Saskatchewan is known for its stunning grasslands, lakes, and rivers, offering immense natural beauty. Beyond outdoor exploration, the province is rich in unique experiences and hidden gems nestled in quaint towns and cities, perfect for travelers seeking quirky adventures.
Relax on the Beaches of Waskesiu Lake, Prince Albert National Park
Prince Albert National Park is a sought-after destination for hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing, featuring eight sandy beaches along Waskesiu Lake. Visitors can engage in water adventures by renting stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, and fishing boats, or enjoy sunbathing and picnicking. The main beach and marina provide restaurants and washroom facilities with hot showers. To cool off, grab a milkshake or a giant scoop of ice cream from Big Olaf Sundaes.
Explore a Culinary Tour in Nipawin
Located two hours southeast of Prince Albert National Park lies the charming town of Nipawin. For barbecue enthusiasts, The Dam Smokehouse offers a menu laden with steaks, brisket, ribs, burgers, pulled pork, and schnitzels, alongside a wide selection of craft beers. Mabel Hill attracts farmhouse foodies with seasonally inspired dishes crafted from homegrown and locally sourced ingredients, including poutine, bison, lamb, scallops, cod, and fish tacos. For a unique dining experience, patrons can opt for the family-style menu designed by the chef, accommodating vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets with healthy options at The Spot, featuring favorites like Thai noodle salad and veggie burgers.
Experience a Pub Crawl in Saskatoon
Embark on a flavorful exploration of local libations in Saskatoon via a pub crawl, a perfect way to appreciate the local vibe. Start your adventure at Lucky Bastard Distillers for an absinthe cocktail in a prohibition-era lounge, then move on to High Key Brewing to sample the Sasquatch Pale Ale, featuring Canada’s exclusive patented hop. Visit 9 Mile Legacy, a thriving nanobrewery with classic ales and collaborative brews, or check out Shelter Brewing Company for uniquely flavored small batch brews. Conclude your tour at Better Brother Brewing with their delicious Chocolate Oatmeal Stout or a classic West Coast IPA.
Visit the Dead Sea of Canada, Watrous
Situated an hour southeast of Saskatoon, the small resort village of Manitou Beach near Watrous attracts many visitors to Little Manitou Lake, often compared to Israel’s Dead Sea due to its buoyancy, salt content, and mineral-rich properties.
Another unique attraction is Danceland, a “world famous” dance hall established in 1928, featuring a wooden floor supported by horsehair coils, providing an exceptional dancing experience and top-notch acoustics for musical performances.
Visitors not staying at Manitou Springs Resort can purchase a day pass for swimming or soaking in Canada’s largest indoor mineral spa, or enjoy an open-air float at Little Manitou Lake.
Feed Your Inner Foodie in Regina
For food enthusiasts, Regina boasts a multitude of farm-to-table options and delightful culinary experiences. Skye Cafe & Bistro, created by a husband-and-wife team, serves sustainable, fresh dishes with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Highlights include a wild-caught blue crab cake cobb salad and Skye beef short ribs Benedict. Additionally, Crave Kitchen + Wine Bar delivers locally sourced meat dishes, such as bison burgers and smoked brisket.
From May through October, visit Over the Hill Orchards and Winery for supper or picnic experiences, where local chefs craft multi-course meals from orchard ingredients, accommodating dietary restrictions and pairing wines with the dishes.
Ride the Rails on The Wheatland Express
For a unique train experience, consider the Wheatland Express, an event passenger train traversing East-Central Saskatchewan’s prairieland. Round-trip journeys are conveniently accessible from Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina, lasting a minimum of three hours, complete with interactive themed performances ranging from train heists to cowboy showdowns. The dining excursions feature prairie-inspired menus with the option of a three-course meal accompanied by a concert after the trip, making it a memorable adventure through the prairie.
Sponsored by Tourism Saskatchewan
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This story was developed in collaboration with Tourism Saskatchewan and Lonely Planet, where both parties contributed research and curated content.
