Take the road – or river – less travelled. Nature looms large in Saskatchewan’s far north. Leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in a landscape laced with a tapestry of connecting lakes, waterways and blanketed in boreal forest. It’s an outdoor adventure lover’s dream.
You’ll often find you have the road or lake to yourself in this remote northern region of Saskatchewan. Well, that’s if you’re not counting the eagles, moose, beavers and bears that keep to themselves as they make their way across this vast landscape. Wander, fish, hike, paddle or just simply sit, be and take it all in under the summer sun, as you plan your adventure to this unspoiled wilderness. It’s all yours to explore.
1. Canoe along the Churchill River
Canoe along the Churchill River (Chris Henrickson Photography for Tourism Saskatchewan)
Northern Saskatchewan is a canoeist’s paradise. Put in, paddle away and chase the horizon as you voyage up the mighty Churchill River which cuts a swathe 1600km east and northeast across the lowlands to Hudson Bay. North Saskatchewan is home to most of the province’s 100,000 lakes and rivers. And the Churchill, and its series of interconnecting lakes, dotted with islands, rapids and even waterfalls, makes a bucket-list voyage for those who long to take to the water.
Choose your voyage. Part of the lure of the Churchill River is that it allows canoeists of all skill levels to see what they’ve got; take an easy cruise on open waters or challenge your skills in faster moving flows. Local outfitters can take care of all the details, from guiding on routes to providing gear and transportation, and advice on remote cabins to recharge for multi-day paddles. It’s an especially good idea when navigating waterways this remote. Meaning all you have to worry about is spotting loons and eagles and keeping those arms in good shape.
2. Retreat at Thompson’s Resort
Thompson’s Resort offers a tranquil lakeside getaway (Adventure Destinations)
Speaking of cabins, situated in the Churchill River System on Otter Lake, Thompson’s offers classic cabins for weary travellers to relax, rest-up and pause a while. Yet, while this tranquil spot makes an ideal place to recharge, it’s also a great gateway to more adventure.
The resort offers interpretative boat tours showcasing local Indigenous rock paintings, rapids and wildlife, as well as evening voyages across the waters, as dusk sets in and the night reclaims the river for itself. Grab a glamping kit and paddle out to camp on a nearby island for a private experience under the stars. Or rent some fishing tackle, choose a trail and hike, take to the beach, or opt for a bird’s eye view with a float plane tour over the bush. And when you’re done and ready to rest, cabins from the quaint and rustic to more sprawling chalets for up to eight people await. Bed in; there’s nothing like the clean forest air to aid a sound night’s sleep.
3. Learn about Indigenous culture
Ancient history is preserved by rock paintings (Tourism Saskatchewan)
You’ll become adept at spotting them; the signs that people have been here for millennia. Ancient history is preserved in the rocks of these lands, where red ochre lines above the waterline depict long ago lived images of hunts, harvests and more. Sentinels to the changes of the river, these red line drawings or pictographs have survived the centuries and today are only accessible by water. Paddle in to see images of people, birds, beasts and geometric shapes.
Visits to these culturally sensitive and sacred locations must be conducted with care and respect for First Nations culture and tradition. It’s a profound feeling to come face-to-face with the past and almost see the fingerprints of the people who left their mark. Soak it in and aid their continued preservation by simply looking and moving on to discover more, each more beautiful than the last.
4. Go fishing on Mountain and Otter Lakes
Find a prize catch on fishing excursions at Thompson’s Resort (Tourism Saskatchewan)
You haven’t truly fished until you’ve sat atop the still waters of the Mountain and Otter Lakes, with nothing but the sound of the breeze and water gently slapping against the boat, waiting patiently. Practice your best ‘prize catch’ pose, as you’ll likely score some whoppers on jaunts on the waterways from Thompson’s Resort, or its more remote outpost, the Twin Falls Lodge. Located on a peninsula between Mountain and Otter Lakes, Twin Falls is a 15-minute scenic flight by float plane from the Thompson’s Resort base in Missinipe. And its location makes it an ideal fishing spot.
The cold, fast moving water of the Churchill River system makes for exceptional season-long walleye fishing. While the namesake waterfalls on either side of the lodge offer a great natural spawning and feeding ground for walleye and northern pike. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s further to go still. The lodge has access to four additional portage lakes, a short distance off the Churchill River. So, if that big catch has so far evaded you, fear not, you have options.
5. Hike in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park
Take in the spectacular views of Lac La Ronge Provincial Park (David Reede Photography for Tourism Saskatchewan)
Is there anything better than cooling off with a dip in a lake after a long, sweaty hike on a hot summer’s day? Lac La Ronge Provincial Park – at the heart of the Churchill River system – has 100 lakes and more than 30 canoe routes popular with visitors. But, when your arms need a break, it’s time to explore on foot.
One of the largest parks in the province, there are endless hikes to be had across its 336, 197 hectares of boreal forest and the rocky crags of the Canadian shield. More than 20km of scenic trails criss-cross the park to reach viewpoints that look across rugged landscapes and crystal-clear lakes. Whether you want a genteel wander or a more challenging hike, there are options. Routes such as the Nut Point Trail, where a 30km long route climbs nearly 700m in elevation, require stamina. But your reward is that refreshing lake dip. When hot muscles hit cooling waters, while the vivid sun begins to dip and the birdsong closes the day, well, that’s bliss.
