Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with a landmass estimated at 9.985 million km². With so much land, tourists craving to explore this vast Northern Land have a ton of options to choose from for their next nature-laden, adventurous vacation (and it's not only limited to Niagara Falls or the CN Tower)!
Wanderlusting travelers curious about Canada should consider taking a trip to Saskatchewan, Canada's prairie province. Situated between Alberta and Manitoba, this landlocked province is known for its vast flat prairies, separated by the South Saskatchewan River. More than half of Saskatchewan's province live in Saskatoon, the province's largest city, as well as its capital, Regina. Originally inhabited by various Indigenous groups, Saskatchewan is specifically home to First Nation groups such as the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Dene, and Assiniboine.
Saskatchewan's vast landscape means that travelers can enjoy a variety of unique activities, from peaceful bird-watching to enthralling sky diving. Don't let the phrase "flat prairie lands" deceive you; this province offers food, fun, and adventure for everyone, especially for the most adventurous backpackers in our lives!
8 Fish for the Weekend at the Tazin Lake Lodge
Book a few days to visit the Tazin Lake Lodge, located right by Tazin Lake. This clearwater lake is full--to the brim--with trophy lake trout and northern pike (which are apparently huge!). Don't expect to catch dinner here, because the lake has a strict catch-and-release policy to ensure that the fish population is abundant, avoiding any huge commercial fishing activities from invading Tazin Lake.
7 Bird Watching At Prince Albert National Park
Located 200km away from Saskatoon, the Prince Albert National Park is a million-acre land, perfect for checking out local wildlife, especially migratory birds. Hike around this National Park to witness bald eagles, great blue herons, and the Canadian loon thrive in their natural habitat. Even if birds aren't of particular interest to some tourists, there's still a lot more to do at this pristine park, like stargazing, canoeing, and spending a couple of days camping on the grounds.
6 Check Out Some Bison At Grasslands National Park
Who said a vast mass of grass wasn't breathtaking? Visitors looking to appreciate Saskatchewan's wildlife shouldn't miss out on a visit to the Grasslands National Park. With bird watching, the Park is also home to around several hundred bison (just make sure you're keeping a safe distance from them, about 100-m). Hardcore nature lovers (who are experienced hikers) can enjoy backcountry hiking to enjoy this rural landscape. Otherwise, visitors can hike at a leisurely pace, while enjoying other activities like geocaching, horseback riding, cycling, camping, and stargazing. Parks Canada recommends not using headphones while exploring this park; there are rattlesnakes out there!
5 Sail At Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park
The Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park was the site of the first historic crossing of the Saskatchewan River, where this Provincial Park is close. The Park offers a marina for tourists to enjoy, along with an information and/or visitors center. Sun-bathe by the lake, or put on your sea legs and visit the marina to go sailing, fishing, canoeing, or boating. Otherwise, visitors can also take a nice swim at the Park beach.
4 Paraglide Through the Prairies
Imagine flying over 100 km over a vast prairie land, being one with the birds and the sky for a swift moment. Praire Paragliding offers comprehensive paragliding lessons (and certification) at Blackstrap Provincial Park for visitors to enjoy an exhilarating free-flying experience! Lessons are usually between May to September, with some sessions after these months.
3 Go Horseback Riding in La Reata Ranch
Ever wondered what it feels like to be a Canadian Cowboy? In South Saskatchewan, La Reata Ranch can deliver that experience to curious tourists! Located near Lake Diefenbaker, this cattle and guest ranch offers an area of 5,000-acres to enjoy the great outdoors, which was previously an area inhabited by the Blackfoot and Crow. Start your mornings with a hearty breakfast before getting in some basic horseback riding lessons. Visitors will also have the opportunity to practice their cattle-herding skills and rope handling. La Reata Ranch welcomes guests to participate in ranch and cattle work too!
2 Zipline At Treeosix Adventure Parks
Located in Wakesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park, Treeosix Adventure Parks is well-known for its huge zipline course. Hang high-specifically, up to 70 feet high-and glide freely by ziplining through their seven zipline courses! Treeosix Adventure Parks also offers visitors a 2-hour guided tour to explore Saskatchewan's Boreal Forest through the magic of ziplining. Visitors with children can also let their kids in on the fun at the Parks' ziplining course; otherwise, the Park is also home to a huge swing, an ax-throwing center, and a climbing wall!
1 Tackle Some Winter Activities
Saskatchewan Winters can be chillingly cold with copious amounts of snowfall. Instead of having some fun in the sun, strap up some gloves to go enjoy the snow! Hike through Saskatchewan's popular trails to see the vast Winter landscape. Tourists who don't care too much about hiking in the snow can a snowmobile to drive their way through the trails. Alternatively, Winter can be enjoyed in Saskatchewan through the magic of skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, tubing, snowboarding, and snowdog sledding!