From Camp-to-Glamp in Meadow Lake Provincial Park
If you love Saskatchewan as much as I do, read this blog to discover some hidden gems in our beautiful province that will keep you spellbound and inspired to plan your next holiday locally.
Saskatchewan is home to two national parks (Grasslands National Park and Prince Albert National Park), 18 national historic sites, 39 provincial parks and historic parks and 76 accredited regional parks. In addition, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is on the road to earning an UNESCO World Heritage designation. With so much diversity in our landscape, it’s time to pack your camping gear and hit the road!
What does Camp-to-Glamp mean? Glamping is an accommodation that offers a camp experience with the comforts of home. Simply put, it’s a cool place to stay with some unique extras. This blog post will show you exactly where you need to stay for the ultimate relaxing wilderness experience at Greig Lake after camping.
Greig Lake is located in the heart of Meadow Lake Provincial Park and surrounded by towering conifers. Meadow Lake Provincial Park is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of our boreal forest. Although you can visit year round, I explored the park in June and was spoiled by all of the wildflowers in hues of purple, white, red and orange dotting the roadside. The real treat for me was hearing wolf calls echoing off of the lake as I lay in my tent. It was both haunting and beautiful.
With over 140 campsites, including a Camp-Easy yurt, Greig Lake Campground offers full service, as well as electrical hook-up to all but 10 sites. There are also four group campsites (two electric and two non-electric), shower and laundry facilities, and firewood is free to campers. Reservations can be made through Sask Parks. I booked online prior to arriving but lucked out and was able to move to a lakefront site on arrival. I ended my day with a kayak as the sun was setting and the lake was like glass.
Whether you are travelling with your family, your partner or you like to explore solo, there are a lot of activities to do like fishing, hiking or biking the trails, playing mini golf, canoeing or kayaking, boating, birding or wildlife viewing, grabbing an ice cream at the Greig Lake Store, or participating in the park’s monthly programming or events.
Even though I saw a little black bear in the area, I hiked a section of the Boreal Trail (with bear spray, of course) and I went swimming in the lake before heading to the Northern Lights cabin with Lake Time Rentals.
Prior to arriving, owner Philip sent a detailed email which included a location map, information about my cabin stay and a cute questionnaire. A welcome basket was waiting for me and contained items related to my answers, such as a custom Lake Time citronella candle and a s’more kit. This personal touch made me feel like a welcome friend rather than a guest.
There are two brand-new, four-season cabins that offer everything from five appliances, Wi-Fi, high-end bedding and mattresses and a walk-in shower to a BBQ with pizza oven, hot tub, and an outdoor firepit. This is truly an ultimate glamp stay.
Each cabin has two bedrooms but sleeps six with a pullout couch. Bring your friends and family and enjoy all of the conveniences of home while at Lake Time Rentals.
An escape to Greig Lake Campground and Lake Time Rentals was the perfect way to spend my weekend holiday, and it opened the door to exploring this part of Saskatchewan further. Before ending my holiday, I set my alarm to stargaze that night, but I slept through until the morning. I blame the cosy mattress!
My biggest takeaway from this northern Saskatchewan exposure was the reminder of how incredibly beautiful our province is.
Author & Photographer: Carolyn Wensley
Carolyn Wensley is a published photographer, travel and adventure blogger and lululemon Ambassador. Although she proudly calls Saskatchewan home, she can often be found trail running or camping in the Canadian Rockies. Carolyn is a fearless adventurer and through her love of the outdoors, wildlife and exploring, she hopes to inspire other adventure seekers. Her Saskatchewan bucket list items are Castle Butte and the Athabasca Sand Dunes. Find her on online: @farrohwildphotography