Summer is here, making it the perfect time to start your newest adventure with Tourism Saskatchewan! Whether you have visited before or have yet to experience all the wonder of the open prairie skies, Tourism Saskatchewan can help you find the perfect family-friendly experience across the province.
Our favourite way to adventure in the summer is definitely camping. Saskatchewan holds a special place in our camping memories as it’s where we picked up our trailer and launched our family camping adventures. We have been to various spots over 9 years of owning our trailer, but I think we are definitely due for a trip back to our friendly neighbour province to revisit an old favourite or discover a new hidden gem!
Our Favourite Saskatchewan Campgrounds and Nearby Attractions:
Meadow Lake Provincial Park
We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Meadow Lake several times – both in our early tenting days and into our trailer days. Meadow Lake features a series of more than 20 interconnected lakes, rivers and streams, and some of the best beaches in the province. The sandy beaches made for perfect water play for young kids, and Meadow Lake is also a popular spot for those who like to fish and boat. For camping, twelve different campgrounds offer up the choice of 80 campsites, with several well-groomed trails and picnic areas to discover and enjoy in between.
Can’t Miss Experience: Sask Aquatic Adventures – Meadow Lake
Sask Aquatic Adventures – Meadow Lake is a new since we have visited, but we have played on similar inflatable water parks and it is always a fun time! Adventure seekers aged 5 and up can spend countless hours on the lake working through this assortment of on-water challenges including slides, bridges, swings and flip-offs. Be sure to check the Sask Aquatic Adventures website for all their locations!
Can’t Miss Experience: Meadow Lake Provincial Park Boreal Trail
The Boreal Trail spans an impressive 135 km, offering numerous day hiking options, plus multi-day trips and backcountry camping. With a variety of start and end points it is easy for hikers of all ages and abilities to enjoy close-up views of the lush boreal forest and clear lakes in the park.
Prince Albert National Park
As mentioned, we bought our travel trailer in Saskatchewan. It was a model we had looked at and loved so when we saw one come up for sale all the way in Yorkton, we made the impulsive decision to make the journey from Edmonton to pick it up and camp our way back through Saskatchewan. After a rain-filled first night stay in Greenwater Lake Provincial Park, we settled in to Prince Albert National Park for a couple nights to make amazing first camping memories playing in the lake, walking the nature trails and enjoying plenty of playground play. You learn quickly with young kids that the prime spots are those right near the playground! This relaxing spot offers something for everyone with fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and golfing.
Can’t Miss Experience: Little AL’s Mini Golf
Mini golf is the perfect all ages activity for a little extra fun when you are out camping and exploring. Little Al’s Mini Golf on Waskesiu Lake is a fun little course themed with obstacles like bears and beavers as a nod to the natural, historic, and cultural themes of the area. Our young family really enjoyed playing this course and then cooling off with a treat from the ice cream stand!
Can’t Miss Experience: Treeosix Adventure Parks
We did not experience Treeosix Adventure Parks during our stay, but they like a lot of fun for the adrenaline junkies in the family. The Wakesiu location is situated at Elk Ridge Resort, just outside Prince Albert National Park and a 5 minute drive from Wakesiu. It offers thousands of feet of zip lines through the boreal forest, including ship ladders, rope ladders, sky bridges, and a giant swing! You can also find a second Treeosix Adventure Park winding through the lodgepole pine forest in Cypress Hills.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
In the South of the province you will find Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. During our stay, we opted for the Saskatchewan side because my husband had fond memories staying there as a child and we love some of the extra amenities included with Saskatchewan Parks (free firewood and showers). My water-loving kids loved the luxury of having a resort swimming pool right at the campground, and we all enjoyed the free evening shows at the campground amphitheater. If you are in any national or provincial campground, always be sure to check if there is an amphitheater on-site and ask for the programming schedule. We have always found them to be highly informative and entertaining, and our kids have often been able to participate in the show!
Can’t Miss Experience: Fort Walsh National Historic Site
While in the area, it is worth planning a daytrip out to the Fort Walsh National Historic Site. We had a lot of fun exploring the 1870’s fort and North West Mounted Police buildings, meeting the animals, and taking a short guided bus tour to learn more about the history of the area.
Can’t Miss Experience: Grotto Gardens Family Fun Farm
Stop into the the home of Saskatchewan’s first goat walk! Grotto Gardens is family-operated saskatoon berry orchard just south of Maple Creek on Hwy 21. Meet the goats and other adorable miniature farm animals outside, then stop into the country bakery and giftshop to enjoy a variety of saskatoon berry preserves, baked treats, and delicious lunch items.
The Battlefords Provincial Park
We made the trip to The Battlefords Provincial Park for my husband’s 20 year High School reunion. The reception was held at the beautiful Jackfish Lodge Golf & Conference Centre, so it only made sense to stay in the park and make a fun family camping trip out of it. The Battlefords Provincial Park is another beautiful lakeside campground offering something for everyone with beautiful beaches, world-class fishing, picnic and playground areas, disc golfing, mini golf, and an 18-hole golf course.
Can’t Miss Experience: Cochin Lighthouse
Nope, you haven’t taken a wrong turn to the Maritimes. This land-locked working lighthouse on the road from North Battleford to Jackfish Lake sits 11 m high and 1867 feet above sea level. The 153 steps up are a pretty easy climb to the top of Pirot Hill, giving beautiful views of Jackfish Lake and Murray Lake.
Can’t Miss Experience: Fort Battleford National Historic Site
Come discover a piece of history at Fort Battleford National Historic Site. Learn more about how the Métis, settlers, Indigenous peoples, and RCMP lived through difficult times by exploring the site and buildings and interacting with costumed interpreters at this immersive historical experience.
No tent or trailer? No problem! Saskatchewan Parks Camp-Easy sites offer fully equipped Tents and Yurts to book in several of the Provincial Parks. Whether you’re new to camping, or just looking for an exciting new experience, Camp-Easy sites offer a fun and easy way to enjoy camping and exploring.
Start Planning Your Next Adventure
Take the road less travelled and discover something new in in Saskatchewan. Find our suggestions and more on the Tourism Saskatchewan website, including pictures, maps, pricing, and all the other planning details you might need. We especially love the option to create an account and “Add to Suitcase” to keep track of all our favourites!
Tourism Saskatchewan:
Website: www.tourismsaskatchewan.com
Images from Tourism Saskatchewan and Family Fun Edmonton (Chantelle Doll).