Discover Parks Canada in the Canadian Prairies

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Prince Albert National Park PARKS CANADA IN THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES AT A GLANCE

NATIONAL 4 19 HISTORIC NATIONAL SITES PARKS

1ST RECORDED FIND ONE OF THE OF DINOSAUR WORLD’S LARGEST POLAR REMAINS BEAR DENNING SITES IN CANADA

BE INSPIRED! 60+ RED CHAIRS COME… HIKE, BIKE, #SHARETHECHAIR CAMP, SWIM, PADDLE, LEARN, PLAY… Riel House National Historic Site

Grasslands National Park

Fort Walsh National Historic Site WELCOME! Discover a land of adventures when you explore TABLE OF CONTENTS Canada’s wide-open spaces across the prairies.

2 Battles, beaches and backcountry Come for a day trip, or take a look at our itineraries and book a vacation to remember. 4 Historic roots to hiking boots! 5 Conserving for the future Learn more about how we’re working hard to fight 6 Stay overnight climate change and discover how you can become 8 Staff favourites a ‘citizen scientist’ and help protect biodiversity. 10 Canadian Prairies map Come visit... we’re closer than you think! Directory 11 Saskatchewan 12 Manitoba

1 7-DAY ITINERARY BATTLES, BEACHES AND BACK- COUNTRY

FROM SASKATOON TO WASKESIU

ROUNDTRIP 830 km DAY 1 DAY 2 FORT BATTLEFORD BATOCHE LOCATIONS Battleford, 145 km from Saskatoon Wakaw, 195 km from Battleford Fort Battleford and Batoche National Historic Sites Prince Albert National Park From battlefields and historic tales, Journey back in time to talk with a to sprawling wilderness and lakeside 19th century Métis settler about life on fun. Take the family on a journey the banks of the South Saskatchewan to uncover north and central River. Paddle through History! Rent a Saskatchewan! canoe and paddle the scenic South Saskatchewan River, imagining Fall in! Do you know the drill? March what it must have been like during with us on a Mountie Marching Drill the Northwest Resistance of 1885. Experience! Or become a Parks Savour bannock, stew and more at Canada Xplorer, complete cool the Visitor Centre concession. challenges and earn a souvenir.

2 PLAN YOUR VISIT AT PARKSCANADA.GC.CA/VISIT AND DISCOVER OTHER ITINERARIES

DAY 3 DAY 5 DAY 6 PRINCE ALBERT Cross Waskesiu Drive for a fun Spend a day by the water! The white Waskesiu, 160 km from Wakaw morning at the “Bears on the Beach” sands and the small peninsula make Grab your bikes and leisurely cycle through the Waskesiu townsite and playground before your day of Paignton Beach one of the most into the rolling hills and mixedwoods along the Red Deer Trail. Experience the discovery begins! beautiful beaches in Saskatchewan. Have a paddling adventure in a modern exhibits and hands-on learning at the Nature Centre. Borrow a GPS As you follow the trail to the Southend canoe, kayak or on a stand-up unit to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the park. campground, cross the bridge and paddleboard. sleep in your tent, lookout over the Kingsmere River, walk along the historic rail cart Beaver Glen campground sleep in your tent, portage and follow the path through Beaver Glen campground the spruce forest. DAY 4 sleep in your tent, DAY 7 Explore the Boreal Forest and Aspen Parkland. Borrow an Aquatic or Forest kit Southend campground THE WEST SIDE from the Nature Centre and head to the Boundary Bog trail. Investigate the Stump Lake, 120 km from Waskesiu critters and plant life that call the black spruce bog home. Have a picnic at the Valleyview Take a drive down the scenic Highway 263 and have your camera ready to Lookout and enjoy beautiful views capture a bear, fox, or deer along the roadside! Climb the Height-of-Land of the Sturgeon River Valley. tower as the sun sets over the mixed forest canopy. Perk your ears and listen for the sleep in your tent, thundering hooves of the plains Beaver Glen campground bison as you hike, bike, or horseback ride along the expanded Valleyview Trail Network. Return to Saskatoon, 210 km

3 3-DAY ITINERARY HISTORIC ROOTS TO HIKING BOOTS! DAY 1 FROM WINNIPEG TO WASAGAMING THE FORKS AND RIEL HOUSE Start your day in the heart of Winnipeg! ROUNDTRIP 580 km Discover The Forks on the 6,000 Years in 60 Minutes guided tour. Through curious objects and colourful characters, the history of this meeting place LOCATIONS comes to life. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Red and Assiniboine The Forks and Riel House National Historic Sites Rivers or stroll to the Forks Market food court to feast on cuisine from around Riding Mountain National Park the world. In the afternoon, follow Winnipeg’s fabled Red River south to soak in the atmosphere at Louis Riel’s family home. Fire up Parks Canada’s Explora app and step into the world of the Métis and the founder of Manitoba.

