Hunting and Fishing in Saskatchewan… The Perfect Escape
Fishing
Saskatchewan’s vast wilderness and nearly 100,000 lakes make it the perfect place for a memorable outdoor excursion. It is well-know for its abundant northern pike, fabulous bird hunting and trophy-sized deer—not to mention its excellent walleye, lake trout, Arctic Grayling fishing and big game hunting for black bear and moose. Whatever your interests, Saskatchewan is a great place to hunt, fish and relax.
Saskatchewan offers some of the most unique fishing environments in Canada, widely diverse from north to south. The rolling plains and parklands of the south contrast sharply with the rugged Precambrian wilderness of Saskatchewan’s north. However, the fishing experiences are just as challenging and rewarding.
For some anglers, a host of amenities and additional activities and easy access directs them to the southern lakes and rivers. Others are drawn to a more remote and rugged setting and head further north. And then there are those who really want to get away from it all—flying into remote fishing camps in Saskatchewan’s spectacular north.
Pike, walleye and perch are the most common species in southern Saskatchewan. Largemouth bass are found in Boundary Reservoir in southeast Saskatchewan and there are rock bass in the lower Qu’Appelle lakes, but the real action is found in the lakes of the northern region of the province.
Saskatchewan is home to nearly 100,000 lakes, most of which are found in the north and are connected by river systems that provide the only highways in most of the area. These lakes have abundant monster northern pike and lake trout, golden walleye and even the magnificent Arctic grayling, which are typically found in the fast-flowing river waters of this region.
Hunting
Saskatchewan is also blessed with some of North America’s most abundant populations of wildlife. With large populations of geese, Hungarian partridge, ruffed grouse and the largest duck population on the continent - one out of every four ducks harvested in North America is produced in Saskatchewan! — the potential for bird hunting in the province is unbeatable. Saskatchewan is also a major flyway for migratory birds, providing exceptional waterfowl hunting each autumn. The sight of its wide-open skies full of endless soaring birds ensures a memorable hunting experience.
The largest trophy white-tailed deer in the world live in our province, thanks to the minerals in fertile soil, abundant habitat, superior genetics and the northern climate. Moose and black bear also roam the forests in large numbers. Saskatchewan could be considered the mecca of white-tailed deer hunting, and is in the dreams of every serious big game hunter. Many non-resident hunters take bucks far larger than they have ever seen at home.
Birds…birds…millions of birds
In the fall, millions of waterfowl flock into the province on their southward journey – creating exceptional opportunities for birding throughout the province. A Saskatchewan birding trail guide will steer you in the right direction to the next spectacular birding locale. Visit the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (North America’s oldest bird sanctuary – established in 1887) – a great location to spy on the elusive whooping crane.
See the Piping Plover and more than 30 other species of shorebirds near the Chaplin Lake area – a Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network site. Another Saskatchewan site with the same designation is that of the Quill Lakes marsh network, attracting numerous shorebird species, as well as the Ferruginous Hawk and Peregrine Falcon. If your interest is birds, chances are Saskatchewan may be in your best interests too!
Paddle Your Own Canoe
Saskatchewan waters draw outdoors people from around the globe for world-class canoeing. Our 100,000 lakes and extensive river systems offer endless opportunities for water recreation. More than 50 documented canoe routes have been researched, recorded and compiled into a series of user-friendly booklets. A variety of routes exist throughout the Precambrian Shield of northern Saskatchewan, offering a complete getaway to clear blue lakes and breathtaking scenery.
To avid canoeists, northern Saskatchewan ranks as one of the all-time great adventure destinations. Here, you will paddle great distances through vast, unspoiled wilderness via interconnecting lakes and rivers that seldom see visitors. The possibilities are endless. Choose a trip that offers whitewater, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and majestic canyons. Along the way you may spot ancient pictographs left behind by Plains Indians and you’re sure to see a variety of wildlife. For a more leisurely day or two of paddling, choose one of our less challenging and readily accessible trips, such as those found in our National and Provincial Parks.
North of the 55th parallel, the Churchill River rages across Saskatchewan, providing canoeists with some of the most exhilarating whitewater around. The river system surges with rapids and tumbles over many falls, but it also holds great stretches of smooth water and strings together dozens of quiet and beautiful lakes.
While most canoeists head north, rivers in the south shouldn’t be ignored. Saskatchewan has more than 50 mapped and documented canoe routes, most of them accessible by road. There are many outfitters and guides that will help you plan the perfect canoeing getaway and provide you with all of the equipment, instruction and assistance that you will need.
