Day 1: Fly to Saskatchewan
Fly into Saskatoon and take a private shuttle to your conveniently located downtown hotel. After check in and time to freshen up, enjoy a walk on the Meewasin Valley Trail
along the South Saskatoon River, through Canada’s largest urban conservation zone.
Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada that doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time and is in the Central Standard Time zone (CST) It is one of the sunniest places in Canada, even during wintertime. It was established in 1883 on Treaty Six Territory stewarded by the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Salteaux and Nakota Sioux, and is home to many Metis settlements.
After your walk, get to know your fellow travellers at a group welcome dinner.
Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon, SK (3 nights)
Meals:
D
Day 2: Batoche National Park & Walk, Fort Carlton Provincial Park & Walk
After an included breakfast, travel back to the 19th century at Batoche National Park
to learn about Metis settler life and the 1885 Battle of Batoche, Louis Riel's final stand against the Canadian government. Walk the grounds and hear fascinating stories about the resilient Metis families on a guided tour. Discover the many trails throughout the park and see amazing views of the South Saskatchewan River and valley, along with the lasting markers of the river lot system, an old cemetery, and the battlegrounds where the Metis soldiers bravely fought. With many beautiful resting spots, there will be time for a picnic lunch. Your next stop is Fort Carlton Provincial Park, a former Hudson Bay trading post (1810-1885) and a National Historic Site of Canada. Take a self-guided tour through the replica fort, which includes a fur and provisions store, trade store, clerks’ quarters and tipi encampment. After viewing the fortress, stroll through a forest from the Fort to the North Saskatchewan River, to the site where indigenous people and settlers would load off their goods for trade. Before returning to Saskatoon for a free evening, wander through Duck Lake and admire the historic murals.
Meals:
B, L
Day 3: Wanuskewin Heritage Park & Hike, Western Development Museum
Discover the past and learn about the Indigenous way of life from 6500 years ago and the European settlers’ experiences on this harsh and unforgiving land with a visit to the Wanuskewin (Wah-nus-KAY-win) Heritage Park.
Home to several trails, this sacred site is Canada's longest-running archeological dig site, and a future UNESCO World Heritage Site (hopeful designation date of 2028). After exploring the trails, exhibits, and interactive displays, take the opportunity to experience traditional indigenous cuisine at the onsite restaurant (at your own expense). After lunch, depart for the Western Development Museum
for a self-guided tour through one (Saskatoon) of the four Western Development Museums operated by the Government of Saskatchewan. While each museum is dedicated to a specific theme, the Saskatoon branch celebrates the 1910s-era “Boomtown” and features authentic buildings and artifacts. Before you return to the hotel, stop at the Saskatchewan University to view John Diefenbaker's gravesite.
Meals: B
Day 4: Manitou Beach, Last Mountain Lake Wildlife Preserve & Walk
This morning, enjoy a visit to the unique Manitou Beach.
Often referred to as the “Dead Sea of Canada” Manitou Beach lies on the shores of the mineral-heavy waters of Little Manitou Lake. According to legend, the lake’s reputed healing properties were discovered by indigenous people travelling through the area. Since then, it has hosted visitors from all over North America to experience the intense mineral concentration and remarkable buoyancy. It’s impossible to sink in this lake! There will be time for a swim, to shop, or to take an optional hike with the tour director. After lunch in town (on your own), travel to the Lake Mountain Lake Wildlife Preserve,
home to the oldest bird sanctuary in North America. Over 200 species migrate through the area, while others nest here. Go up the observatory tower and walk a flat trail to observe the many birds and wildlife. Later in the afternoon, travel to Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan. Check in to your new hotel and enjoy an included group dinner.
Stay: Downtown Regina Hotel (TBA), Regina, SK (2 nights)
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Saskatchewan Legislative Building, RCMP Heritage Centre
Begin your day with a walk to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building
for an outdoor tour. Constructed in 1912, it is one of the grandest buildings in Western Canada and holds 34 types of marble. After exploring the Legislative grounds, take a leisurely stroll around Lake Wascana, one of the largest urban parks in North America and an oasis in the middle of the city. Keep your eyes open for painted turtles and wetland birds such as pelicans and cormorants. After an included group lunch, spend the afternoon at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Heritage Centre.
This modern centre brings to life one of Canada’s oldest and most iconic stories of the creation of the RCMP, from its formation as the North West Mounted Police in 1873 to the modern-day Mountie. Adjacent to the centre is the RCMP Academy where all RCMP members from across Canada receive their training. The rest of the evening is yours to discover Downtown Regina.
Meals:
B, L
Day 6: Moose Jar Tunnel Tour, Free Time in Moose Jaw, Trolley Tour, Western Development Museum
After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Moose Jaw and visit the underground tunnels
that supported the bootlegging trade. Led by an interpretative guide, travel back to the 1920s, become a bootlegger, and learn about Al Capone’s visit to Moose Jaw. There will be free time to explore Moose Jaw’s downtown and its 43 murals. After lunch (on your own), discover the historical significance of this dynamic city on a trolley tour. A photo opportunity awaits with Mac the Moose! Next, take a self-guided tour through the second Western Development Museum.
The Moose Jaw museum is dedicated to transportation, with the real highlight being aviation (given its proximity to CFB Moose Jaw). Learn about Canada’s Snowbirds, see an Avro airplane, and even have a chance to sit in the cockpit
Stay:
Canalta Hotel, Assiniboia, SK (3 nights)
Meals: B
Day 7: Grasslands National Park West Block
Get ready for an exciting day on the prairies, the image most conjured up when thinking about Saskatchewan! Depart to Grasslands National Park, the only national park in Canada that represents the prairie grasslands natural region. Did you know: that the prairies are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the country because they are attractive for development? The park is divided into two blocks The East and The West and today’s adventures take you to the West Block. Upon arrival, there will be time to see the Visitor Centre before embarking on a scenic historical RCMP route through two trails: Eagle Butte Trail and 70 Mile Butte Trail. After a picnic lunch on the trails, take an Ecotour Scenic Drive through the West Block. Keep your eyes open for prairie dog colonies, bison, historic homesteads, native flora, and unique geography such as coulees. On your way back to the hotel, stop in the town of Limerick, a typical rural town with train tracks running through it, to see a traditional grain silo. After dinner with the locals, return to Assiniboia for a well-deserved rest.
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Grasslands National Park East Block
Today’s adventure takes you to the Eastern Block of the Grasslands National Park to explore the famous badlands via a hike through the Valley of a Thousand Devils. Enjoy a picnic lunch, while taking in the astonishing views, and finish your Grasslands National Park experience with another scenic drive through the East Block. To fully experience Saskatchewan, visit another small community Rockglen,
and have dinner in a local restaurant. Rockglen’s Visitor Centre is home to a historic CPR station, a designated Saskatchewan Heritage Site. After some exploring, head back to Assiniboia to reflect on your amazing day.
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Regina Walking Tour, Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, return to Regina to meet with a local guide for an informative walking tour of the city. After the tour, enjoy free time on your own. Suggested optional attractions include: the free Royal Saskatchewan Museum, art galleries, the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens, great shopping, and more. Your final dinner together will be at a local brew house – a favourite of the locals.
Stay:
Meridian Inn by the Regina Airport (1 night)
Meals:
B, D
Day 10: Fly Home
Your journey home begins today after breakfast. Take the airport transfer to the Regina Airport and fly home, taking many memories and new experiences with you.
Meals: B
