Just over an hour’s drive from Saskatoon, nestled between open prairie and rolling hills, lies the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (NWA) — a peaceful paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone craving a relaxing lakeside escape. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and laid-back atmosphere, the NWA is the crown jewel of Last Mountain Lake and a must-visit destination in Saskatchewan.

Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (NWA)

Location & Access

Located at the northern end of Last Mountain Lake, the NWA is 120 km northwest of Regina and about 9 km west of Govan. Coordinates: 51.3667° N, -105.2339° W. It’s easily accessible via Highway 20 with clear signage directing visitors to the sanctuary.

Wildlife & Conservation

Established in 1887, this is Canada’s oldest bird sanctuary and a designated National Historic Site. It plays a vital role in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, supporting over 280 species of birds, including endangered ones like the whooping crane and piping plover. It’s also an important stopover for migratory birds.

Activities & Amenities

Visitors can enjoy a variety of immersive activities:

• Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching: Observation towers and trails offer excellent viewpoints.
• Hiking & Nature Walks: Interpretive paths and a floating boardwalk reveal prairie, marshland, and forest habitats.
• Boating & Canoeing: Permitted in designated areas, except during breeding season (May–July).
• Photography & Nature Study: Ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
• Picnicking: Day-use picnic sites available throughout the area.

Facilities include:

• Observation tower
• Self-guided trails
• Picnic areas and washrooms
• Interpretive pavilion and admin building (open 8:00 am–4:00 pm)

About Last Mountain Lake

Formerly known as Long Lake, Last Mountain Lake is the longest natural lake in southern Saskatchewan, stretching over 93 kilometers from Craven to Nokomis. Formed by glacial activity, it features diverse shorelines and wetlands and provides vital habitats for wildlife.

The lake itself surrounds the NWA and offers an extended nature experience. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the sanctuary while staying close to natural beauty.

More Reasons to Visit

Boating & Fishing

Last Mountain Lake offers multiple boat launches and excellent fishing. Popular catches include:

• Walleye
• Northern pike
• Yellow perch
• Whitefish

Winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing in a tranquil setting.

Parks & Beaches

• Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park: Features camping, boat rentals, trails, playgrounds, and a marina.
• Regina Beach: A lively lakeside town with restaurants, shops, and a swimming beach.
• Arlington Beach: Quiet and family-friendly, ideal for relaxed getaways.

Scenic Trails

Explore interpretive trails throughout the sanctuary and surrounding parklands, offering peaceful walks through rich ecosystems.

Camping & Accommodation

Whether you’re camping or staying in comfort, there are plenty of options:

• Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park: Electrical and non-electrical campsites, modern amenities.
• Lakeside Cabins & B&Bs: Found in Regina Beach, Bulyea, and along the eastern shore.
• Airbnb & VRBO: Offer cottages, glamping tents, and vacation homes.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer:

• Canoeing and paddleboarding
• Swimming and beach volleyball
• Picnics and barbecues

Winter:

• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Winter birdwatching and ice fishing

Local Events & Communities

Engage with the area’s small-town charm:

• Regina Beach Farmers Market (summer weekends)
• Last Mountain Rodeo in Craven
• Local art & craft fairs
• Prairie-style diners and cafes

Tips for Visiting the NWA

• Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife and scenery
• Dress in layers and pack sunscreen & insect repellent
• Book campsites or rentals in advance
• Stay on trails and respect conservation rules

Getting There

From Saskatoon, drive south on Highway 11 to Lumsden, then take Highway 20 or 322 toward the lake. It’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on your final stop.

Plan Your Visit

Visit the official Government of Canada page for maps, rules, and updates.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an adventurer, birdwatcher, or someone seeking serenity, the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area is one of Saskatchewan’s true treasures. With breathtaking views, vibrant wildlife, and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for a meaningful nature getaway.

Start planning now at TriptoSaskatoon.com — and let the sanctuary refresh your soul.our soul.

The post Discover the Beauty of Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (NWA): Saskatchewan’s Hidden Gem first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

Discover the Hidden Spring Gems of the Prairies

Saskatchewan might be known for its endless skies and golden wheat fields, but springtime in this prairie province has a soft, floral surprise: cherry blossoms! While not as widespread as in Japan or Vancouver, Saskatchewan has its own quiet charm when it comes to blooming trees. From city parks to community gardens, here are some of the best places to experience cherry blossoms in Saskatchewan.

