The 120-km-long Boreal Trail is the king of all Saskatchewan trails and the province’s premiere backpacking route. Passing over rocky cliffs, through thick stands of birch and pine and traversing the shores of several of northern Saskatchewan’s massive lakes, the Boreal Trail offers a variety of inspiring scenery. A number of well-maintained backcountry campsites are available, but beware—fall in northern Saskatchewan brings cooler temperatures (especially at night), so come prepared.

Meandering through lush Meadow Lake Provincial Park, a 1,600-sq-km beauty in the province’s northwest, hikers can choose to embark on a multi-day tour of this east-west route — spending days beneath poplar, jack pine and spruce trees and falling asleep to a loon’s call at one of the plentiful back- and front-country campsites — or tackle it in smaller stages for easy day-hikes. Keep your camera ready for moose, beaver and wolf sightings and always be Bear Aware; this is big-time bruin country. Terrain is gentle with minimal elevation gains — the challenge comes in the distance. Some front-country campsites feature stores for re-supplying and hot showers. Saskatchewan Parks recommends registering two weeks prior to hiking the trail if you wish to overnight in the backcountry. 

Best For: Easy-walking hikers looking to spend a week in nature.