Winter is here, so it's time to embrace the snowflakes and scenic breaks of Saskatchewan's provincial parks! With tons of winter activities and guided programming set to start on January 6, 2024 at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, and Buffalo Pound and Echo Valley Provincial Parks, you won't want to miss out on the fun!

Don't let a bit of chilly air scare you. Did you know we offer more than just winter activities? Take advantage of the warm-up opportunities like a cozy hot chocolate by the fire, saunas, restaurants and more.

To help you plan your visit, we've outlined a day of fun in each winter park. Remember to pack your warm clothes and your sense of adventure!

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is located just 20 minutes outside of Moose Jaw and an hour from Regina and is the perfect destination for day trips, offering diverse trails, disc golf, tobogganing, and more.

Start your day with a fat bike ride through the park trails, then head to the Visitor Centre (former ski chalet) to check out the renovated space with creative interpretive displays. If you pack a lunch, why not head upstairs, and find a cozy spot to eat and warm- up before jumping into more fun!

If you love snowshoeing or just want to try it, our guided park programming takes place on Saturdays. The Snowy Safari Snowshoe (Saturdays 1 p.m.) includes a Park Interpreter who will lead you through the snow-covered valley of Buffalo Pound in search of the wildlife that calls the park home. Plan 90 minutes for this two-kilometre, moderate snowshoe.

Try a doubleheader and participate in the Snowshoe through the Past (Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.). Visitors step back in time on this guided snowshoe to the Nicolle Homestead. Stories of blizzards, family fun and settler life come to life at this historic stone home nestled in the valley. Plan for 90 minutes for this 3.1-kilometre easy snowshoe, including travel time.

If you have a need for speed, grab your toboggan and race your friends down the hill. Forget yours? No problem. Grab one of our self-serve toboggans located outside of the chalet.

Stay overnight in one of Camp-Easy yurts or winter camping sites. LINK to winter camping/camp-easy pages.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

If you're looking for a winter wonderland getaway then you need to head out to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in southwest Saskatchewan.

Start your day early and explore the park's network of trails on foot or cross-country skiing. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding area, with the lodgepole trees being a particular highlight.

For lunch, head to Ivan's Restaurant located inside The Resort, then join Park Interpreters on a snowshoe hike— Life in the Lodgepoles Snowshoe Hike (Saturdays at 2 p.m.) From talking trees to cozy animal homes, experience this unique Saskatchewan landscape up close.

After a calming afternoon hiking through the trees, get an adrenaline rush as you sled down the hill on your toboggan or pick-up a small game of shinny on the skating rink (weather dependent).

There is no better place to see the night sky than Cypress Hills, so make sure to join the Galaxies and Moonbeams Snowshoe Hike (Saturdays at 7 p.m.). Learn the basics and head out on a guided snowshoe with a Park Interpreter as you hike along snow-covered forest trails and then tour the universe in the comfort of a crackling fire. A thermos of hot chocolate or tea is encouraged!

If you'd rather relax quietly on your own, try our dry sauna and hot tub. Entrance is $5 for adults, $2 for children and $15 for a family pass.

Stay a full weekend and book a Camp-Easy, winter campsite or stay at The Resort in Cypress Hills. The Resort at Cypress Hills . Check it out!

Echo Valley Provincial Park

Just a short 45-minute drive from Regina, Echo Valley Provincial Park is the ultimate winter spot filled to the brim with activities.

One of the most anticipated activities of the year is set to open on Boxing Day (weather dependent).

Skate the Park at Echo Valley Provincial Park invites visitors to lace up their skates and glide between the trees in the Aspen Campground. This 800-metre loop has thousands of string lights to brighten up your skate and a nearby tipi warming shelter.

Try the Echo Valley Ninja Warrior Course. It has a 50' ninja slack line with challenging obstacles, a bouldering wall and a 100' zipline that provides quick access from the Visitor Centre to the obstacle course.

Next, test your skills at the new crokicurl activity setup nearby before warming up by the campfire or popping in for a sauna experience at the new Back2Nature Wellness wood barrel sauna. Feeling peckish? No problem, CJ's Bakery in Partnership with Echo Ridge Golf Course is located inside the Visitor Centre.

After a rest, join the New to Nordic (Saturdays at 2 p.m.) guided ski and glide along a snow-covered 1.5-kilometre trail. Learn the techniques of set-track skiing and prepare to add another activity to your winter list.

End your night on Whimsical Wanderings Snowshoe Stroll (Saturdays at 6:30 p.m.). Learn basics while you stroll through twinkling lights in Echo Valley and meet mythical characters along the way.

New this year is a wooden barrel sauna to help you warm up while you chill out in Echo Valley Provincial Park. Book your spot with Back2Nature Wellness.

Insider's Tip: If you want to experience all the Echo Valley has to offer, but don't want the hassle of driving, check out Bombe Rides leaving from Regina.

Another option is to turn your day trip into a full weekend and book a Camp-Easy or winter campsites.

Other Provincial Park

While not all parks offer winter camping and programming, there's still plenty to enjoy for day trips or resort stays.

Explore the complete list of winter activities in Sask Parks.

To discover all things winter, visit our Sask Park's Winter page.

Please note: Outdoor guided programs will be cancelled if temperatures in the program location are forecasted at or below -26°C (with or without the windchill) and indoor programming will be created in its place. Cancellations will be made 24 hours in advance, and all pre-registrants will be notified of the change. Visitors are welcome to attend programming on drop-in basis if registration is closed, pending equipment availability.