1. University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

One of the best-kept secrets in Saskatoon is the blossoming trees on the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) campus. Come spring, the pathways near the President’s Residence and Arboretum display beautiful ornamental cherry and plum blossoms. It’s a peaceful place for a walk, photos, or a quiet picnic under the petals.

2. Kiwanis Memorial Park, Saskatoon

Located along the South Saskatchewan River, this park is a scenic spot with pathways lined by trees that bloom beautifully in spring. While not all are cherry trees, you’ll often find a few blossoming species that create that perfect pastel ambiance.

3. Wascana Centre, Regina

In the heart of Regina, Wascana Centre is a massive park surrounding Wascana Lake. Several areas around the Legislative Building and nearby gardens showcase flowering trees, including ornamental cherry, crabapple, and plum trees. Early May is usually when you’ll spot the first pops of pink.

4. Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Saskatoon

Besides the animals and nature trails, this park features a Heritage Rose Garden and other blooming trees. If you visit in late April or early May, you may catch crabapple and cherry trees in bloom near the main entrance and garden paths.

5. Local Neighborhoods and Community Gardens

Many residential areas and community gardens in cities like Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, and smaller towns such as Outlook have privately planted ornamental cherry and flowering plum trees. These trees typically bloom in late April to early May, depending on weather conditions.

Bonus: Plant Your Own Blossoms!

If you live in Saskatchewan and want to enjoy cherry blossoms every spring, consider planting an ornamental cherry or plum tree in your yard. Hardy varieties like Prunus × kerrasis (dwarf sour cherry) or Western Sand Cherry thrive in the province’s climate.

Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Saskatchewan:

• Bloom period: Late April to early May
• Peak bloom: Usually the first or second week of May, but it can vary due to spring temperatures.

Final Thoughts

While Saskatchewan may not have massive cherry blossom festivals, the quiet beauty of blooming trees here is something special. Take a stroll, grab your camera, and appreciate the peaceful magic of springtime blossoms right here in the prairies.

Have a favorite blossom spot in Saskatchewan?
Share it in the comments or tag us on Instagram with your cherry blossom photos!

The post Where to Watch Cherry Blossoms in Saskatchewan 🌸 first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

1. Lakeview Pond 

There’s an outdoor rink on a pond on the east side of the city. There is a cleared area for people to skate on at the southernmost point of Mckercher Drive and the southernmost point of the pond. Bring a shovel or check back often since the Lakeview Community Association and local volunteers may not clear it for several days following significant snowfall. Be sure to pay attention to any indications indicating whether it is safe to skate and how thick the ice is.

2. Idylwyld Park

The majority of the public skating rinks in the City of Saskatoon are conventional rinks with boards encircling the ice that are situated close to schools. However, a straightforward ice sheet located in Idylwyld Park, between Saskatchewan Crescent and Poplar Crescent close to the river, is one of my favorite outdoor rinks. It’s a tiny rink in the heart of the park, but it’s ideal for shinny games with friends. If snow needs to be removed from the rink, there are usually two nets on the ice and a shovel close by. You don’t have to wait for daylight to get out on the ice because the park is lit up at night as well.

3. Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink at Nutrien Plaza 

One of Canada’s most recognizable skating rinks is the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink. There’s a fire pit at the edge of the rink, benches to attach your skates, indoor shelters, and restrooms close by. Daily hours for the skating rink are noon to nine o’clock. Throughout the year, the rink has a number of skating parties, one of which is the Meewasin Sip & Skate, which takes place this Saturday, February 24.

The post Three of the Cutest Skating Rinks in Saskatoon first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

Along with the dance/music presentation, the Step Back in Time Walk, the Bison Walk, and special programming, there are guided tours available every day. We went on a Medicinal Plant Walk with one of Wanuskewin’s wonderful guides whenever we visited.

You are welcome to explore the 7km of walking trails that Wanuskewin currently offers. Along the way are lots of plants and herbs. A guide showed us how to use a variety of berries, leaves, and plants—some of which we would even consider weeds—medically to treat various illnesses.

Certain plants have several uses, such as treating bug bites or acting as a natural sunscreen. This fascinating walking tour highlighted some of nature’s real marvels.

The post Medicinal Plant Walk first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

There are countless breathtaking lakes and rivers to explore in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan. There is a place to enjoy paddling a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe close to the city.

