Trails, Beaches & Boreal Beauty: Meadow Lake Provincial Park

Getting There

Meadow Lake is about 620 kilometres northwest of Regina and about 360 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. As you travel, flat prairies transform into rolling hills and towering boreal trees lining the highway, making the journey even more enjoyable.

As you near the park, driving on gravel roads will be required.

If you're planning to camp overnight, it's best to set up your tent as soon as possible, with lots of daylight to learn the layout of the campground. If you don't want to camp, the park has other accommodations available, including cabins and resorts.

Morning

Start your day by stretching your legs on one of Meadow Lake's scenic hiking trails. Before heading out, stop by the park office to pick up trail maps. You can also find them in the Natural Choice magazine.

• Experience Saskatchewan's famous 135-kilometre Boreal Trail without tackling the entire route. Popular options include the 10-kilometre New Branch Loop and the 3.8-kilometre Vivian Lake Hiking Trail, both offering beautiful boreal forest views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
• Keep your eyes peeled for fascinating birds, deer, and even bears while staying on designated trails and practicing Leave No Trace principles. With bears especially active in northern regions, be bear aware and take all recommended safety precautions, including carrying bear spray and keeping a safe distance from wildlife.
• After your hike, visit one of the park's most popular lakes, Greig Lake, where you'll find the Visitor Centre to find park information and Greig Lake Store to pick up snacks and supplies. Swim, relax, and play on the sandy shoreline or let the kids burn off energy at the nearby playground.

Pro Tip: Start your hike early in the morning for cooler temperatures, quieter trails and the best chance to spot wildlife.

Midday

After working up an appetite, enjoy lunch and fun activities while spending the afternoon exploring the area around Greig Lake.

• Challenge family and friends at the Dutch Treat Mini Golf Course before rewarding yourselves with a scoop of ice cream.
• Picnic tables are available throughout the day-use area, making Greig Lake an ideal lunch stop.
• Jump into the action afterwards for a quick swim to refresh you for the afternoon adventures.

Afternoon

Spend the rest of the day hopping from one lake to another. There are over 25 lakes scattered throughout the park to choose from.

• Just 13 kilometres west of Greig Lake, Kimball Lake offers a quieter atmosphere and another beautiful sandy beach. The campground has nightly full-service and electric campsites, along with seasonal full service and electric campsites.
• Matheson Lake, Misohay Lake, and Waterhen Lake all have their own charm, beauty, and excitement to explore. In 2019, a tornado left its mark on Murray Doell Campground. Today, thanks to the efforts of park staff and nature's own resilience, the campground has recovered and continues to offer visitors a beautiful place to camp, explore, and unwind.
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Kimball Lake Store and explore the shoreline at your own pace.

Overnight Trip

With so much to see in the park, it's best to make the trip into a multi-day experience. It's time to find a place to sleep as you rest up for another day of adventure.

The park features numerous campgrounds spread throughout its expansive landscape, allowing visitors to choose between convenient campsites near popular amenities or quieter sites tucked deeper into the forest for a more secluded camping experience.

If tenting isn't your style, Meadow Lake has multiple cabin resorts like Flotten Lake Adventures Resort and Big Island Cove Resort that offer a more comfortable stay. Eco Lodge Resort on the south side of Greig Lake also offers unique accommodations including teepees.

More Activities to Explore

For even more adventure, head to the west side of Meadow Lake Provincial Park to discover favourites like Sandy Beach, Wolf Bay, and Gold Creek, each offering easy access to beautiful lakes, beaches, boating, and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors can also paddle the scenic Waterhen River from the Goodsoil Bridge.

At the same time, golfers won't want to miss Northern Meadows Golf Club, a highly rated championship course just minutes from the park that is widely regarded as one of Saskatchewan's premier golf destinations.

What's Nearby

Saskatchewan's northwest region is dotted with several beautiful provincial parks, many of which are near Meadow Lake.

Makwa Lake Provincial Park, Bronson Forest Recreation Site, Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park and Steele Narrows Provincial Historic Park all offer their own scenic views and historical significance. Play a round of golf at the Loon Lake Golf Course in Makwa, learn about the Northwest Resistance and the Battle of Look Lake, the last military conflict fought in Canada in Steele Narrows. At Fort Pitt discover the significance in the signing of Treaty 6 and round out the day by heading to the hidden gem of Bronson Forest for a quieter atmosphere and a relaxing day one of its sandy beaches.

Don't Forget About Fall

As September nears, Meadow Lake is a beautiful spot to see in fall. The park's boreal forest becomes a vibrant display of gold and orange foliage, making it an ideal destination for hiking and photography. Call to book a campsite or stay at one of the all-season cabins available.

Good to Know

Maximize your trip enjoyment with a little planning:

• A park entry permit is required when visiting the park, get yours online before arriving.
• If you're planning to fish, grab your angling license before casting out.
• Borrow a free Discovery Pack from the gates. Designed for families and visitors of all ages, Discovery Packs are a fun and engaging way to play, learn and interact with the natural environment. This year's new and exciting themes include:
  • Butterflies and Blooms
  • Cosmic Club
  • Creatures of the Past
  • Fungi Friends
  • Junior Ecologist: Forest Exploration
• Recreation Packs are also free to borrow, focused on outdoor activities and sports. Borrow a Disc Golf, Birding, Beach Adventure or Campsite Games Pack from the Visitor Centre.