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Provincial Parks Celebrate 80th Anniversary

It is a major anniversary…and everyone is invited to join the celebrations!

This year, Saskatchewan’s provincial park system turns 80 and festivities will be held throughout the summer.

Saskatchewan’s provincial parks are some of the most beautiful and popular places in the province. They truly create opportunities for people to enjoy life.

Saskatchewan’s first six provincial parks were established in 1931 – a year after the federal government transferred control of natural resources to the province. Five of those parks exist as provincial parks today, as part of a much expanded system. The other, Little Manitou, is now a regional park.

Now, our 34 provincial parks, eight historic sites, 130 recreation sites, and 24 protected areas have a total land area of 1.4 million hectares and contain some of the province’s most unique, biologically diverse and beautiful natural and cultural landscapes.

Our provincial historic parks and sites help people learn about our history and the many cultures that contributed to Saskatchewan today.  They protect important fur trade posts, including the first permanent inland post of the Hudson's Bay Company at Cumberland House. Historic parks also include Wood Mountain Post, which was the first post established by the Northwest Mounted Police on their trek west. 

The province's park system also protects significant archaeological or cultural features. One example is the Hickson-Mirabelli Lakes Pictographs, which is one of the most significant First Nations rock painting concentrations in the Canadian Shield. Many of these sites are fragile and can be easily damaged, so people visiting them are asked not to touch them. 

Saskatchewan’s provincial parks are an integral part of Saskatchewan’s social fabric. Through good stewardship, future generations will continue to explore, relax, and enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities and natural and cultural areas in our provincial parks.

This summer, each provincial park will be celebrating the 80th anniversary in its own way. For more information about 80th anniversary events, check with the park of your choice or visit our website at www.saskparks.net.   

Submitted by the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport