With lovely Saskatoon weather a-plenty, there’s no better way to pass a temperate day than with a hike! Hiking is a great way to keep fit, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors. Best of all, it is something that everyone in the family can enjoy. That’s why Family Fun Saskatoon has compiled this handy dandy list of…
Hikes In and Around Saskatoon
Meewasin Valley Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Summer hikes on the Meewasin Trail. Photo taken by Erin McCrea.
The Meewasin Valley Trail is well-known to Saskatonians and runs through the heart of all-things Saskatoon. With kilometre upon kilometre of paved paths, this South Saskatchewan River-side trail is perfect for families. Grab your stroller, walking, shoes, and spirit for adventure and get hiking. Check out this trail brochure to help choose the right path and distance for you!
Beaver Creek Conservation Area
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Fall Visit to Beaver Creek. Photo taken by Erin McCrea.
Beaver Creek offers a range of hikes from the Discovery Trail at just 0.9km to the more hefty 3.2km Living Sky Trail. The terrain is hilly, treed, and comes with all the bumps and beauties nature offers. Stroller walking might be challenging at Beaver Creek as trails can be narrow and have stairs. People of all ages will enjoy the fascinating interpretive centre at Beaver Creek! This hike is fun in all seasons and even better: you can stop to feed the chickadees.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Wanuskewin in Winter. Photo by Erin McCrea.
This natural heritage site just minutes from Saskatoon offers a range of day hikes filled with awe-inspiring prairie scenery and history. Enjoy the view of the waters of the South Saskatchewan and the Opimihaw Creek while you walk the plains where prairie peoples have walked for over 6000 years! Trails are well-maintained, well-marked, and there is a variety to choose from. With archeological dig sites, buffalo jumps, and a world-class interpretive centre, an amazing playground, there will never be a dull moment at Wanuskewin. Entry fees and opening times apply.
Cranberry Flats Conservation Area
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Winter visit to Cranberry Flats. Photo by Erin McCrea.
Open sunrise to sunset, Cranberry Flats is a popular destination for families. This is pet-friendly as long as they are leashed and you pick up after them. Just a short walk down a boardwalk (suitable for strollers), one will find stunning vistas of the South Saskatchewan and the sandy Wilson Shepley Island. Those wanting to hike further will enjoy unspoilt prairie riverbank scenery and a few (steep) trails (not suitable for strollers) that lead straight down to the river. ***Swimming in the river is strongly discouraged*** We love visiting in all the seasons.
Chief Whitecap Park Trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
September visit to Cheif Whitecap Park. Photo by Erin McCrea.
To reach the park, take Lorne Avenue (Highway #219), Clarence Avenue, or Highway #11 south to Grasswood Road, and travel west (right) towards the river. The park itself offers lovely views of sandy beaches, open prairie, Yorath Island, and, of course, the South Saskatchewan River. It should be noted that dogs are allowed off-leash on this section of the trail.
Crocus Prairie
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Crocus Prairie Spring Visit. Photo by Erin McCrea.
A Crocus Prairie hike gives you stunning views, the adventure of a crocus hunt (in Spring) and SO many trails to choose from. The best part about this hike is it’s right in Saskatoon. Located north of the Regional Psychiatric Centre on Central Avenue. You can take a lot of photos of the beautiful flowers but please remember not to pick them.
The Northeast Swale
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Photo Taken By Erin McCrea.
The Northeast Swale is an ancient river channel that carves a 26 km path next to the South Saskatchewan River. The Northeast Swale offers high-quality biodiversity, a habitat for a variety of plants, birds, mammals, and more, and provides flood control for the surrounding community. A summer visit will allow you to appreciate the plants, butterflies and more.
Happy Hiking Saskatoon families! Pull-on your comfiest pair of walking shoes, and see you on the trail!
