above them and the lakeshore further below. But don’t limit your visit to the main attraction. A little hike around the area reveals new stunning landscapes around every corner. Although the river here is behind a dam, this is the Saskatchewan River valley at its finest, and possibly its deepest at over 150 metres from top to bottom, compared to roughly 15 metres in Saskatoon and 60 metres in Edmonton and Drumheller. Plan to spend an hour or two (at a minimum) and be ready to get some exercise. After the Sandcastles, head back to Beechy and on towards Saskatchewan’s longest ferry crossing.
Don’t Pay the Ferryman
The Riverhurst Ferry (highways.gov.sk.ca/ferry) is the only ferry that crosses Lake Diefenbaker and is the province’s largest boat. Don’t expect to find a cruise liner, though. The crossing is free and the ferry operates 24 hours a day. The trip takes about 20 minutes. Round the bottom of Lake Diefenbaker, Highway 19 passes below (but unfortunately not
over) the Qu’Appelle River Dam (en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Qu’Appelle_River_Dam). Lake Diefenbaker’s characteristic “T” shape includes part of the Qu’Appelle River valley, which feeds into the South Saskatchewan. The two valleys meet at Elbow, so two dams were needed to create the lake we see today.
The sand doesn’t end at the edge of the lake either. Douglas Park is home to an impressive sand dunes landscape, complete with juniper and cacti. The Great Sandhills to the south are a lot more famous, but these dunes are a lot more accessible from the city.
Hike-ins, Trail-riding & Beaches
Douglas Park is connected to the town of Elbow (elbowsask.com) by a section of the Trans-Canada Trail—although admittedly it’s in pretty rough shape for bike travel. With long grassy sections and sandy beach terrain, mountain bikes on this section of trail are a must. At about 12 km, it can be walked, but a return trip could take a whole day. Elbow itself is a quaint little prairie town. The golf course and sailboat harbour are well known, but the less famous rooftop patio over the town bar deserves attention, offering views of the prairies on three sides and the lake a few blocks away to the west. The sunset from here is frequently amazing.
Moving further north along the lake’s east side, Douglas Provincial Park straddles the southeast end of Lake Diefenbaker near the Qu’Appelle Dam. The main campground here has a little store and ice cream shack, and dozens of very popular campsites: unless you come on a weeknight or have a reservation, it can be hard to get a drive-in campsite here. If you’re willing to hike in, the park does have six walk-in tenting sites that also fill up fast. Douglas has amazing sandy beaches, and a saunter north along the Trans-Canada Trail which connects through here reveals an almost neverending series of beaches—ideal for those who don’t mind a walk and would rather escape any crowds.
An Inland Marina, Sunsets,...
On Google Maps: https://goo.gl/bwnJYL.
Tips for Travellers:
The marina at Saskatchewan Landing, southwestern Lake Diefenbaker
• Before driving south from Saskatoon on Hwy 219, fill the tank at Whitecap (or in the city): unless you have a Co-Op Cardlock, the next gas station is not for a while. • The Howendale School Road south of Beechy off Hwy 342 is a dry-weather only road. Do not attempt it if it’s been raining or the roads look wet. • The Beechy Sandcastles are not a protected natural site but they are fragile and can be easily damaged in many areas just by walking on them. Be conscientious, and use caution at all times. • For more details on parks around Lake Diefenbaker, visit www.saskparks.net; on golfing: harborgolfclub.com; on yacht charters: wendebee. com/charter-info.html.
Come and Try Something Different Coconut Mushrooms Rhubarb & Custard Bon-bons Vanilla Coke Hula Hoops Guiness Crisps Spotted Dick …to name a few!
Open Mon – Sat 10 to 5 Take a trip down memory lane: Tea Caddies, Thorntons and other Chocolates Shortbread, M&S Delights Unique Gift Ideas
#5 - 3130 8th St. E. (behind Moxie’s) 306-384-2748 Regular updates on our Facebook page: Churchills-British-Imports-Saskatoon
JUNE/JULY 2016
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