Visit Riverhurst: the village on the edge of Lake Diefenbaker

The village of Riverhurst, located about 125 kilometres northwest of Moose Jaw, is settled on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker and right next door to Palliser Regional Park, where both destinations have plenty to offer the summer traveller. Visitors can stop for gas and groceries at J N Millers Service, the one-stop service station just off Highway 42. The village also has a playground in Kitely Park for outdoor enjoyment, as well as a unique shopping opportunity at The Barn Owl Boutique, located on 2nd Ave E. The locally owned boutique is inside a turn-of-thecentury livery barn, now filled with clothing, decor and handmade items.

For those seeking a place to stay in the area, there’s plenty of options. Riverside Inn on Main Street features hotel accommodations, as well as a restaurant and bar located just next door. Hutton House B&B provides a bed and breakfast experience through AirBnB, and the Riverhurst municipal campground offers fullservice campsites from May 1 until Sept. 30. The Mainstay Inn & Restaurant, located just inside of Palliser Park, also offers standard hotel rooms as well as rental cabins for guests, in addition to a firstclass dining room and restaurant known for its scenic view and tasty menu. Riverhurst also has a public library that offers full internet services open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as the F.T. Hill Museum, which is offering tours by appointment at this time. A farmer’s market takes place every Saturday in Kitely Park in July and August from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 3rd annual Bean Festival is taking place on July 24, and the village typically hosts a community slow-pitch tournament and cabaret over the July long weekend.

A short trip over to Palliser Park promises more fun, as the provincial park has lots more to offer. In addition to the camping opportunities, the park is home to a heated swimming pool that offers lessons and public swim times, and a seasonal concession complete with ice cream and meal options on the menu. There is also access to several public beaches on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker, for swimming or playing on the beach. The local Lions Club hosts pancake breakfasts at the park’s camp kitchen every Sunday morning during the summer months, which are currently on hold due to pandemic restrictions. The camp kitchen is also the site for other park events and children’s activities. For the outdoorsy types, the park also maintains the Eric Kurz Memorial Nature Trail, which offers an easy hiking experience in the valley, with a scenic lookout point at the peak. Sage View Golf Course is located inside the park, with an impressive 18-hole course, clubhouse and driving range for golfers to enjoy. Golfers can rent a cart or walk the scenic greens with great, overlooking views of the lake. Also inside the park is Rusty’s Coulee Marina, where anglers can visit the bait shop or utilize the boat launch to hit the lake for some fishing.

The marina offers boat rentals, with a variety of options for people to get out and enjoy Lake Diefenbaker. It is also the launch spot for the annual Riverhurst Walleye Classic fishing tournament, set this year for June 19-20. Riverhurst is also home to the Riverhurst Ferry that travels back and forth across Lake Diefenbaker every half hour. The ferry operates seasonally from spring until fall, and in winter an ice road is open pending conditions. For more information about events and businesses in Riverhurst, visit riverhurst.ca or contact the town office at 1 (306) 353-2220. To book campsites or learn more about amenities in Palliser Regional Park, visit palliserregionalpark.com or call the office at 1 (306) 353-4604.

Kitely Park is right on the main drag of the village. (supplied) The annual Bean Festival also features a youth rodeo event from the Thunder Creek 4-H club. (supplied) Rusty’s Coulee Marina is one of three located on Lake Diefenbaker.