Explore this region without seeing a soul – only abundant amounts of fish, phenomenal whitewater, and a great diversity of wildlife. For the real keen adventurer, travel to the far north to explore the Athabasca Sand Dunes – the most northerly active sand dunes in the world!
Winter in Saskatchewan – Let it Snow!
When the white stuff starts falling in Saskatchewan, it's time for a whole new world of fun. Roar across hundreds of kilometres of snowmobile trails, go cross-country skiing on groomed and wilderness trails, check out the downhill slopes, dog sledding events and winter festivals. A warm welcome awaits.
Snowmobiling
Some of the best in North America! Discover millions of acres of open land and thousands of kilometres of groomed and signed trails, with nearby accommodations and services. You choose—chart your own path across millions of hectares of open land or follow a well-developed network of more than 10,000 kms of groomed and signed snowmobile trails, interconnecting communities and provincial parks. Whatever you decide, you’ll be treated to a variety of landscapes from valleys and hills to farmland and beautiful forested wilderness. Your spot in the driver’s seat of a snowmobile will provide access to hidden spots and amazing scenery you can’t see from a car.
Snowmobiles can be rented at locations around the province, so it’s easy to sample this great winter activity. If you are a more seasoned sledder, plan a longer trip and stay at some of Saskatchewan’s unique accommodations enroute, like community hotels, B&Bs, or the winterized facilities available in some provincial parks. The province is also home to many resort properties that specialize in winter activities.
Cross-country Skiing, Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Superb cross-country skiing in regional, provincial and national parks, as well as many urban areas. Downhill ski areas feature novice hills and snowboard areas.
Cross-country skiing is easily accessible in Saskatchewan. You can explore hundreds of kilometres of groomed and marked trails in parks and forests, across prairie and rolling hills, and even in cities. There’s something for everyone, from the novice to the expert. Shelters are found on longer routes, and some trails are even lit for night skiing. Ski rentals and instruction are available in many locations.
Resort properties around the province welcome cross-country skiers, as do many country bed and breakfast operators who provide comfortable year-round accommodations. At Prince Albert National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park you’ll find trail networks and a range of accommodations. Other good choices for cross-country skiers can be found at the provincial parks of Duck Mountain, Moose Mountain, Greenwater Lake, the Battlefords, Good Spirit Lake and Lac La Ronge.
Saskatchewan’s valleys, steep rolling hills and highlands also provide a great spot for downhill skiing. There are about a dozen ski hills operating in the province, offering both skiing and snowboarding.
Dog Sledding / Skijoring
This traditional form of winter transportation is still practiced in Saskatchewan – both for travel and fun! Dog sled events grow in popularity every year. Tours let you ride the powdery trail as a passenger or experience the thrill of a lifetime on overnight adventures.
Saskatchewan winters present some truly unique outdoor adventure opportunities. Travelling by sled dog through the northern forest in winter is an experience not soon forgotten. On shorter tours, you can ride along in a sled with a musher driving the team, or on longer tours and overnight excursions you may learn dog handling skills and thrill to the excitement of running your own dog team and sled.
If you prefer to experience dog sledding as a spectator, you can enjoy outstanding dog sledding action at events such as the Northern Lights Canadian Challenge sled dog race, which runs from Prince Albert to La Ronge and back in February.
Skiing and dog sledding unite in one of winter’s growing sports, skijoring. Adventure-seekers are pulled on skis across powdery snow behind a racing sled dog. At some places, skijoring is also done behind a horse. A number of resort-based winter packages can be booked to combine the overnight comforts of a modern lodge or cabin with various daytime activities.
Winter Festivals
Long nights between December and March are perfect for winter festivals. Enjoy ice sculptures, king trapper contests, sleigh rides and more. Winter is also high season for arts & crafts fairs and performing arts, from symphonies to theatre productions.
Winter is a time for celebrations in Saskatchewan. Temperatures may have dropped, but the sun keeps right on shining. Regular snowfalls leave the landscape looking like a winter fairyland and the crisp, clear days beckon people outdoors.
Winter festivals take place in every corner of the province from December through March. Festivals often include ice sculpture competitions, art and craft shows, sleigh rides and hockey and curling tournaments. You may also come across a King Trapper event where you can watch people compete at a variety of outdoor skills.
