Exploring Maple Creek and Beyond

Karin Schreiber
Apr 24
3 min read

Hidden gems and local favourites

Get the full flavour of southwest Saskatchewan hospitality with a visit to Maple Creek and surrounding area. Maple Creek, often recognized as Canada’s Greatest Western Town and the Friendliest Town in Saskatchewan, has a lot to offer: a charming historic heritage district, local shops, cafes and brewery, as well as unique experiences like goat yoga. This charming town and its surroundings give you that western hospitality you’re looking for. Here are a few things to do during your next visit.

Explore the Heritage District

Start your visit by strolling through Maple Creek’s historic Heritage District. What started as a wintering camp in 1882, the town of Maple Creek sprung up quickly and incorporated into a town in 1903. Learn more about the town’s history through a guided walking tour, available from the Maple Creek Visitor Centre, located in the historic 1910 Union Bank of Canada building.

Heritage District Maple Creek - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan

Coffee and Local Treats

Pop into The Daily Grind Roastery and Coffee Shop for a freshly brewed fair trade coffee. This gathering place for locals and tourists alike has a rustic country feel and serves down-home cooking and baking, while selling specialty items and giftware.

The Daily Grind Roastery and Coffee Shop, Maple Creek - Credit: Silk Sellinger

Relive Childhood Memories at Cowtown Kids Toy & Candy

If you’re traveling with family or just want a nostalgic trip down memory lane, don’t miss Cowtown Kids Toy & Candy. This iconic store is the largest independent toy store in Saskatchewan and specializes in high-quality, traditional toys and candies that spark joy for all ages.

Cowtown Kids Toy & Candy in Maple Creek - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan

Sip Craft Beer and Fruit Wine at Rafter R Brewing & Cypress Hills Winery

For craft beer lovers, a visit to Rafter R Brewing’s taproom is a must. Enjoy a pint or a flight of their locally brewed beers. Wine enthusiasts can head north of Maple Creek to Cypress Hills Winery, where you can sample fruit wines and mead at its new tasting bar, bistro and gift shop.

Rafter R Brewing in Maple Creek - Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan

You Gotta Go to Grotto Gardens

A visit to Grotto Gardens Family Fun Farm is a must for any animal lover. Housed in a red cedar log barn, Grotto Gardens has a bakery, market, gift shop, saskatoon berry orchard and petting zoo. You heard that right: buy some feed and see the animals, book a guided Alpaca Walk or enjoy 18 holes of farm-tastic mini golf.

Experience Western Heritage at Historic Reesor Ranch

Located just outside the West Block of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Historic Reesor Ranch offers year-round experiences that highlight the region’s western heritage. Take a horseback trail ride or an ATV tour through the scenic hills, then gather around a campfire to enjoy cowboy poetry and stories under the stars.

Get Away to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Just a short drive from Maple Creek, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park offers a stunning natural escape. Known for its unique mix of lush forests, rolling hills and expansive views, the park is the perfect destination for hiking, wildlife watching and year-round outdoor activities. Explore the many scenic trails, like the popular Bald Butte Trail, which leads to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Stay overnight and enjoy a night under the stars at this designated Dark Sky Preserve.