Cross Canada Road Trip: Saskatchewan

Lyn (aka Jazz)
Aug 25
9 min read

After the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the vast, beautiful wilderness of British Columbia and Alberta, the road ahead began to stretch ahead in my solo cross Canada Road Trip into Saskatchewan. As I've written about in my introduction to this epic journey, and my detailed posts on routes through British Columbia (BC) and Alberta, this trip has been all about discovery. The shift that comes with crossing the provincial border into Saskatchewan is a dramatic entrance to the Prairie regions of Canada.

Black and white image of large grain elevators labeled Saskatchewan and Indian Head, with surrounding silos under a clear sky. Quiet, industrial. — Historic grain elevators in Indian Head, Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan often gets a bad rap, dismissed as just a flat expanse to be crossed as quickly as possible. And I’ll admit, as a BC resident accustomed to the dramatic, rugged coast and mountains, I'm a bit lost in the prairies. But I discovered a subtle, captivating beauty under the world’s most magnificent "big sky." It’s a place of quiet strength and surprising charm, and I'm excited to share the road trip routes I’ve taken through this remarkable part of Canada.

Table of Contents

Saskatchewan: An Overview

Cross Canada Road Trip Saskatchewan Routes

Route 1: The TransCanada Highway (The Quickest)

Nature-Based Adventures

History, Culture, and Charming Towns

Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities

Route 2: The Scenic Route

Nature-Based Adventures

History, Culture, and Charming Towns

Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities

Final Thoughts

Saskatchewan: An Overview

This province is more than just a big, flat canvas of yellow canola and golden wheat fields. While the southern half is defined by vast, open prairie, the northern reaches are a landscape of ancient rock, boreal forest, and over 100,000 lakes and rivers. The climate is quintessentially continental, characterized by four distinct seasons that feature hot, dry summers and bitterly cold winters. While the landscape might seem monotonous to some, the skies are magnificent. The weather can change in an instant, and I've experienced both the breathtaking beauty of a sun-drenched, endless horizon and the dreary, melancholic mood when the sky is thick with rain clouds or wildfire smoke, as it was on my most recent trip.

Dramatic cloudy sky over a green field with a wet road on the left. A car drives in the distance. The mood is calm before a storm. — Watching storms in the big sky

Saskatchewan’s story is rooted in its deep Indigenous history, with nations such as the Cree (Nehiyawak), Nakota (Assiniboine), Dakota, and Dene having inhabited these lands for thousands of years. Their traditional way of life, often centred around the massive bison herds, shaped the land long before European contact.

Two bison walking on a grassy field. The sunlight highlights their dark brown fur and curved horns. A third bison is blurred in the background. — Bison at Buffalo Pound National Park

The first Europeans to arrive were explorers and fur traders, who navigated the province's river systems in the late 1600s, establishing a network of trading posts and influencing the local Indigenous and Métis cultures. The real transformation came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a massive wave of homesteaders arrived, lured by the promise of free land. This "Great Immigration" brought people from all over the world—including Ukrainians, Germans, and Scandinavians—who established vibrant ethnic communities. This mix of cultures, along with a strong agricultural identity, has created a province with a unique, down-to-earth character and a resilient spirit.

Old wooden cabin with a shingled roof, surrounded by tall grass. Weathered appearance, rustic setting against a clear blue sky. — A long-abandoned homestead, somewhere along the TransCanada Hwy in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is known as "Canada's Breadbasket." Its rich, fertile soil makes it one of the world's most important agricultural regions, with the vast wheat and canola fields defining the horizon for miles. But its economy is far from one-dimensional. The province is also a global leader in potash production, a crucial component in fertilizers, as well as a major supplier of uranium and oil. This blend of agriculture, natural resources, and a hardworking population gives Saskatchewan a resilient and essential role in the Canadian economy.

Vast yellow field under a clear blue sky, dotted with scattered patches of green trees and white flowers, evokes a peaceful, open landscape. — The bright yellow canola fields are a common sight

I'll admit, as a BC resident, I arrived with the common stereotype that Saskatchewan is just a big, boring pancake. I couldn't have been more wrong. While it's certainly flatter than the mountain ranges I'm used to, it's not without its character. There are subtle rolling hills and surprising river valleys that break up the horizon. And the skies… I’ve never seen a sky so big. In the sunshine, it's a breathtaking expanse of blue, dotted with fluffy clouds and spectacular sunsets. However, my most recent trip was marred by distant wildfire smoke, which cast a dreary, apocalyptic haze over the landscape, proving that a province so tied to its open skies can be profoundly affected by them.

Expansive green field with a distant tree line under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Calm and serene atmosphere.

I discovered that the cities of Moose Jaw and Regina are far more than just quick stops; they are worthy of a few days of exploration, with interesting attractions and a genuine sense of history. The other towns along the way are more of a fleeting, charming moment—a quick photo op and a chance to stretch your legs.

