Experience the Northwest Resistance

Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan

In this landscape of gentle hills and broad valleys, it's hard to imagine the staccato pop of gun fire and clash of troops. But it happened. In 1885, this is where Louis Riel made his stand. Not far from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's West Central region is rich in history and legend. It shares many stories of the fur trade and the Northwest Mounted Police, but at its heart is the Northwest Resistance of 1885, a time when relations among Métis, First Nation and European peoples came to a boiling point. Relive the conflict at Batoche National Historic Site and Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre. Visit Fort Carlton, a reconstruction of the fort built by the Hudson Bay Company. Enjoy a play at the Station Arts Centre in Rosthern, or discover the region's French Heritage at Le Rendez-vous Cultural Centre at Bellevue.

Land of Lakes & Loons

Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan /
Douglas E. Walker

Prince Albert National Park of Canada combines the charming resort community of Waskesiu Lake with rugged and remote backcountry wilderness. Whether you hike, cycle, ski or showshoe, there are more than 150 trails winding through the boreal forest. Wildlife is prevalent here, so take a camera to record the many different birds and animals you encounter. Home to acclaimed naturalist, author and orator, Grey Owl, visitors can make the pilgrimage to his one-room log cabin on the shore of Ajawaan Lake by hiking trail or canoe. Stay at Land of the Loon Resort at Anglin Lake, just outside of the Park, where it's very likely you'll hear the haunting, distinctive calls of the loons at dusk.

Legends of Moose Jaw

Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan /
Douglas E. Walker

Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan /
Douglas E. Walker

Legends are a big part of the Moose Jaw experience. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw tell the stories of the city's early rum-running days, infamous underground activities and rumoured connection to Al Capone. Visitors can choose to unwind at the four-and-a-half star Temple Garden's Mineral Spa, with its full range of spa treatments and enormous geothermal mineral-water pool.

Horseshoes & Dinosaurs

On a cloudless summer day in Southwest Saskatchewan, they say you can put your ear to the ground and hear a rumble in the earth. It's the echo of buffalo. A land where cowboys were once kings, and buffalo moved in herds large enough to shake the sky. Visit the T.rex Discovery Centre in Eastend, home to one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found. Explore Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, the only park in Canada to span two provinces. Experience life on the historic Reesor Ranch, where visitors join in everyday chores, horseback riding and more.