4 great long weekend destinations in Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewanderer shares his hidden nature gems
Looking for a new nature getaway for a long weekend? Even if you've spent a lot of time in Saskatchewan, we bet there are some hidden natural wonders you haven't even heard of. Luckily for us, the Saskatchewanderer is hunting them down.
"It's mind boggling," said Neil Fisher, tasked with exploring Saskatchewan for the summer.
"The way I finally come across these hidden places is not difficult. I open up Google Maps and I just start scrolling. I zoom in, I zoom out, I look for patches of green and that's how I find, you know, what's so-called is 'hidden'. It's not like they're a secret. They are out there, it's just taking the time and effort to look."
Massold Clay Canyons
Speaking of interesting nature spots most people don't know about, Massold Clay Canyons definitely makes the list. And they're only an hour southwest of Regina, making it perfect for a day tip.
Fisher said he likes places that don't require a backpack with an overnight tent and food.
"There are locations in Saskatchewan that are accessible to everyone."
The Clay Canyons are great for a nature hike, and near the Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site where you can learn about the geography.
The Great Sandhills
Just south of Sceptre, Sask., the Great Sandhills are several kilometres of large sand dunes. You can feel like you left the province and went to a desert in another country.
"For somebody living in Saskatchewan, sand dunes are not always something that's right out your backyard, and it's really beautiful there," Fisher said.
Nipekamew Sand Cliffs
Some of Fisher's finds come in as tips, like the tweet that told him about the Nipekamew Sand Cliffs. Fisher wasn't disappointed.
"It's solitude... it's very unique," he said.
These cliffs are near La Ronge and were carved out near an ancient river.
West side of Prince Albert National Park
"It's a really beautiful place that's not visited by many people," said Fisher, who puts the west side of Prince Albert National Park on his list of favourite places.
A herd of plains bison live on that side, and Fisher said there are beautiful trails. It's a perfect place for those looking to escape.
"You're not going to bump into hundreds of people. There's no boats. It's a peace and quiet kind of corner of the park."
To see more great places to explore, check out the Saskatchewanderer website.
With files from CBC's Saskatchewan Weekend