Welcome! You are viewing an archived issue of SaskSecrets, Tourism Saskatchewan's Online Newsletter, from July 2011. To read the current issue of SaskSecrets, click here.

A New Way to Discover Saskatchewan’s Northern Forest

The Boreal Trail in Meadow Lake Provincial Park officially opened in 2011. This impressive 120km trail provides visitors with the opportunity to experience a portion of the vast forest that covers more than half of our province. It is the only destination backpacking trail in the Saskatchewan Provincial Park system and spans an epic 120km in an east-west traverse of Meadow Lake Provincial Park.  

In Meadow Lake’s Boreal forest you are able to walk beneath tall stands of jack pine and spruce mixed with poplar and birch; and through wildflower-strewn forests alive with the song of warblers and the rat-a-tat of busy woodpeckers. These are the primeval haunts of beaver, moose, wolf, black bear and red squirrel. The trail is rewarding and challenging, so go prepared with a keen eye and a camera or sketch book, as well as sturdy footwear and all the supplies you will need for a day hike or an extended backpack.

The Boreal Trail offers back-country opportunities for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and adventure seekers. There are designated campsites along the way where you will find bear-proof food lockers, barbeques and pit toilets. For those not inclined to carry a heavy load, the Boreal Trail also connects to several of Meadow Lake Provincial Park’s front-country campgrounds.  

For more information on the Boreal Trail, including how to register and plan your trip, visit www.saskparks.net/borealtrail.

Photography by Robin and Arlene Karpan. The Karpans are authors of the newly released book,"Saskatchewan's Best Hikes & Nature Walks" (right), that details over 100 walks throughout the province. The Boreal Trail features prominently in the book, including the cover image. Visit www.parklandpublishing.com for more information.