DAY 2 DAY 3 RIDING MOUNTAIN Work up a sweat! Hike the Gorge Wasagaming, 280 km from Winnipeg Creek Trail, located along the Lace up your hiking boots and head Manitoba Escarpment. Hit this trail deep into the beating heart of by yourself or join a Parks Canada endless forests, grasslands and guided hike. lakes. Enjoy superb wildlife and bird Cool off at the main beach, Clear watching along more than 400 km Lake, nestled against the town of of trails. Switch it up and hit the Wasagaming. Make sure you pick-up trails on a fat bike! a refreshing treat like gelato or an ice cream sandwich. After, wander down Micro-Cube, Wasagaming Campground the South Shore trail to find a public dock and a set of Red Chairs. Return to Winnipeg, 280 km

4 CONSERVING FOR THE FUTURE

THE CHALLENGE THE RESULT? How can we re-populate the plains Just 12 years later there are some with bison? 300 bison thriving and playing an essential role in re-shaping the Prior to European settlement, the prairies ecology of the prairies. were home to millions of free-roaming bison, but by the 1880s this magnificent beast had been hunted to near global extinction. 300 A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION BISON Back in December 2005, Parks Canada introduced a herd of 71 Plains Bison from Elk Island National Park to Grasslands National Park. GET INVOLVED NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

HOME ON THE RANGE – TEEPEES IN BISON COUNTRY Join a Parks Canada guide on a car caravan tour of the bison range. Learn about the bison’s native habitat, how they helped the ecosystem and how they shared a special relationship with the local Anishinabe. Riding Mountain National Park p. 12

FOSSIL FEVER EVENT Got the fever? Fossil Fever? An exclusive opportunity to dig for a day with Royal Saskatchewan Museum Palaeontologists. Learn their techniques, help uncover and cast fossils, and discover the history of the 65.5 million-year-old dinosaur fossils found beneath the earth. Grasslands National Park p. 11

ARBOR DAY The townsite of Waskesiu comes together to celebrate our trees and green spaces! The annual Arbor Day tree planting and community celebration event takes place every Labour Day weekend. Show your support by helping plant trees and creating habitat for the creatures that call Waskesiu home. Prince Albert National Park p. 11

5 FROM $20.60 STAYING PER NIGHT THE NIGHT? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED FROM $4.90 PER PERSON PER NIGHT

TENT AND BACKCOUNTRY DON’T RV CAMPING CAMPING MISS OUT Stay close to nature at one of our The ultimate in overnight adventure: wonderful campsites – at your just you, your tent and the great PARKSCANADA.GC.CA/ACCOMMODATIONS preferred comfort level. outdoors, far from the beaten path. Available in Riding Mountain, Available in Riding Mountain, Grasslands RESERVE TODAY! Grasslands and Prince Albert National and Prince Albert National Parks. Parks; and York Factory National Historic Site.

6 oTENTik The perfect mix of tent and A-frame cabin comes together in our oTENTik with its raised floors and cosy beds; great for campers who want a little extra comfort in the wild. Available in Riding Mountain, Grasslands and Prince Albert National Parks.

FROM $90 PER NIGHT

MICRO-CUBE Get super-cosy in a Micro-Cube, the designer way to score a window over the wilderness, while sleeping with a roof over your head and a floor beneath your feet. Available in Riding Mountain National Park.

FROM $90 PER NIGHT

HISTORIC STAY: EQUESTRIAN CAMPING Immerse yourself in one of Canada’s national treasures with a very special overnight stay in truly historic surroundings. Available in Grasslands National Park.

FROM $21.50 PER NIGHT PER TRAILER

TEEPEE Traditional nomadic home of the Plains peoples, sleep soundly under the canvas, your dreams following the path of your teepee poles which connect the earth to the sky. Available in Grasslands National Park.