Canoeing Pike Lake

Valley Road takes you just 20 minutes south of Saskatoon to Pike Lake. Although the park is home to one of Saskatchewan’s smallest lakes, it is nevertheless very popular with day trippers from the city. It’s the ideal location for a canoe trip that lasts just a day, or for a weekend getaway for campers. The South Saskatchewan River formed the lake, which is actually an oxbow, a u-shaped lake formed when part of a river is cut off.

Paddleboarding – Poplar Bluffs into Saskatoon on the South Saskatchewan River

Distance: 12 kilometres, 2-3 hours

Situated approximately ten minutes south of Saskatoon on Valley Road is the Poplar Bluffs Conservation Area. It requires some work to get to the river from the parking lot. There’s a path that leads to the river, but it ends with a sandy drop off the side into the water below.Depending on the season and the level of the water, one must frequently hop across sandbars to access the river’s main flow. There’s a split in the river directly across Wilson Island. It takes approximately two hours to paddle back into Saskatoon’s downtown.

Kayaking the Chief Whitecap Waterway

Distance: 50km from Whitecap Dakota First Nation, 100km from Gardiner Dam, 1-3 days

The Chief Whitecap Waterway, which is a section of the Trans Canada Trail, offers canoeists more than 100 km of navigable trail with numerous pullouts along the way. You are welcome to design your own canoe adventure on the best water trail in southern Saskatchewan, regardless of your level of experience.

The post Paddling Trips In and Around Saskatoon first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

University of Saskatchewan Observatory History 

The University of Saskatchewan Observatory was built with assistance from both university funds and private donors. The Observatory was built in two stages between 1928 and 1930, with an approximate cost of $23,000, and was formally opened in April 1929. This iconic campus landmark has been there for over 90 years and is rich in history! Examine the plaque inside the dome to see if you can identify any of the donor names.

How to Visit the University of Saskatchewan Observatory

Telescopes and other study aids are frequently used by university students and visiting scholars. Classes from elementary and high schools, as well as other local community associations, frequently join campus staff members for guided tours of the Observatory. The first and third Saturday evenings of each month are free for anyone who wants to come and use the telescope to view celestial objects.

What’s on View at the University of Saskatchewan Observatory 

Depending on the time of year, staff will aim the three-meter long refracting telescope at planets, star clusters, galaxies, or other noteworthy celestial objects visible when you visit. Staff members are still on duty at the Observatory and will lead guests through an informative slide show if you happen to visit on a cloudy night. A small museum about black holes, astronomy, and the solar system is open year-round. enjoyable to all ages!

The post Winter Stargazing at Saskatoon’s University of Saskatchewan Observatory first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

1. Nutrien Wonderhub

The kid’s absolute favorite feature is Cosmic Commotion, a massive net structure that allows kids to climb and tunnel through. The girls continued returning to play with it. They also adored the various role-playing elements in Toon Town (such as a flower shop, ice cream truck, construction zone, farm, stage, and more!), the “Airways” air pressure tubes (which are also available at THIS indoor playground in the Edmonton area), and the Create Space, which permitted unstructured play and loose parts crafting in the lower level!

2. Nutrien Playland and Kinsmen Park

A great place to take the family is Nutrien Playland! The fantastic playground is free to use, and you can pay to ride the carousel, Ferris wheel, and CP trail that circles Kinsmen Park!

The playground is amazing; it has a dutch disc, a double cable track zipline, several log climbers, a clean slide, a concrete dome, green balance beams that resemble snakes, and much more! A gorgeous spray park and deck are also present.

3. Brighton Core Park

Brighton Core Park is a sizable, all-inclusive play area featuring a ramped main structure, an underground merry-go-round, and rubber flooring throughout. The Brighton Core Park never ends! In addition, there is THE BIGGEST AND BEST fitness playground you have ever seen, a toddler park, and a spray park.

4. Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo provides children with an excellent opportunity to interact closely with a range of animals. We discovered animals here that are absent from the Edmonton Valley Zoo, such as bison, grizzly bears, dingos, and bald eagles. The butterfly house is the highlight; see a variety of gorgeous butterflies flying around and feeding on fruit! The Orano Fun Zone, a fantastic inclusive playground that the girls adored, is also located within the zoo.

