The Palliser Triangle was once called a “useless desert” when surveyed by Captain John Palliser in 1862, but today part of this region boasts numerous parks along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker and is known as Canada’s breadbasket.
How did the barren landscape Captain Palliser see change so rapidly?
Unfortunately for him, his surveying expedition was travelling through a period of drought in both southern portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan. So, when he encountered the Middle Sand Hills in Alberta and the Elbow Sand Hills in Saskatchewan, he felt there was no useable land in this region. Had he traveled a little farther south he would have found a more hospitable environment with trees, prairie grasses, and water.
Saskatchewan however gave nature a helping hand in this area by creating Lake Diefenbaker. Dams were built on both the Qu’Appelle and South Saskatchewan Rivers to allow the new man-made lake to be formed.
This week we’re focusing on Palliser Regional Park, voted the 2024 Regional Park of the year! Found off the shores of Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan’s largest man-made lake, there is no doubt as to why it received the title it did!
Lake Diefenbaker spans 430km² and is home to three provincial parks as well as three regional parks, including Palliser. The lake is perfect for boaters and fishermen alike. In fact, the lake has 26 native and stock fish species! It currently holds the world record for both the largest burbot and rainbow trout.
Palliser can be found centrally located between Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, and Swift Current. The park was incorporated in 1962 and is named after Captain John Palliser; the surveyor hired by the British government to explore and survey the area. Their camping season runs from May long weekend until September 30th, with daily and seasonal camping, as well as motel and cabin rentals.
The camping sites do vary from no service to full service, so be sure to book early and accordingly!
The park is a great place for you and your family to kick back, relax and enjoy time together. Some of the things you can enjoy here are:
- Access to several public beach areas
- Heated swimming pool with swimming lessons available
- Park concession
- Nine-hole golf course
- Shower facility (wheel chair accessible) with coin laundry
- Restaurant
There is also a Camp Kitchen that is available to rent for events. During the months of July and August the park hosts a Farmers Market at the Camp Kitchen every Saturday from 10AM-2PM and a Pancake Breakfast every Sunday from 9AM-11AM.
Within the park you will find Rusty’s Coulee Marina. There are daily and seasonal boat slip rentals available along with camping sites and a shower facility for those who want to be close to the boat launch. For added convenience there is also a store with tackle, bait, ice cream, grocery items, firewood, and marine fuel. With the abundance of anglers frequenting Palliser Park, a fish cleaning shack is located right near the boat launch area to further enhance the parks amenities!
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, or an extended summer retreat at Palliser Regional Park, we’re confident that you’ll have an unforgettable experience!
To book your next trip to Palliser Regional Park click here!
*photos courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan Canada website
