Saskatchewan’s landscape is richly, surprisingly diverse in autumn. Wonderfully unexpected places to wander, climb and camp are everywhere – from the blanket of boreal forest and clear lakes in the North to the hills and grasslands in the South. Explore hidden treasures like giant sand dunes, peaceful rivers, native grasslands, plunging valleys, and the beautiful badlands.
As todocanada.ca states: “Saskatchewan is the perfect backdrop for any hiker and nature lover to get out there and experience wondrous, scenic beauty. If you thought the province was flat with just grass and fields as far as the eye can see, then you’re in for a surprise.”
Discover the natural autumn attractions that make this province uniquely, unforgettably stunning.
Central Saskatchewan:
Wanuskewin Heritage Park near Saskatoon
Wandering through Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a gathering place for Indigenous peoples who roamed the Northern Plains, visitors can choose from four walking trails or register for a guided walking tour. Buffalo jump sites, an ancient medicine wheel, archeological dig sites, tipi rings, remnants of artifacts, birch trees and more wait to be discovered.
Beaver Creek Trails
Guests can choose from four clearly marked trails on this family-friendly hike in the Beaver Creek Conservation Area. Autumn colours come to life in the densely forested valley walls.
Ancient Echoes Trail in Herschel
Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre provides guided hikes on protected virgin prairie land. Hikers can discover Indigenous petroglyphs, Herschel’s birthing stone, the vision quest site, a turtle effigy, prayer stone, ribstones and more.
Pelly Point Nature Trail in Duck Mountain Provincial Park
Visitors follow the 4.4 kilometre Pelly Point Nature Trail on a long, narrow peninsula stretching out into beautiful Madge Lake. The trail leads to some of the oldest blazing red Manitoba Maples in the park.
Southern Saskatchewan:
Prairie Vista Trail in Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park
Offering breathtaking views of the South Saskatchewan River valley, Lake Diefenbaker and the steep coulee, the Prairie Vista Trail is 5 kilometres long.
Pine Cree Regional Park's Top of the World Loop
The 5 kilometre hike through the trees along Top of the World Loop trail leads to the highest point in the park. Wandering back down, visitors pass a babbling brook.
Timbergulch Coulee in Grasslands National Park
Hikers explore Timbergulch Coulee’s valley rims and deep coulees along the 16 kilometre trail. This hike makes for a great overnight backpacking trip in the fall.
Northern Saskatchewans:
Narrow Hills Provincial Park's Gem Lakes Trail
Steep, treed valleys among five sparkling little lakes named after precious stones – Jade, Diamond, Opal, Sapphire and Pearl – can be discovered. Brilliant autumn colours reflect on the mirror-like lake surfaces.
Narrows Peninsula Trail in Prince Albert National Park
3 kilometre Narrow Peninsula Trail is a rolling trail featuring an ostrich fern bed and expansive views of Waskesiu Lake.
Nut Point Trail in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park
Nut Point Trail follows a long peninsula through dense forest, rocky outcrops and muskeg typical of the Canadian Shield. As the trail is 30 kilometres long camping in the Nut Point Campground or hiking out to Nut Point to stay the night is recommended.
Meadow Lake Provincial Park's Boreal Trail
On the Boreal Trail, visitors can watch birch and pine leaves turning, see rocky cliffs and wander on the shores of northern Saskatchewan’s massive lakes. On this 135 kilometre trail a variety of start and end places and well-maintained backcountry campsites are available.
Further information can be found at www.tourismsaskatchewan.com.