Saskatchewan Explorer: A 10-Day Road Odyssey

Day 1: Drive to the La Reata Ranch

Drive to the La Reata Ranch on the shore of the South Saskatchewan River. The area around the ranch is steeped in ranching traditions and prairie history. Experience the rodeo trail and the life of competing cowboys firsthand at nearby small towns. Riding, roping, cowboy cookouts on the range, bonfires under the stars, the magnificent scenery, and the down-home hospitality of La Reata Ranch has left past guests with memories that are treasured for a lifetime. What always remain constant here are the glorious sunrises, the spectacular sunsets, the feel of the wind on your face as you ride the open trails, and the peace of mind only a cowboy can enjoy.

Overnight: La Reata Ranch

Day 2: La Reata Ranch

At peace with your surroundings, relax after a full day at the La Reata Ranch near Kyle.

Overnight: La Reata Ranch

Day 3: La Reta Ranch to Moose Jaw

Drive to Swift Current and then onto Moose Jaw, a small city with a big history. Moose Jaw is home to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the Canadian Forces Base where the world-renowned, aerobatic flight team – the Snowbirds – train while in Saskatchewan. The city is also famous because of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. In local lore, bootleggers used the tunnels to smuggle liquor during the prohibition era. It is even rumoured that Al Capone himself used the tunnels to travel between Chicago and Moose Jaw.

Overnight: Moose Jaw

Day 4: Drive from Moose Jaw to Regina

Drive to Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan and the home of Saskatchewan's provincial government. The site of Regina was originally named oskana kâ-asatêki a Cree word meaning “where the bones are piled.” In 1882, the city was renamed Regina, Latin for 'Queen' in honour of Queen Victoria. Take a tour and discover the city’s many captivating and amazing attractions - the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, Government House, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Wascana Centre. Wascana Centre, a 930-hectare urban park, is the largest urban park in North America - more than double the size of Central Park in New York City. Wascana, derived from the original Cree name for the city, Centre has become an important community space for Regina residents. Be sure to include a visit to the RCMP Heritage Centre located at the RCMP Academy “Depot” Division. The Depot has been the training academy for Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) cadets since 1885 and even today remains the only RCMP training site in Canada.

Overnight: Regina

Day 5: Regina to Manitou Beach and Little Manitou Lake, the Dead Sea of Canada

Drive to Manitou Beach and discover the wonders of LIttle Manitou Lake. Often compared to the Dead Sea in Israel, the waters of the lake are legendary for their natural buoyancy, mineral-rich properties, and healing powers. The water is so saturated with mineral salts that it is impossible to sink. Located along the shores of the lake, the Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa is a European-style spa and hotel that offers many affordable luxuries.

Overnight: Manitou Springs

Day 6: Full Day at Manitou Hot Springs

A full day to relax by the shores of tranquil Little Manitou Lake or soak in its healing waters.

Overnight: Manitou Springs

Day 7: Manitou Beach to Saskatoon

Drive to Saskatoon, drop off your bags at your hotel and head out to explore the city ‘s centre of by foot. There is a tremendous variety of craft breweries and boutique restaurants that use fresh, local ingredients in the city. Saskatchewan is, after all, the bread basket of Canada and the city’s food creators have infused local ingredients into their menus to create a wide and varied choice. Then Visit the striking new Remai Modern situated on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River, with its stunning views of the river and prairie skies. Spanning four levels, Remai Modern has 11 gallery spaces over three floors, learning studios, a theatre, restaurant, store, lounges, play areas and numerous multi-use spaces. Join an informative guided walk through the gallery arranged through the front desk.

Overnight: Saskatoon

Day 8: Saskatoon Morning Sightseeing and Drive to Elk Ridge Resort

This morning visit the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site and Proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on Saskatoon's northern edge, the park interprets over 6,400 years of Northern Plains Indigenous culture. It is a window into a part of Canada’s history that remains largely undiscovered. Through interpretive programming, exhibits, guided hikes and cultural performances, the park offers visitors the opportunity to delve into the past and discover what life was like for the nomadic hunter-gatherer peoples. It is also home to the longest running archeological dig site in Canada. Features include 19 pre-contact sites, a medicine wheel, tipi rings and buffalo jumps, located along 7 km of walking trails. Plus, the park is now home to a herd of Plains bison. Continue your drive north to the Elk Ridge Resort, Saskatchewan's premier all-season resort, located in a friendly, luxurious setting in the heart of the northern Saskatchewan boreal forest not far from Prince Albert. Championship golf, an excellent spa, fine dining, and outdoor experiences are available in plenty at the Elk Ridge Resort and in the surrounding areas of the Lakeland region and Prince Albert National Park. The resort was awarded the TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence and recognized as a Reader's Digest Top 9 Must-See Canadian Winter Destinations. With a challenging and picturesque 27-hole championship course; the course includes three 9-hole sections, two restaurants, trails, and the entrance to Prince Albert National Park a short distance away, you have the entire day of activities of choice. The main beach and the National Park Visitor Centre at Lake Waskesiu are only 9 kms away.

Overnight: Elk Ridge Resort

Day 9: Elk Ridge Resort

With a challenging and picturesque 27-hole championship course; the course includes three 9-hole sections. two restaurants, trails, and the entrance to Prince Albert National Park a short distance away, you have the entire day of activities of choice. The main beach and the National Park Visitor Centre at Lake Waskesiu are only 9 kms away.

Overnight: Elk Ridge Resort

Day 10: Elk Ridge Resort to Home

Head home with a ton of memories of a stunningly varied Saskatchewan drive experience.