Lounging at Lake Diefenbaker

After leaving the Cypress Hills, we travelled east along Highway 13, or the ‘Red Coat Trail’ (generally the route the Northwest Mounted Police took to establish forts like Ft Walsh). There were a few small towns along the way but not a lot to see other than miles of wheat, hay and canola fields as well as hundreds of pumping oil derricks. We did stop in Shaunavon, which is home to The Ranch House Meat Company. Unlike meat shops in Smithers, BC which have a distinct German influence (see previous posts), The Ranch House is located in the heart of Mennonite country with more of a Ukrainian theme. The sausages were different but equally tasty! (Editor’s note: Papa Bear is still recovering from his recent haircut – should’ve just bought live bait)…

We carried on past the city of Swift Current and drove 50kms north to Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, located on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker (named after Canada’s 13^th Prime Minster – who served from 1957-1963).

The lake was created in 1967 after dams were put in place to establish a reservoir from the South Saskatchewan River. It’s now the largest body of fresh water in the southern part of the province. Saskatchewan Landing PP has nice grassy campsites, free firewood and lots of hiking and biking trails. Sites cost $28 / night (with electricity) and there’s an $8 / day entrance fee. We stayed on for 3 nights to soak up some prairie sun.