FROM $45 PER NIGHT

7 8 Canada pros! parks andsites from Parks very best way to enjoy our Get theinsidescoop onthe FAVOURITES STAFF

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r im m e rvid T© Da T© rimmervid Sheldon —Interpretation Coordinator foodforCanadians.” grow It’s atributetoallthosepastandpresentthat HistoricSite.Motherwell HomesteadNational continues togointolivingoffthe land at wentintoand that andsweat dedication in W.R. Motherwell’s homeremindsmeofthe handle displayedthe pieceofawoodenplow “A symbolofhardworkandperseverance; 5 Meredith —Heritage Presenter their initialsintothesandstone.” thesunset, watch lefttheirmarkby carving many tosnuggleupand popular spotforsweethearts A point andisevidenceoftherecentlocalhistory. Rock’. It’s ashorthikefromourBadlandsview as known East Blockisarockformation ‘Initial Park’s placeinGrasslandsNational “My favourite 2

HANDS WITH THESE ROCK INITIAL

Barb —Visitor Experience Product Development Officer of the history The Forks HistoricSite.” National events through135uniquetools–itencapsulates European influenceandhistoricalprogression of and depictstheeasttowestmovement of carparts, railway nearly 1,600kgofmelteddown Marcel Gosselin. The bronze shellisforgedfrom installations, ‘The Path of Time’ by created art “Hidden inplainsightisoneofmyfavourite 6 Patrick —Interpretation Coordinator howling.” for abeautifulnightofloonscallingandwolves borealsettingmake inamoody right bythewater Park.Mountain National Quiet, tenting-onlysites excursion, spotsinRiding isoneofmyfavourite “Whirlpool Lake, theperfectcanoeorkayak 3

OF TIME THE PATH LAKE WHIRLPOOL 2 3

© Meredith Hebb 4 Adam —SpecialEvents Coordinator banks oftherivertovisitCaron home.” the and culture,along I lovegoingonaquietwalk HistoricSite foritsrich National Batoche history rolling byupabove. visitorsexplore While many Rivervalley withthecloudsSouth Saskatchewan “There’s intothe nothingnicerthanlookingdown 7 Colleen —Interpretation Coordinator to shareitspreciousgems. ” Prince Park Albert National inthedarkiswaiting as realdarkness–onlyadifferentwayofseeing. shone undertheirglitter. There isnosuchthing moonless night. onKingsmereLake The snow the “I lookedupandamillionstarsshattered 4

THE RIVER BANKS OF KINGSMERE LAKE NIGHT SKY AT

9 DIRECTORY CANADIAN PRAIRIES

National Park National Historic Site

SERVICES ACCOMMODATION ACTIVITIES

Access for the physically impaired Camping Interpretation Motorboating Dark Sky Preserve Restaurant Recreational vehicle Cycling Fishing Xplorers activities Gift shop oTENTik Mountain biking Scuba diving My Photo Missions app Horseback riding Picnic area/Shelter Micro-Cube Backpacking/Hiking Red chairs Golfing Playground Historic stay Birdwatching Wi-Fi (in certain areas only) Yurt Marine mammals Tennis Teepee Beach Winter activities Cabin Canoeing/Kayaking Hot Springs

10 SASKATCHEWAN

1 Grasslands 2 Prince Albert 3 Fort Walsh A home of wild prairie landscapes, species, skies A transition zone between fescue grasslands, A living fort from the 1870s where Canadian law and adventures. aspen parkland and northern boreal forest. was brought west. DON’T MISS DON’T MISS DON’T MISS - Meet some of Canada’s rarest fossilized - Experience the Bagwa Paddling Route: a classic - Order! Take part in a historic courtroom trial. dinosaurs and present-day wildlife. Canadian adventure. - Hike or rent a bike to explore the trails and - Enjoy camping in frontcountry comforts or - Spend the day at one of the seven sandy beaches the backcountry. backcountry getaways. Adventure awaits! with marked swim areas on Waskesiu Lake.

4 Fort Battleford 5 Batoche 6 Motherwell Homestead A historic fort that played a central role in the The site of the armed conflict between the W.R. Motherwell’s original homestead and an North-West Rebellion/Resistance of 1885. Canadian and Métis provisional governments authentic snapshot of prairie farm life. DON’T MISS in 1885. DON’T MISS - Take part in a Mountie Marching Drill Experience. DON’T MISS - Meet our animals! The heartbeat of the farm - Light your lantern and hear spooky stories of - Journey Through Time on an interactive tour. starts in the barn. ghostly events on a Ghost Walk. - Hike, picnic and explore amazing river views - Gather and season your senses with our and trails. homestead flavours.

