means of Communication at Fly-Out Lakes?
Yes, they have cell phones that they use to communicate with visitors on fly-out lakes and also those angling on Hatchet Lake.
