10 Wild Hikes near Saskatoon
From sand dunes to grasslands to the Boreal forest, hiking near Saskatoon offers abundant natural variety. Ranging from easy to difficult, three kilometres to 18, there’s a trail on our list for every hiker, and all within two hours of Saskatoon.
1. Meewasin Valley Trails
Distance: 60 km total
Time: Varies
Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s awesome: Get back to nature — in the middle of the city.
Part of the Trans Canada Trail, Meewasin Valley is an ode to the natural diversity surrounding Saskatoon. Watch for birds at the Cosmopolitan Park lookout, check out the Crocus Prairie bog or wander a bit further afield to search for butterflies at the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands.
How do I get to the trailhead? There are multiple trailheads along the trail.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Distance from Saskatoon: Within city limits.
2. Living Sky Trail
Beaver Creek Conservation Area
Distance: 3.2 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s awesome: A little gem hidden close to home.
Located just a few kilometres outside of Saskatoon, the Beaver Creek Conservation Area is a haven for grassland birds and species at risk. It is also a haven for city-dwellers looking for some tranquility. Wander among the wildflowers, breathe in the air, and bask in serenity of nature. Extend your hike by tacking on the other trails in the network.
How do I get to the trailhead? The trailhead is located at the visitor’s centre.
Read more: saskhiker.com
Distance from Saskatoon: 20 km
3. Cacti Trail
Douglas Provincial Park
Distance: 5 km out-and-back
Time: 1+ hour
Elevation: Minimal
Why it’s awesome: Sand dunes and cacti — need we say more?
Although you won’t find the province’s largest sand dunes here, they are some of the most accessible. As you hike, look out for different types of cactus and some of the endangered species that inhabit Douglas Park.
How do I get to the trailhead? The trailhead is located at the Dunes Nature Centre.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Distance from Saskatoon: 145 km
4. Amyot Lake Trail
Prince Albert National Park
Distance: 15.5 km
Time: 4 hours
Elevation: minimal
Why it’s awesome: Come for the aspen groves, stay for the free-roaming bison.
Follow the lake’s edge before ducking into a swaying aspen forest and passing through sedge meadows. Views of the Sturgeon River Valley await, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of wild bison.
How do I get to the trailhead? The trail is accessed from the West Side Boundary Trail which begins at the Valleyview day use area.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Distance from Saskatoon: 230 km
5. Loop Trail
Blackstrap Provincial Park
Distance: 5 km
Time: 1+ hour
Elevation: minimal
Why it’s awesome: A successful hike calls for a celebratory lake dip.
Just a short distance from Saskatoon lies Blackstrap Provincial Park: a man-made oasis for waterfowl and humans alike. There are two separate loop hiking trails; one is 3.3 km and the other is 1.7 km. Book a campsite to make a weekend of it, as there are a lot of other activity options, from mountain biking to canoing.
How do I get to the trailhead? Blackstrap Provincial Park is located 32 km south of Saskatoon on highway 11.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Distance from Saskatoon: 50 km
6. Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Distance: 6 km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation: minimal
Why it’s awesome: Nice views and important First Nations history.
Well-maintained trails, views of the Saskatchewan River and and an interpretive centre that delves into the rich history of the area make the Wanuskewin Heritage Park well-worth checking out. Visit the archaeological digs, the buffalo jump sites and lookout for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
How do I get to the trailhead? Trails depart from the Exhibition Centre and are well-marked.
Read more: saskhiker.com
Distance from Saskatoon: Within city limits.
7. Jorgen’s Trail
Duck Lake
Distance: 13 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Why it’s awesome: A woodsy contrast to the windswept prairie you know and love.
This trail is part of a network of cross-country ski trails that transform into hiking trails come summertime. Wander through Boreal forest and relax in one of two warming huts when you need a break from all that natural beauty.
How do I get to the trailhead? Just north of Duck Lake, there are two parking lots (north and south).
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Distance from Saskatoon: 85 km
8. Spruce River Highlands Trail
Prince Albert National Park
Distance: 8.5 km
Time: 3.5 hours
Why it’s awesome: A 10-m-tall lookout tower takes the view to the next level.
Steep hills and stunning views of the surrounding forest and the Spruce River below make this hike particularly rewarding. Aspen trees, wetlands and meadows full of wildflowers lend variety to an already spectacular hike.
How do I get to the trailhead? The trailhead is located 29 km from the park’s visitor’s centre along highway 263.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Distance from Saskatoon: 215 km
9. Bison View Interpretive Trail
Buffalo Pound Park
Distance: 2.9 km out and back
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Why it’s awesome: Hang out with plains bison in their (mostly) natural habitat.
With several hiking trails and 30 kilometres of mountain biking bliss, Buffalo Pound Park has something for everyone. The Bison View Trail, while on the shorter end, offers a well-rounded experience from views of the grassland and marsh to glimpses of the captive bison nearby.
How do I get to the trailhead? The trailhead is located at the Nicholl Flats parking area.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Distance from Saskatoon: 217 km
10. Ravine Trail Wilderness Loop
Little Red River Nature Park
Distance: 18 km
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Why it’s awesome: Hike long enough to escape the crowds.
Featuring a suspension bridge and the Red River, this park close to Prince Albert attracts a lot of nature lovers. But while the much shorter River Trail is the most popular, the Ravine Trail will take you deep into the Boreal forest, away from the crowds and towards your inner wild child.
How do I get to the trailhead? The Ravine trail is accessed from the River Trail.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Distance from Saskatoon: 144 km
What’s your favourite trail near Saskatoon?
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