From Lloydminster in the west to Yorkton in the east, central Saskatchewan boasts a stunning transformation from prairie to boreal forest and showcases nature in its grandest form. From fur trading posts and four-season lake resorts to healing waters and multicultural heritage, central Saskatchewan offers some of the province’s most diverse attractions. Take a holiday through the area and visit these top destinations:

Nipawin/Tobin Lake/Carrot River

Named after the wild carrots that grow along the riverbanks, Carrot River will surprise you with its rolling hills, lush summer greenery and charm of its residents. Pasquia Regional Park is home to Big Bert, a 5.8-metre ancestor of the modern crocodile that hunted its prey when Saskatchewan was an inland sea. Just outside of Nipawin, Tobin Lake has earned a reputation as the premier walleye and northern pike fishing lake in southern and central Saskatchewan, and is one of the top walleye lakes in North America. Take a tour of the lake with Aurora Houseboats and relax on the top deck with friends. Pack your clubs and visit a few of the golf courses in the area – Evergreen Golf Course, Rolling Pines Golf and Country Resort and Pasquia Regional Park Golf Course.

Yorkton

Yorkton is an urban hub of east central Saskatchewan and one of the major centres of Ukrainian settlement in the province. At the Yorkton branch of the Western Development Museum, 100 Years of Saskatchewan History is on display. See an actual settler shack preserved for visitors and learn the sad story of the Humeniuk carved figures. The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery features contemporary works from Saskatchewan artists. Learn more about the city’s heritage on a self-guided walking tour of Yorkton. Maps and information are available through Tourism Yorkton.

Duck Mountain Provincial Park/Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park

A short drive from Yorkton, immerse yourself in boreal forest surrounded by rolling hills and glistening lakes at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Madge Lake has an 18-hole golf course, great beaches, hiking (Trans Canada Trail) and horseback riding for the outdoor enthusiast. Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park has a vast array of activities, including golf at the Good Spirit Golf Resort, and an alluring, unique landscape. Hike through the beautifully sculpted sand hills along the Trans Canada Trail or enjoy the shallow water and white sand beach with the kids.

Manitou Beach

There are hidden gems, and then there’s Manitou Beach. The intense mineral concentration of Little Manitou Lake draws people from around the world for the water’s reputed healing properties. Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa allows you to try out the waters in a relaxing indoor pool. After a soak, put on your dancing shoes and kick up your heels at Danceland, an old-fashioned dance hall with one of the last horsehair-sprung dance floors in North America.

The Battlefords

View powerful images of the Northern Plains Cree through the art of renowned Indigenous artist Allen Sapp at the Allen Sapp Gallery/The Gonor Collection in North Battleford. Sapp’s real-life depictions of his past have been seen around the world and earned the late artist provincial and national recognition, including the Order of Canada. At the North Battleford branch of the Western Development Museum, tour a working 1920s-era village and farm with a fully preserved grain elevator.

Lloydminster/St. Walburg

Straddling the boundary of Saskatchewan and Alberta, Lloydminster boasts a mix of homespun hospitality with big city amenities. The city’s historic downtown is home to more than 100 retailers, restaurants and services. Spend the day exploring this area and take a selfie in front of one of the many colourful murals during an ArtWalk. Impressive public art can be found throughout the city. The new location of the Lloydminster Museum & Archives (formerly Lloydminster Cultural & Science Centre) features a permanent gallery dedicated to the history of Lloydminster and region. The facility also has a temporary gallery to host travelling exhibits and a gift shop. In nearby St. Walburg, visit the Imhoff Museum & Art Gallery. Count Berthold von Imhoff’s paintings grace cathedrals and churches across North America.

Trails of 1885

Fort Battleford National Historic Site represents a period in history when Battleford was the capital of the Northwest Territories. At Batoche National Historic Site, discover the lives of Métis residents between 1860 and 1900 – the trails they walked, their homes, their church, which help tell the story of the Battle of Batoche. These national historic sites, along with Fort Carlton Provincial Park and Duck Lake, are part of the transprovincial Trails of 1885 initiative.