Canada Guide
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
The provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan (and eastern Alberta) together form a vast tract bounded by the Ontario border to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west. Although commonly known as "the prairies", this area in fact has flat treeless plains only in its southernmost part, and even then they are broken up by the occasional river valley and range of low-lying hills, which gradually raise the elevation from sea level at Hudson Bay to nearly 1200m near the Rockies. Furthermore, the plains themselves are divided into two broad geographical areas: the semi-arid short grasslands that border the United States in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the wheat-growing belt, a crescent-shaped expanse to the north. .
The prairie provinces are certainly not one of Canada's glamour areas, the main cities caricatured as dull, the scenery as monotonous. This image is grossly unfair. Busy Winnipeg – the largest city in central Canada – is well worth a visit for its museums, restaurants and nightlife. East of here excellent provincial parks – including Whiteshell – are replete with canoeing routes amid dramatic landscapes.
Heading west from Winnipeg the Trans-Canada Highway passes several provincial parks on its way to sprawling and easygoing Regina and the rapidly rejuvenating town of Moose Jaw, well north of the coulees and buttes of the Grasslands National Park.
An alternative route west from Winnipeg is the Yellowhead Route (Hwy 16) – a far more agreeable journey. You'll pass through more attractive prairie towns before arriving at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan's largest city, which has an attractive riverside setting, good restaurants and several interesting sites. This route is also the natural gateway to central Canada's two outstanding parks, Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba and Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan, where the aspen parkland of the south meets the boreal forests and lakes of the north.
The north's big draw is the remote and desolate settlement of Churchill, on the southern shore of Hudson Bay. One of the world's best places to see beluga whales and polar bears, in season it's overrun by visitors and documentary film crews.
Highlights
1 Winnipeg The region's biggest city, with an array of museums and some excellent restaurants.
2 Morris Alberta's Calgary Stampede aside, there are hundreds of rodeos across the prairies with a more authentic vibe – the biggest is at Morris, near Winnipeg.
3 Canoeing at Whiteshell National Park Easily organized canoe adventures get you into the deep wilderness.
4 Moose Jaw Pluck up your courage for a tour of the tunnels, once the haunt of Chicago gangsters.
5 Grasslands Strike out off the beaten track to this beautiful but under-visited national park.
6 Little Manitou Lake Experience near-weightlessness while floating in the salty lake waters, or at adjacent spas.
7 Saskatoon Surprisingly hip and cultured city, with summer festivals, a lively atmosphere and some great berry pie.
8 Churchill Make a once-in-a-lifetime trip north to watch polar bears in the wild.
Read more ▼
- Practical Information ▼
- Region(s) ▼
- City/Town ▼