Saskatchewan’s Northern Wilderness and Ranches

Day 1 - UK to Calgary

Fly UK to Calgary, upon arrival making your own way to your downtown hotel.

Day 2 - Calgary Heritage Park

Today we have included admission to Calgary Heritage Park. Explore Western Canadian history ranging from the 1860s to the 1950s at Heritage Park Historical Village. Guests can take a step back in history and learn about the west's energy past, present, and future with the story seeker exhibit at the Innovation Crossing, or the challenges of animal care around the turn of the century at the Vintage Veterinary Exhibit. Immerse yourself in "The Way We Played," with live street theatre displaying how leisure time was spent and participate in historical Indigenous games and activities. In Heritage Town Plaza you will find unique shopping and restaurants as well as the stunning interactive Gasoline Alley Museum which features an impressive collection of restored one-of-a-kind vehicles, antique gasoline pumps and renowned vintage signs all year round. Ask about new winter products, unique culinary experiences, and tax-exempt group meals in distinctive historical venues.

Day 3 - Calgary to Edmonton (300km)

This morning check out of your Calgary hotel, pick up your car hire and make your way to Edmonton. Check into your Edmonton hotel spending the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4 - Edmonton to Meadow Lake Provincial Park (358km)

Leaving Edmonton, head east on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway 16. About 45 km from the city, you will reach Elk Island National Park. It is situated in a wooded stretch of the Beaver Hills, a natural hillside landscape with numerous lakes, swamps and ponds. The park offers some of the best wildlife viewing in North America, including herds of Plains and Wood bison. Continuing east, you will soon cross the border into Saskatchewan. Your destination for today is Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

Day 5 - Meadow Lake Provincial Park

Covering 1,600 sq. km, Meadow Lake Provincial Park features more than 20 lakes, rivers and streams. Consider a canoe adventure on the Waterhen River, which winds its way through the park and connects the string of lakes. The 120-km Boreal Trail traverses the wild and varied ecosystems within the northern forest.

(Canoe hire should be booked locally)

Day 6 - Meadow Lake Provincial Park to Prince Albert National Park (354km)

Take your time and enjoy the drive south to Prince Albert National Park (PANP). Opened in 1928, PANP delights visitors with its forests, lakes, beaches, trails and resident wildlife. The park is also home to Canada‘s only herd of Plains bison in their historic range.

Day 7 - Prince Albert National Park

A day of outdoor adventure awaits. Enjoy hiking, canoeing, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, ziplining, wildlife viewing – PANP offers all of this and more.

(Activities can be booked locally)

Day 8 - Waskesiu Lake to Saskatoon (227km)

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s largest city, is described as the best of both worlds – dynamic urban energy in sync with nature. On the city’s northern edge sits Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site that has yielded evidence of human occupation dating back 6,400 years. Traces of every cultural group that existed on the Northern Plains have been discovered here. Authentic First Nations culture and traditions are experienced through dance performances, exhibitions of Indigenous art and hands-on activities. An onsite restaurant serves traditional First Nations cuisine with a contemporary twist. Admission to Wanuskewin Heritage Park Included.

Day 9 - Explore Saskatoon

A recommendation for travellers to Saskatoon – come with an appetite. The city’s food and drink scene is phenomenal. Start your day with breakfast in the popular Riversdale neighbourhood. A stroll through downtown Saskatoon offers plenty of shopping as well as cultural attractions. Art lovers will enjoy the Remai Modern, an art gallery which houses the world’s largest collection of Picasso linocut prints, along with nearly two dozen ceramic works by the Spanish master. At the Western Development Museum, stroll through Boomtown – a replica of a 1910 Western Canadian village with turn-of-the-century shops and interactive experiences. Enjoy a cruise on the South Saskatchewan River aboard the Prairie Lily and be captivated by the beauty of the city.

Day 10 - Saskatoon to North Battleford (134km)

Leaving southern Saskatchewan behind, you head to North Battleford, a community with a rich history. Fort Battleford, established in 1876, played a significant role in the conflict known as the Northwest Resistance. Now a National Historic Site, Fort Battleford tells the difficult history between settlers, members of the North West Mounted Police, and First Nations and Métis peoples. Five of the fort’s original buildings are preserved.

Day 11 - North Battleford to La Reata Ranch (267km)

Today’s drive takes you through the rolling prairies along to southern Saskatchewan to La Reata Ranch, a working cattle ranch located on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker where guests can immerse themselves in the Canadian Cowboy lifestyle. The ranch offers a variety of activities to enjoy, including walking along Lake Diefenbaker where you can take part in swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing and waterskiing. Keep a lookout for local wildlife, you may spot deer, coyotes, foxes and golden eagles.

In the evening enjoy a game of horseshoes or visit the La Reata Saloon where there is a pool table, foosball and darts. You can also enjoy some country music or sit outside for some star gazing. End the night around the campfire toasting marshmallows for a midnight snack. (campfires may be limited due to draught conditions)

Day 12 - La Reata Ranch

On your second day at La Reata Ranch, enjoy some horse riding! After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to saddle up to check the herd and explore the ranch property. All guests can participate in cattle and ranch work, including checking cows and moving the herd.

Beginners will be provided with basic western horse ride training and guests can also have lessons on handling rope work with cattle or try barrel racing.

Day 13 - La Reata Ranch

Another full day at La Reata Ranch.

Day 14 - La Reata Ranch to Calgary

Departing La Reata Ranch make your way back to Calgary. 

Day 15 - Calgary to UK

Today check out of hotel, dropping off your car hire before your onward flight home.