Cross Canada Road Trip Saskatchewan Routes

From the moment I crossed the provincial border just east of Medicine Hat, Alberta, there are two main choices for getting across the province. Like many road trippers, my journey with Wanda tends to stick pretty closely to the main route, covering ground efficiently. However, for those with more time, I offer a scenic alternative that provides a deeper look at the heart of the province and veers slightly off the main highway.

Route 1: Following the Trans-Canada Highway (The Quickest)

This is the classic route, the most direct line from west to east. It's perfect for travellers who want to make good time while still experiencing the major hubs and famous roadside attractions. Driving time along this route (not including stops) is approximately 7 hours.

Nature-Based Adventures

While you won't find mountains here, there are great opportunities to connect with nature. I always recommend a quick stop at the Chaplin Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary, a designated Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve. This unique salt lake is an essential stopover for thousands of migratory birds, including the rare piping plover and huge flocks of migrating shorebirds. It's a surreal and surprising sight to see so much life on what appears to be a desolate salt flat.

Grass in foreground, salt mounds and pools under clear blue sky. Sparse fence and distant trees create a calm, open landscape. — Chaplin Salt Lake

Beyond the highway, both Moose Jaw and Regina offer fantastic natural spaces. In Moose Jaw, Wakamow Valley offers a lovely green space right in the heart of the city. Its network of over 20 kilometres of walking and biking trails winds through lush riverbanks and open parkland. You can rent a canoe or kayak to paddle along the river, enjoy a picnic, and watch for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species.

Lush park scene with green grass, various trees, and vibrant foliage. A blue trash can is visible in the background. Bright, peaceful atmosphere. — Wakamow Park

Similarly, Regina’s Wascana Centre is a beautiful urban park built around Wascana Lake, a massive 2,300-acre oasis in the heart of the city. It’s a perfect place for a relaxing stroll, a morning run, or some birdwatching. The park also provides opportunities for paddling and fishing on the lake. If you're looking for a quieter spot, Kiwanis Waterfall Park provides a tranquil urban oasis with a stunning artificial waterfall and lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful moment.

Waterfall over rocks with clear stream below, lush greenery, and a rustic wooden fence on a grassy hill. — Man-made waterfall at Kiwanis Waterfall Park, Regina

History, Culture & Charming Towns

Maple Creek is a must-stop, with its historic main street and a classic western feel that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another century. The real gems on this route are Moose Jaw and Regina.

Rustic log cabins form a quaint motel under cloudy skies. A wooden sign reads "Office" with green roofs and a gravel path. — Ghostown Bues B&B, Maple Creek

The city of Moose Jaw is a fantastic place to dive into a unique piece of Canadian history, and one of its most famous sights is the giant, 32-foot-tall statue of Mac the Moose. But its most popular attraction is the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, a fascinating network of underground passages. I'll be writing a more in-depth post on this soon, but these tunnels were a crucial part of the city's Prohibition-era history, allegedly used by figures like Al Capone. However, the tunnels also tell the poignant story of the early Chinese immigrants who were forced to live and work in these very spaces, creating a hidden community beneath the city streets.

Large moose statue and Snowbird jet display in a park setting with evergreen trees, against a clear blue sky. Buildings are in the background. — Mac the Moose, Moose Jaw Visitor Centre

Just an hour east of Moose Jaw, you'll find Regina, the provincial capital and another must-visit. One of the most unique stops is the stunning, gothic-style Stone Hall Castle, a medieval European castle right in the middle of the city that you can tour and even stay at. The RCMP Heritage Centre offers a deep dive into the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through engaging exhibits and live demonstrations. (Subscribe for a more detailed posts on Moose Jaw and Regina coming later in the fall!)

Horse and RCMP topiary sculpture holding a flag, set against a modern building and clear blue sky, surrounded by greenery. — RCMP Heritage Centre, Regina

Scenic Views & Photo Opportunities

This route is all about the views—not of mountains, but of the immense, dramatic "big sky" that the prairies are famous for. Be sure to stop for a photo with Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw.

The scenic drive continues through charming towns like Indian Head, with its beautiful, old architecture, and Moosomin, the last major stop before you say goodbye to Saskatchewan.

Weathered grain elevator with "SASKATCHEWAN" and "INDIAN HEAD" text. Faded paint on wood, set against a clear blue sky. Rustic feel.

Route 2: The Scenic Route (Slightly Off the Highway)

For those with a little more time and a desire to venture off the beaten path, this route offers a more intimate glimpse into the province's character. It adds a few key detours that are well worth the extra time.

Instead of staying on the Trans-Canada, you can venture south and northeast to discover some of the province's hidden gems, like the incredible Fort Walsh, fascinating Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site, the stunning Qu'Appelle Valley and a stop in the charming railway town of Melville. This route will add approximately three more hours of driving time.

Orange railcar on tracks with wooden buildings and cargo train in background, set in lush green hills under a cloudy sky. — Claybank National Historic Site