7 historic sites to visit in Saskatchewan this summer
Get out of the city to soak in the wild-west adventures and exciting stories that helped form Canada
From wild-west adventures to the political decisions that helped form Canada, there are many exciting stories to absorb in Saskatchewan.
Here are just seven of the spots to visit this summer for anyone looking to explore the historic sites that make this province such a unique place.
Many of the attractions have seasonal hours and are now beginning to open.
1. Fort Walsh National Historic Site
After the Cypress Hills Massacre in 1873, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald famously sent out the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to clamp down on the American whiskey traders running rampant in the west.
According to Parks Canada, Fort Walsh was established in 1875 and became the most important and heavily armed garrison of the RCMP during the force's early years.
Today, the site features guided and interpretive tours that include period costumes of the day as well as programming for kids.
Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from May 16 to June 30, and seven days a week in July and August.
2. Batoche National Historic Site
The Batoche National Historic Site is filled with fascinating history.
In 1885, the Battle of Batoche became the last fight of the North West Rebellion. Parks Canada says 300 Métis and First Nations fighters under the leadership of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont faced off against 800 Canadian soldiers.
Batoche continues to represent an important symbol in Métis culture. The Bell of Batoche, which was known to have been taken back east as a spoil of war following the battle, still makes headlines in modern times.
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from May 18 to June 30, and seven days a week in July and August.
3. Big Muddy Outlaw Caves
The rugged terrain and caves surrounding the town of Coronach, Sask. in southern Saskatchewan once provided hideouts for 19th century outlaws crossing the U.S. border.
Today there are tours to attractions such as the Castle Butte structure, an ancient First Nations buffalo effigy and the notorious caves.
Hours: Town offers pre-booked Badlands tours and a visitor booth open from the May long weekend until September.
4. Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site
Saskatchewan is well known for its pioneer culture from the early 20th century.
The Motherwell Homestead is a great slice of the pioneer period, approximately 108 kilometres northeast of Regina. It was once the settlement of William Richard Motherwell, an important figure in Canadian agricultural and political history.
There are many family-friendly activities at the site which incorporate the traditional pioneer way of life.
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from May 20 to June 26, and seven days a week in July and August.
5. The Doukhobor Dugout House
The Doukhobor story in Saskatchewan is unique. The official website for the dugout house says that at the end of the 19th century, members of this Russian religious group relocated to the area of Blaine Lake, Sask, bringing along their culture and survival methods.
According to the online Canadian Encyclopedia, the Doukhobors were a sect known for "radical pacificism" and their descendents in Western Canada now number in the tens of thousands.
The dugout house is only open to visitors on Saturdays in July due to ongoing research in the area.
Hours: Open Saturdays from July 4 to July 25.
6. Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site
The Claybank Brick Plant is a well-preserved example of the early industrial age.
Tourism Saskatchewan says that the plant is virtually unchanged since it opened more than 100 years ago and is located among the clay canyons about 72 kilometres south of Moose Jaw.
Hours: Open from July 1 to August 23.
7. Last Mountain House Provincial Park
This provincial park offers a historical spin as the site of a fur trade post for the Hudson's Bay Company.
Constructed in 1869, the Government of Saskatchewan says that the post marked the end of the fur trading era in the province.
Visitors can explore six reconstructed and furnished buildings. Last Mountain House is in the Fort Qu'Appelle valley about 48 kilometres northeast of Regina.
Hours: Open Thursday to Saturday from July 1 to Labour Day.
There are many more historic sites to enjoy in Saskatchewan. For more, check out the external link below to Tourism Saskatchewan's list of provincial and national heritage locations.