Battleford – 145 km from Saskatoon 1-306-937-2621 | parkscanada.gc.ca/battleford Abernethy – 100 km from Regina @ParksCanada_SK | #FtBattlefordNHS 1-306-333-2116 | parkscanada.gc.ca/motherwell Wakaw – 90 km from Saskatoon @ParksCanada_SK | #MotherwellNHS 1-306-423-6227 | parkscanada.gc.ca/batoche @ParksCanada_SK | #BatocheNHS

Great souvenirs and apparel available at our places or online at parkscanadashop.ca

7 Wapusk 8 Riding Mountain 9 Riding Mountain Park East Gate A subarctic wilderness protecting one of the largest A region of boreal forest, aspen parkland and Registration Complex polar bear maternity denning areas in the world. fescue prairie. The only rustic design style gate left standing DON’T MISS DON’T MISS in a National Park. - Book a guided trip for the chance to view polar - Explore Riding Mountain’s biggest lake by kayak DON’T MISS bears from tundra vehicles and a lodge at Cape with the help of a Parks Canada guide. - Enjoy a picnic while admiring the hand-hewn Churchill. - Keep your eyes open for bison and elk as you logs and carefully gathered stones. - Fly in by helicopter for an aerial tour and an cruise through the Park on the Call of the Wild adventure of a lifetime! Car Caravan. Riding Mountain – 245 km from Winnipeg 1-204-848-7275 | parkscanada.gc.ca/riding Churchill | 1-204-675-8863 parkscanada.gc.ca/wapusk

Wasagaming – 270 km from Winnipeg 1-204-848-7275 | parkscanada.gc.ca/riding @RidingNP | #RidingNP

10 Riel House 11 The Forks 12 St. Andrew’s Rectory The family home of Louis Riel, commemorating The birthplace of Western Canada and a legendary A mission serving as an excellent example of Métis culture. hub of trade and culture. mid-19th century Red River Hudson’s Bay DON’T MISS DON’T MISS Company architecture. - Get the inside track on this amazing site with - Discover The Forks’ hidden history! Take a DON’T MISS Parks Canada’s Xplorers booklet, full of exciting 6,000-year journey back in time on a 60-minute - Take a self-guided GPS tour and learn more activities! guided tour. about life for those who lived along the Red - Enjoy lively Métis fiddle music and special - Explore the colourful Prairie Garden, a tribute to River in the 19th century. guests during the Thursday night soirees. Winnipeg’s roots.

St. Andrews – 25 km from Winnipeg Winnipeg | 1-204-983-6757 Winnipeg | 1-204-983-6757 1-204-785-6050 parkscanada.gc.ca/riel | @ParksCanadaWPG parkscanada.gc.ca/forks | @ParksCanadaWPG parkscanada.gc.ca/standrewsrectory #RielHouse #TheForks @ParksCanadaWPG | #StAndrewsRectory

The Parks Canada mobile app Your guide to a perfect trip!

12 13 Lower Fort Garry 14 Prince of Wales Fort 15 York Factory Where Treaty No. 1 was made between the A key site in the 18th-century French-English The Hudson’s Bay Company’s major trading and Saulteaux and Swampy Cree First Nations people rivalry for control of the territory around administration centre for centuries. and the Crown. Hudson Bay. DON’T MISS The historic grounds are closed for 2018 as we DON’T MISS - Time-travel through fur-trading history on restore the site for future generations. Check - Zip in a Zodiac to Sloop Cove and see a self-guided tour. th back in 2019! 18 -century graffiti by the Hudson’s Bay - Explore the Depot’s rooms filled with countless Company men. cannons, a fur press and various trade items. - Experience a breathtaking panoramic view of the Churchill River at Cape Merry. St. Andrews – 25 km from Winnipeg Churchill | 1-204-675-8863 1-204-785-6050 | parkscanada.gc.ca/fortgarry parkscanada.gc.ca/yorkfactory | #YorkFactory @ParksCanadaWPG | #LowerFortGarry Churchill | 1-204-675-8863 parkscanada.gc.ca/princewalesfort #PrinceofWalesFort

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13 FOLLOW US our website brochures on Look for these DISCOVER REGIONS TO 5 OTHER 1-888-773-8888 PARKSCANADA.GC.CA PLAN YOUR VISIT ONTARIO youtube.com/parkscanada facebook.com/parkscanada WESTERN CANADA ATLANTIC CANADA Cette publication est également disponible disponible également est publication Cette Parks Canada, 2018. represented by theChief Executive Officer of © HerMajesty theQueeninRightof Canada, All images ©Parks Canada unless otherwise noted en français. en instagram.com/parks.canada twitter.com/parkscanada CANADA NORTHERN QUEBEC

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