For travellers interested in history, Saskatchewan has many historic attractions and hotels that are worth a trip. Some have costumed volunteers to welcome guests, while others display their Canadian heritage in fantastic exhibits.
A weeklong road trip through the province of Saskatchewan makes all of the below historic attractions and hotels within reach.
Cypress Hills: Fort Walsh
Fort Walsh & Cypress Hills Massacre National Historic Sites of Canada was established in 1875. The site has seen the bloody Cypress Hills Massacre battle; welcomed famous names like Sitting Bull, Big Bear, James Macleod and John A. Macdonald; and was the North West Mounted Police headquarters.
The recreated fort has costumed volunteers, children’s programming and fun-filled special events for visitors.
- Open daily: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (from Victoria Day long weekend to Labour Day)
- Admission: adults $9.80 CAD, families & groups $22.00 CAD
- Phone: (306) 662-2645
- Located 55 km southwest of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
Batoche National Historic Site of Canada
Batoche was Louis Riel’s headquarters for his Provisional Government of Saskatchewan. What began as a settlement for the Métis people who migrated west from Winnipeg soon became a battleground for those unsatisfied with un-kept promises over a recently signed treaty.
Although the village was nearly completely destroyed during the ensuing fights, passionate guides now take visitors through the partially restored acreage.
- Open daily: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (from May 8 to September 30)
- Admission: adults $7.80 CAD, families & groups $19.60 CAD
- Phone: (306) 423-6227
- Located 88 km northeast of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Fort Carlton Provincial Park
Step back into fur trade time at this Hudson’s Bay Company post. Costumed guides take travellers through the restored 1810-1885 buildings, including a provisions store, trade store, clerk’s quarters and tepee encampment.
- Open daily: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (from May long weekend to Labour Day)
- Admission: $7.00 CAD per vehicle
- Phone: (306) 467-5205
- Located near Duck Lake, north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Western Development Museum
This fantastic museum curates historic exhibits all year round. Step into fully recreated streets, complete with costumed volunteers and antique goods. There are four locations of this museum in Saskatchewan, each with differing exhibitions and themes.
- Phone: 1-800-363-3645
- Locations: Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Saskatoon and North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Historic Hotels
Want to stay in a historic hotel in Saskatchewan? Try the prominent Delta Bessborough Hotel (601 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, 1-888-890-3222), known for its grand structure and historic past, or The Convent in tiny Val Marie (Val Marie, Saskatchewan, 306-298-4515), a beautifully restored convent-turned hotel doted on by one of the nicest couples in the town.
For assistance with travel arrangements, contact Tourism Saskatchewan (1-877-237-2273).
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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