Saskatchewan, usually overshadowed by the more mountainous or coastal provinces in Canada, is a secret treasure trove of natural wonders, culture, and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Past the prairies and wheat fields are doors to a lesser-known world of places that offer peace, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime. Hidden Gems in Saskatchewan You Need to Discover.
1. Nesslin Lake – Serene Wilderness Retreat
Situated in the boreal forest of the north, Nesslin Lake is a tranquil alternative to busier provincial parks. Its crystal-clear waters, sandy shorelines, and secluded campsites make it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stargazing. The lake is located within a protected area, which ensures it is ideal for observing wildlife such as moose, otters, and bald eagles.
2. Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site
This intact industrial complex is a thrilling piece of history only a short distance away from Avonlea. The Claybank Brick Plant provides a glimpse back in time into early 20th-century brick production, complete with original kilns, equipment, and clay pits. The adjacent badlands and hiking trails are a photographer's paradise too.
3. Purple Sands Beach at Candle Lake
One of Saskatchewan's hidden gems is Purple Sands Beach at Candle Lake. The sand has a spectacular pinkish-purple color because of mineral deposits, providing an otherworldly and scenic sight. It's an ideal summer destination for swimming, sunbathing, or boating without large crowds like in prominent beach resorts.
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4. The Crooked Trees of Alticane
Just outside Hafford, the Crooked Trees baffle experts and tourists alike. These quivering aspens form strange, contorted stands, giving off an eerie, nigh-supernatural ambiance. Interpretive boards and boardwalks facilitate easy viewing without damaging the fragile environment of this site.
5. Hidden Hiking Trails at Gem Lakes
Hidden away in Narrow Hills Provincial Park, the Gem Lakes are a group of untouched, color-shifting lakes set amidst wild landscape. A 5.5 km loop trail provides stunning vistas, backcountry camping, and sensational fishing. It's a hiker's paradise for venturing off the beaten path.
6. Eastend – A Quaint Town with Big Surprises
The tiny town of Eastend in the southwest is full of surprises. It’s home to the T.rex Discovery Centre, where the famous “Scotty” – one of the largest T.rex fossils ever found – is displayed. The nearby Frenchman River Valley offers scenic drives, fossil digs, and peaceful countryside stays.
7. Dog River – Filming Location of ‘Corner Gas’
Television buffs from Canada will enjoy a stop at Rouleau, the actual town where Dog River was filmed in the sitcom Corner Gas. While the set has long been dismantled, the diner and gas station facades still stand for retro-style photo opportunities. It's a fun roadside stop on any road trip.
8. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Saskatchewan Side)
Though more well-known in Alberta, the Saskatchewan side of Cypress Hills is equally enchanting – and less busy. This high-altitude region boasts rich forests, beautiful views, and unusual vegetation. Visit Fort Walsh, a National Historic Site, or venture into the park's dark sky preserve for unparalleled stargazing.
9. The Great Sandhills – Saskatchewan's Mini Desert
Outside Leader, the Great Sandhills are an unexpected surprise: miles of rolling sand dunes shaped day and night by the prairie wind. People can hike up the dunes, walk through the grassland around them, and enjoy a landscape nowhere else in Canada.
10. Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary
This off-the-beaten-path refuge just south of Nokomis is North America's oldest federal bird sanctuary. In spring and fall migration, it hosts tens of thousands of birds, including sandhill cranes and tundra swans. Pack binoculars and a camera—this is a birder's heaven.
Hidden Gems in Saskatchewan You Need to Discover
