The 3 most beautiful nature parks in Saskatchewan

Prince Albert National Park

Spanning over 3,870 square kilometers, Prince Albert National Park offers stunning natural wonders where parkland and forest meet. This forest, known as ‘taiga,’ grows in areas of the northern hemisphere where winters are cold, and summers are short and cool. Saskatchewan is home to more than 100,000 lakes and rivers, most of which are found in the wild and forested northern part of the province. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, wolves, bears, bison, and other large and small animals.

The charming village of Waskesiu makes a great base for activities in this rugged area. You can shop for adventure gear or take a stroll along the shores of Waskesiu Lake. You'll also find excellent restaurants and comfortable accommodations here.

^{Foto: Prince Albert National Park / Tourism Saskatchewan / Greg Huszar Photography}

Things to do in Prince Albert National Park:

1. Take a hike on the park’s 150 km trail network. There are 17 trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, each offering picnic spots with scenic views.
2. Canoe to the cabin of the famous conservationist Grey Owl, who built it in 1931 on the shores of Ajawaan Lake.
3. Experience a zipline ride soaring 21 meters above the ground at Treeosix Adventure Parks in Waskesiu, where you can also try slacklining or rock climbing.
4. Swim in Waskesiu Lake or rent a paddleboard to glide across its crystal-clear waters. In addition to the Main Beach, there are seven other quieter beaches to explore.
5. Camp in a tent or RV at one of the park's five campgrounds. For a true wilderness experience, purchase a permit for backcountry camping on one of 15 designated wild camping spots, accessible through multi-day hiking or canoeing trips.

^{Foto: Treeosix Adventure Parks / Tyler Cave}

^{Foto: Tourism Saskatchewan / Greg Huszar Photography}

Grasslands National Park

Located in the southwest of Saskatchewan, Grasslands National Park offers an entirely different landscape. This is the only national park in Canada that protects a prairie grassland ecosystem. The 730-square-kilometer park is divided into two sections: East Block and West Block. The East Block features dry plains with ravines and cliffs, and numerous dinosaur fossils have been discovered here. The West Block consists mostly of traditional prairie grasslands, home to herds of bison. Both sections offer excellent camping opportunities, scenic drives, hiking trails, and some of the darkest skies for stargazing.

^{Foto: East Block / Benjamin Hutton Photography}

Things to do in Grasslands National Park:

1. Drive the 20 km Ecotour Scenic Drive through the grasslands of the Frenchman River Valley. Informational signs along the route teach you about the prairie landscape.
2. Hike to panoramic viewpoints along various trails. For a 360-degree view of the Frenchman Valley, try the 11 km Broken Hills Trail.
3. Camp in an oTENTik at one of the park's campgrounds, such as Frenchman Valley or Rock Creek. Enjoy expansive views during the day and stargazing at night.
4. Spot free-roaming herds of prairie bison in the West Block. You may also encounter the rare burrowing owl and Canada's only black-tailed prairie dog colonies.
5. Stargaze in Canada’s largest Dark Sky Park. The lack of light pollution makes it ideal for watching the stars. Pack a waterproof picnic blanket, find a flat spot, and enjoy the million-star view.

^{Foto: Rock Creek Campground / Tourism Saskatchewan}

^{Foto: West Block / Tourism Saskatchewan}

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Straddling the border between Saskatchewan and Alberta, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park features a mountain plateau rising up to 1,392 meters above sea level. The park is characterized by meadows, forests, rolling hills, and expansive prairies. Scenic roads and viewpoints, such as Lookout Point and Conglomerate Cliffs, offer stunning views of the landscape. With lush green colors in spring and a warm color palette in fall, Cypress Hills is an ideal destination for nature adventures year-round.

^{Foto: Conglomerate Cliffs / Tourism Saskatchewan / Chris Hendrickson Photography}

Things to do in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park:

1. Rent an electric fatbike and ride along the trails between grasslands and forests. At Treeosix Adventure Parks, you can also climb a rock wall or zipline through the treetops.
2. Walk along themed trails that highlight the park’s distinct landscapes. On the Valley of the Windfall Trail, you might spot birds in the wetland, or take a leisurely stroll through two types of prairie on the Native Prairie Trail.
3. Visit Fort Walsh National Historic Site and discover the role this 1875 fort played in Canadian history.
4. Stargaze in this Dark Sky Park and join one of the astronomy events hosted at the Dark Sky Observatory.
5. Visit Historic Reesor Ranch in Cypress Hills to experience the cowboy culture of Western Canada. Watch wranglers work with cattle, take a horseback ride through nature, and stay in a cabin in the wilderness.

^{Foto: Fort Walsh National Historic Site / Tourism Saskatchewan / Chris Hendrickson Photography}

^{Foto's: Historic Reesor Ranch / Tourism Saskatchewan}

This article was written in collaboration with Tourism Saskatchewan. Want more travel inspiration for your stay in Saskatchewan? Visit the website for more information.