The Best Autumn Hikes in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s landscapes are surprisingly diverse in autumn. Wonderfully unexpected places to wander, climb and camp are everywhere – from the blanket of boreal forest and crystal-clear lakes in the north to the hills and grasslands in the south.

Explore hidden treasures like giant sand dunes, peaceful rivers, native grasslands, plunging valleys, and beautiful badlands.

“Saskatchewan is the perfect backdrop for any hiker and nature lover to get out there and experience wondrous, scenic beauty. If you thought the province was flat with just grass and fields as far as the eye can see, then you’re in for a surprise.” –todocanada.ca

Discover Saskatchewan during the autumn season in each of these unique zones

Northern Lights & Waterways

Nut Point Trail, Lac La Ronge Provincial Park

Nut Point Trail follows a long peninsula through dense forest, rocky outcrops and muskeg typical of the Canadian Shield.

two people looking out at the boreal forest from a lookout point on nut point trail

Unlimited Lakes & Parkland

Gem Lakes Trail, Narrow Hills Provincial Park

Discover steep, treed valleys among five sparkling little lakes named after precious stones—Jade, Diamond, Opal, Sapphire and Pearl. Brilliant fall colours reflect on the mirror-like lake surfaces on the Gem Lakes Trail.

view of gem lakes in Narrow Hills Provincial Park with turquoise blue water and boreal forest around

Narrows Peninsula Trail, Prince Albert National Park

Narrows Peninsula Trail is a rolling 3-km loop featuring an ostrich fern bed and expansive views of Waskesiu Lake.

group hiking through a forest with mossy forest floor

Boreal Trail, Meadow Lake Provincial Park

On the 135-km Boreal Trail, watch birch and pine leaves turning, see rocky cliffs and wander on the shores of northern Saskatchewan’s massive lakes. A variety of start and end places and well-maintained backcountry campsites are available.

two hikers sitting on a hillside for a rest with backpacks on looking out to a lake and the boreal forest

Pelly Point Nature Trail, Duck Mountain Provincial Park

Follow the Pelly Point Nature Trail on a long, narrow peninsula stretching out into beautiful Madge Lake. This 4.4-km trail leads you to some of the oldest blazing red Manitoba Maples in the park. The trail is recommended for advanced hikers due to elevation changes.

Aerial photo of the landscape at Duck Mountain Provincial Park in autumn

Prairie Life & City Lights

Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon

Wander through Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a gathering place for Indigenous peoples who roamed the Northern Plains. Choose from six trails or register for a guided walking tour. Discover buffalo jump sites, an ancient medicine wheel, archeological dig sites, tipi rings, remnants of artifacts, birch trees and more.

aerial photo of Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Beaver Creek Conservation Area, Saskatoon

Choose from four clearly marked trails for a family-friendly hike in the Beaver Creek Conservation Area. See autumn colours come to life in the densely forested valley walls.

Sunset photo from Beaver Creek Conservation Area

Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre, Herschel

Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre provides guided hikes on protected virgin prairie land. Discover Indigenous petroglyphs, Herschel’s birthing stone, the vision quest site, a turtle effigy, prayer stone, ribstones and more. Open by appointment only from September 1 to May 1.

picture of people hiking at Ancient Echos

Living Skies & Badlands

Prairie Vista Trail, Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park

Take in Prairie Vista Trail’s breathtaking views of the South Saskatchewan River valley, Lake Diefenbaker and the steep coulee.

four people hiking along a trail with large hills ahead of them and tall grasses around

Top of the World Trail, Pine Cree Regional Park

Hike through the trees along the Top of the World Trail to the highest point of Pine Cree Regional Park. Wander back down and along a babbling brook.

aerial view of the landscape at Pine Cree Regional Park

Timbergulch Trail, Grasslands National Park

Explore Grasslands National Park’s vast valley rims and deep coulees along Timbergulch Trail. This 17-km hike makes for a great overnight backpacking trip in the fall.

groupe of hikers in grasslands national park

Autumn in Saskatchewan is a captivating season to explore the diversity of ecosystems across the province. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, crisp fall air, and the serene beauty each of these travel zones have to offer. 

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