Summer adventures to check out in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan summers are made for exploring. Hiking trails, grid roads and rivers throughout the province can take you to places that will make for lasting memories. The question is, where should you go?

CBC's Eric Anderson chooses some his favourite places for #CBCSKsummer

Eric Anderson · CBC News · Posted: Jul 09, 2016 10:30 AM EDT | Last Updated: July 9, 2016

The observatory at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park will be busy during the star party. (Photo courtesy Gail Kesslar)

Saskatchewan summers are made for exploring. Hiking trails, grid roads and rivers throughout the province can take you to places that will make for lasting memories.

The question is, where should you go?

Here are three places I think would make for great Saskatchewan summer adventures.

Saskatchewan Summer Star Party

Campers and astronomers come from all over Western Canada to gaze at the stars in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. (Photo courtesy Gail Kesslar)

Everyone knows how gorgeous sunsets are in our province, but the folks at Cypress Hills are celebrating the night-time next month. The 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Star Party takes place from August 3 to 7 at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. There will be presenters from across North America speaking about the wonders of the night-sky, and astronomers of all levels will take advantage of the park's Dark Sky Preserve designation. There will also be plenty of telescopes around the Dark Sky Campground and Observatory that the public can use to gaze at the stars.

Check out this starry beauty, sent to us by DL Fannon for #cbcsksummer.

DL Fannon sent this shot of Candle Lake, on July 2, to CBC Saskatchewan on Facebook. Share your summer snapshots, to win, by using #CBCSKsummer on social media. (DL Fannon/Submitted to CBC)

Blue Mountain Adventure Park

Zip-lining has soared in popularity in the past few years thanks to the efforts of Jori Kirk and his Eco-Adventures businesses in Cypress Hills and Elk Ridge, but did you know Saskatchewan's longest zip-line is nestled in the beautiful hills, northwest of North Battleford?

Blue Mountain Adventure Park covers 1280 acres of rolling hills and has a zip-line measuring 750 meters. It is one of five zip-lines in the park and having gone over the Canada Day weekend, I can tell you it is an adrenaline rush.

The park also has hiking trails, rock-climbing, archery and a lake for canoeing and kayaking. I had never heard of Blue Mountain before visiting a few weeks ago, but I will be back soon for the great views. What's also nice about Blue Mountain is the profits from the park are donated to The Lighthouse Supported Living shelter in North Battleford and Saskatoon.

This adventure shot was sent to us by Jenna Gall, for #CBCSKsummer.

Jenna Gall, or @jennakorengall on Instagram, shared this photo of an adventurous camping trip near, Stanley Rapids on Churchill River in northern Saskatchewan. "I highly recommend a trip, or many, paddling down this beauty!" wrote Gall in her #CBCSKsummer submission. Are you adventuring, too? Share your photos to win, using #CBCSKsummer on social media.

Prairie Lily Canapes and Bubbles Cruise

A sunset cruise on the South Saskatchewan River is a wonderful way to see Saskatoon. (Eric Anderson/CBC)

A cruise on The Prairie Lily riverboat is a delightful way to see Saskatoon. Seeing the city while eating delicious food? That's even better. The Lily has partnered with Kyle Michael and Christie Peters, the husband and wife duo behind The Hollows and Primal restaurants in Saskatoon, to offer a canape and bubbles cruise.

The cruise is 90 minutes and features 7 different food courses from The Hollows restaurant. (Eric Anderson/CBC)

My wife and I went a few weeks ago and the sunset while cruising the South Saskatchewan River was stunning. Or maybe it was delectable truffled eggs and lemon tarts that made the sunset so nice. The cruise starts at 9:00 p.m. CST, goes for 90 minutes, and happens only once a month so it is best to get your tickets early.

Fun on the water! Vanessa Ryanne shared this photo of her favourite thing to do on the South Saskatchewan for #CBCSKsummer.