5. Wanuskewin

Located right outside of Saskatoon is the national historic site known as Wanuskewin. It’s the oldest archaeological dig in our nation and has served as a hallowed meeting place for over 6,000 years. The Wanuskewin Interpretive Center features areas with views of Opimihāw Creek, an art gallery, a museum, and a shop featuring exquisite Indigenous artifacts. In addition to seeing the resident bison, there are kilometers of trails to explore.

The post Five things the girls love about Saskatoon! first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

Since Saskatoonians love to make the most of the summer, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best family-friendly summertime activities in the city!

Play a Game of Tennis or Pickleball

Visit one of the numerous tennis and pickleball courts located throughout the City of Saskatoon. The public is welcome to use the asphalt courts, which have a painted base. Discover them at twelve venues throughout the city that are open until September.

Explore the Meewasin Valley Trail

The Meewasin Trail system, which runs along both banks of the river and links to a number of the city’s parks and bridges, is a perennial favorite among Saskatoon’s summertime offerings. A couple of top choices to stop along the route are Victoria Park in Riversdale and Meewasin’s River Landing Water Spray Feature, where you can learn about the hydrology and geography of the Saskatchewan River Basin.

Explore Architecture at the University of Saskatchewan Campus

Did you know that some of the buildings on the University of Saskatchewan campus date back to the 1910s? This is great information for anyone interested in architecture and looking for summer activities in Saskatoon. Observe how Modernist structures like the Murray Building blend in with Collegiate Gothic-style buildings like the Thorvaldson building and the College Building (now the Peter MacKinnon Building). Spend a few hours strolling around the campus to take in all of the modern architectural designs.

Connect with Local Producers at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market

Visit the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market to chat with local farmers and peruse the abundant harvests. Always entertaining to stroll, people-watch, or strike up a conversation with locals in Saskatoon. An essential item for any list of summertime family-friendly things to do in Saskatoon.

Heading into Fall: Nutrien Fireworks Festival

During the Labor Day long weekend in September, River Landing, the Traffic Bridge, and Rotary Park host the free Nutrien Fireworks Festival. Savor live entertainment, food, drinks, dancing, and music as you watch the fireworks.

The post 5 Free Summertime Activities for Families in Saskatoon first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

What to wear 

Prepare for the Frozen Pond in the colors of the Blades! You can purchase Blades Swag at the Sasktel Centre store during the game, but the Frozen Pond location at 105-2803 Faithful Avenue has the greatest selection.

How to get there 

It’s very simple to get to The Blades game if you’re staying downtown! From the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 23rd Street, take the direct bus.

What to eat 

When you attend a Blades Game, you should be hungry! Burgers and hotdogs are rink staples at Sasktel Centre, but they also have some inventive options.

Family Environment 

The Saskatoon Blades are experts at putting on fun family events! Children of all ages can wave, hug, or pose for pictures with their amiable mascot, Pokecheck. They even provide packages for birthday parties.

There’s always a player in the concourse ready to sign autographs if you stay after the game!

The post The Saskatoon Blades Game Day Guide first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.

Known as the Paris of the Prairies, Saskatoon is sure to enchant every traveler. The scenery beside its lengthy river is even more breathtaking in the fall.

Meewasin Trails

Although the Meewasin trails are accessible year-round, autumn is when they are at their most picturesque. Numerous nature conservation areas are accessible by foot or bicycle, and they are home to over 300 different plant species and no fewer than 150 different bird species. The breathtaking scenery offers a glimpse of the rich biodiversity of the surrounding area on both sides of the Saskatchewan River.

Black Box Farm & Distillery

Experience the award-winning gins and liqueurs made using traditional methods at the Black Box Distillery. On their farm, they proudly grow 90% of the ingredients used in their spirits. After sampling their goods, you can even visit their flower field and participate in pumpkin picking this fall!

Remai Modern

Experience the world of modern and contemporary art at the Remai Modern, which features 11 distinct galleries and exceptional architecture. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Postcommodity, an interdisciplinary arts collective led by Cristóbal Martínez and Kade L. Twist, through January 23, 2021. They produce art that personifies a common Indigenous voice and lens, exploring facets of contemporary life to stimulate a distinctively Indigenous futurism. An amazing chance that should not be passed up!

Local Fashion

Hardpressed, a local shop, crafts Saskatoon-inspired apparel and accessories, including tuques, sweaters, caps, hats, and socks. You can pay them a visit in person at their studio, where they are proud to produce all of their goods from start to finish.

The post Fall favourites in Saskatoon first appeared on triptosaskatoon.com.