Saskatchewan, Canada

Saskatchewan, Canada

One of the first travel specialists exams I took was to be a Canadian expert. I was taken at monthly intervals to different provinces and when I got a call to tell me I was being taken to Saskatchewan at the weekend, I must confess I had to look it up on the map as I wasn’t sure where I was going.

I flew into Regina, the capital, and was met with a couple of charming people from the Tourist Board who were going to be my guides for a few days. I honestly hadn’t a clue as to what to expect.

This vast expanse of land and sky in Saskatchewan has shaped this province throughout history. It is home to approximately 100,000 lakes and countless rivers and streams that make it the perfect destination for water based vacations, from fishing to lakeside resorts to canoeing and water sports, In fact, about one eighth of Saskatchewan is water. Its people are down to earth, and a variety of different nationalities. It is home to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, world class golf courses, amazing art galleries and museums, events like you will find nowhere else and Canada’s football team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. I really enjoyed my visit to see the Royal Canadian Mounted police on parade and was surprised to see so many women in uniform.

I was impressed at the number of guided trips – canoeing, or fly in fishing camps, and when the snow falls, some great cross country skiing trips and staying at ranches. Ice fishing and dog sledding and old fashioned sleigh rides are also available. www.sasktourism.com lists local fishing and hunting outfitters. You can sign up for a ranch visit and horseback tour of the southern region www.sasksnowmobiling.ski.ca.

I enjoyed the Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa where the water contains healing properties similar to those found in Israel’s Dead Sea, and the name, Moose Jaw tickled me. After being pampered into submission, I was taken on a tour of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. It is rumored that Al Capone and his gangsters used these underground passageways during the days of the prohibition.

There is a lot to do and see if you visit the Province. I think Americans go to the Western Provinces, such as British Columbia and Alberta, or the Eastern Province of Quebec, but few seem to go to the Provinces in the center of the country. Some great national parks, museums and art galleries, and wonderful food. www.tourismregina.com

This would be a great destination for a week’s holiday.

Enjoy

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94024

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com