When the Snow Falls: Top Saskatchewan Winter Destinations

Enjoy the comforts of the resort village of Waskesiu, while experiencing northern wilderness encounters in the heart of Prince Albert National Park. From the townsite, you can explore winding, scenic trails on cross-country skis or by snowshoe. Hit the ice for some indoor skating at the Paul G. Horne Memorial Arena or venture out for some ice fishing on Waskesiu Lake. After a day of outdoor recreation, warm up by the fire in the enclosed camp kitchen near the Main Beach.

Where to stay: Hawood Inn, Lost Creek Resort, Kapasiwin Bungalows

Great Blue Heron Provincial Park

While the Alaskan huskies bark and yelp around you, snuggle in your sled with a blanket and wait in anticipation as your musher readies the team for takeoff. Sundogs Excursions, located at Anglin Lake on the northern boundary of Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, offers dogsledding adventures. This area is also ideal for snowmobiling. The Lakeland snowmobile trail system encompasses more than 350 km of groomed trails in and around Great Blue Heron Provincial Park and connects with Elk Ridge Resort. With local trails ranging from 7 km to 120 km in length, riders of all ages can suit up for this family-friendly winter activity. After a day of sledding, nothing beats roasting a hotdog and enjoying a hot chocolate at one of the warmup shelters along the trail.

Where to stay: Land of the Loon Resort, Sunset Bay Resort

Elk Ridge Resort

Breathe in the fresh northern air as you head out for a cross-country ski or snowshoe at Elk Ridge Resort. Experience the boreal forest in all of its winter glory as you glide through or hike the resort’s more than 15-km groomed trail system. Then strap on some skates or grab a broom and rocks and curl (or crokicurl) a few ends. The lodge overlooks a frozen pond with a skating loop and hockey rinks, as well as a curling sheet. Before the day is done, hit the toboggan hill where you can jump on a tire tube and race to the bottom. This premier all-season resort has a variety of accommodation options, including the lodge, log cabins, townhouses or cottages, two restaurants, a spa and an indoor saltwater pool, hot tub and waterslide for the little ones.

Where to stay: Elk Ridge Resort, Elk Ridge on the Lake

Greenwater Lake Provincial Park

Following a day of fun, family-friendly activities, such as cross-country skiing (on more than 25 km of groomed trails), ice skating and tobogganing, discover a hidden winter wonderland as you explore the park and surrounding area by snowmobile. After riding through untouched powder and witnessing breathtaking scenery, warm up in one of the shelters along the trail. This park offers access to some of the province’s most cherished snowmobile trails and is within the 1000s Miles of Snow network that includes communities like Hudson Bay, Porcupine Plain, Kelvington and Tisdale.

Where to stay: Lake Life Inn, Greenwater Cabin Rentals, Jackpine Cabins (Hudson Bay), Fir River Ranch (Hudson Bay)

Moose Mountain Provincial Park

Bordering small lakes and scenic viewpoints, Moose Mountain Provincial Park has an extensive trail system that allows winter enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the park. Travel through this unique southern Saskatchewan forest on over 100 km of groomed snowmobile trails, 50 km of ski trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing and 10 km of snowshoe trails.

Where to stay: Kenosee Inn and Cabins, Bear Claw Casino and Hotel

Ness Creek Site

The Ness Creek site, home to music festivals and cultural events in the summer, transforms into a winter oasis hidden in the boreal forest. Discover Ness Creek has 10 winterized cabins, designed and furnished to keep visitors cosy through all seasons, available to rent. Onsite activities include ice skating and 30 km of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. At nearby Ski Timber Ridge, hit the slopes for some downhill skiing and snowboarding. The hill has six runs and a snowboard park.

Where to stay: Discover Ness Creek

Nipawin/Carrot River/Tobin Lake

With a three-month season (mid-December to mid-March), opportunities for winter anglers to get out on the ice are countless. There is an abundance of great fishing lakes across central Saskatchewan. With a world-record ice fishing catch in the books, Tobin Lake, near Nipawin and Carrot River, should be one of your go-to spots for that trophy walleye. This area is also a part of the 1000s Miles of Snow network and home to some of the province’s most popular snowmobile trails. Downhill skiing and snowboarding fun await at nearby Wapiti Valley Ski Hill.

Where to stay: Northern Greens Resort, Carrot River Inn, The Outerbanks (near Wapiti Valley Ski Hill)

Meadow Lake Provincial Park

In the province’s northwest, Meadow Lake Provincial Park is the ideal location for winter adventure. With more than 20 lakes, rivers and streams within its boundaries, the park has no shortage of ice. Set up a hut, drill some holes and spend the afternoon ice fishing. Explore the expansive park by snowmobile on more than 175 km of trails. Make Waters Edge Eco Lodge at Greig Lake your home base as you spend the day snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or skating.

Where to stay: Waters Edge Eco Lodge, Flotten Lake Adventures Resort

Duck Mountain Provincial Park

Book a four-season condo or cabin rental at Madge Lake Retreats and wander the snow maze in the Fern Campground, crokicurl or lace up for a bonfire skate at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Bring your snowmobile and ride the 70 km of snowmobile trails with varied terrain, or pull out the downhill skis or snowboard and hit the slopes at Duck Mountain Ski Area. Five cosy warm-up shelters greet cross-country skiers on the 60 km of maintained trails in the park.

(Note: snow maze coming soon!)

Where to stay: Camp-Easy, Madge Lake Retreats

Echo Valley Provincial Park/Katepwa Point Provincial Park/Qu’Appelle Valley

Soak up nature and breathe in the crisp winter air as you skate through the trees at Echo Valley Provincial Park. Skate the Park is a unique 2-km skating trail that winds through the Aspen Campground. At Mission Ridge Winter Park, near Fort Qu’Appelle, strap on your snowboard and clear the frost from your goggles as you take to one of the 12 runs. The ski hill also has two terrain parks, a tube park, three conveyor lifts and a triple chair lift. Throw on your winter jacket, ski pants and helmet and ride the more than 350 km of snowmobile trails in the area. The Qu’Appelle Valley lakes are also favourite ice fishing spots in southern Saskatchewan.

(Note: Skate the Park opens January 2023)

Where to stay: Camp-Easy, Legends Are Made At Katepwa Ventures

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by Tourism Saskatchewan