Saskatchewan’s Northern Wilderness and Ranches

Day 1 - Fly to Calgary

Fly to Calgary, upon arrival making your own way to your downtown hotel. Evening at leisure.

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. We can also recommend a trip up the Calgary Tower and/or the Sam Centre which is a terrific place to learn all about the history of the Calgary Stampede.

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 North Battleford (165km)

Take your time and enjoy the drive sto North Battleford, be sure to stop off at picturesque Jackfish lake enroute.

Day 7 - North Battleford to Saskatoon (140km)

Continue your drive south east towards the city of Saskatoon. 

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 8 - Explore Saskatoon

A recommendation for travellers to Saskatoon – come with an appetite. The city’s food and drink scene is phenomenal. We suggest that you 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 (not included) on the South Saskatchewan River aboard the Prairie Lily and be captivated by the beauty of the city.

Day 9 - Saskatoon to Cypress Hills (439km)

Today’s drive takes you through the rolling prairies to drive to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Towering hills, lush forests and fescue prairie land provide breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy exploring the great outdoors by participating in a variety of local activities including canoeing, fishing, boating, birdwatching or enjoying a hike around the various nature trails. 

Day 10 - Cypress Hills Exploring

Enjoy a day of exploring. The “Hidden” Conglomerate Cliffs are well worth the hike for the great photo opportunities. We recommend visiting Fort Walsh National Historic Site, which transports visitors back in time to the 1870s. Take a guided tour of the fort and hear the stories and legends from this fascinating period in Canadian history.

For a taste of cowboy culture, drive to Maple Creek, which was named Canada’s Greatest Western Town in 2014. Explore the streets of Maple Creek enjoy visiting local shops or enjoy something to eat at the local restaurants and cafes.

Day 11 - Cypress Hills to Historic Reesor Ranch (96km)

Take the short drive to Historic Reesor Ranch. The next three days are yours to explore this beautiful landscape on horseback during the day, and spend the evenings living the social life of a Canadian cowboy.

Day 12 - Historic Reesor Ranch

The next two days are a time for relaxation, rejuvenation and discovery. For over 120 years, the Reesor family has shared the legacy of ranching in western Canada at this historic Cypress Hills property.

Accommodation is in the secluded Cowboy’s Cabin, complete with a private BBQ deck, firepit, air conditioning, and spring-fed water.

Delicious meals are served in the Ranch Hall Grill, including hearty ranch-style buffet dinners featuring AAA Canadian roast beef and classic sides. All meals included.

Day 13 - Historic Reesor Ranch

Another full day at Historic Reesor Ranch relaxing and enjoying horseback riding.

Day 14 - Historic Reesor Ranch to Calgary (380km)

Departing Historic Reesor Ranch make your way back to Calgary for your overnight. We highly recommend you stop off at Calgary South's Farmers Market for a bite to eat and some treats.

Day 15 - Fly from Calgary

Calgary has many attractions however make sure you take in the Sam Centre, it tells the story of how the Calgary Stampede started, what it is about and is very interactive and a cool way to spend an hour or two. Other great places to take is in Heritage Park a living museum. Check out of your hotel, dropping off your car hire before your onward flight home.