Saskatchewan is known for its vast prairies, beautiful landscapes and friendly people. It is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, ranging from the Saskatchewan River Valley to the vast open prairies. Saskatchewan is a great place to visit for a variety of reasons. It is home to some of the best outdoor activities in the country. From hiking in the Cypress Hills to camping in the Prince Albert National Park, there is something for everyone. The Trans-Canada Highway is an important part of the province’s transportation infrastructure, connecting cities, towns, and communities together. It’s a 2,731 km stretch of highway that starts at the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border and runs through the province, all the way to Alberta. Here are 5 Stops along the Trans-Canada Highway in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan: 5 Stops along the Trans-Canada Highway
1. Wolsley
Wolsley is a small rural community of about 200 people, and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and camping. In 1902, the Canadian Pacific Railway dammed Adair Creek to create a water supply for its operations (i.e. steam locomotives), and the area became ideal for settlers. The dam soon became known as Fairly Lake and in 1905, the first swinging bridge was built across it at a cost of $300. The bridge was blown down in 1954, but it was rebuilt in 1964. That bridge was blown down again in 1991, and in 2004 the 100 metre bridge was rebuilt at a cost of $250,000. It is still standing today and is crossed over 50,000 times each year.
2. Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw is located on the Moose Jaw River. It is situated on the Trans-Canada Highway, 77 km west of Regina. Moose Jaw is known as the “Friendly City” and is home to many historic buildings and sites, including the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, a tourist attraction. The city is also home to the Saskatchewan Airshow and Saskatchewan Festival of Words, as well as the Mosaic Potash Plant. The city is a major centre for manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
Mac the Moose is a large fiberglass sculpture of a moose located in Moose Jaw. The sculpture was built in 1984 by local artist Don Foulds, and stands 9.75 meters (32 feet) tall, making it the world’s tallest moose statue. It was initially built as part of a local tourism campaign and is now a popular attraction in the city. The sculpture is located near the intersection of Highways 1 and 2, and is one of the most popular photo spots in the city.
3. Regina
Regina is the capital city of Saskatchewan, Canada. It is located in the southern part of the province, on a broad, flat, treeless plain. It is the second-largest city in the province with a population of about 215,000 and is home to the University of Regina, which is one of Canada’s top universities. The city of Regina was founded in 1882 and was named after Queen Victoria, who was the reigning British monarch at the time. It is the sunniest city in Canada, with an average of 2,546 hours of sunshine per year.
4. Swift Current
Swift Current is the fifth largest city in Saskatchewan and is located in the southwest part of the province. It was founded in 1883, making it one of the oldest towns in Saskatchewan. It’s known as the “Windy City” due to its frequent windy conditions. It is situated along the Trans-Canada Highway 170 kilometres west from Moose Jaw, and 218 kilometres east from Medicine Hat, Alberta.
5. Chaplin
Chaplin gets it’s name from Viscount Chaplin, an English statesman, who, along with a friend, Frederick Johnston, planned a successful hunting trip to the area. Chaplin Lake and Lake Johnston were also named after the two men. The Sodium Sulfate Plant was initially established as a crown corporation by the Province of Saskatchewan, the Chaplin plant began operating in 1948. The PotashCorp Chaplin Salt Plant in Chaplin, Saskatchewan is one of the largest and most efficient sodium sulphate plants in the world. It was built in 1971 and produces over 890,000 tonnes of sodium sulphate annually for use in a variety of industries, including detergents, paper production, and construction materials.
Saskatchewan: 5 Stops along the Trans-Canada Highway
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