Thing to Do - Things to See

Just like SaskTel with its 4G network, we’ve got you covered pretty much anywhere

you might roam for your holidays and weekend getaways this summer,

they are all relatively close to Blaine Lake and most are less than an hours drive

So many things to do and see. 

There are many lakes, campgrounds, golf courses and tourist attractions located within a short distance of Blaine Lake. 

Some of the town and area attractions are the Doukhobor Dugout House National Historic Site, the Petrofka Bridge Orchard,

the Riverlands Heritage Tour, the town murals, the Crooked Bush and Saskatchewan's Largest Tree. Visitors can also discover

a variety of campgrounds and golf courses within a short driving distance.

Fishing - Boating - Ice Fishing ... 

     .. is available on several small lakes around the area, as well as at D’Amour, Emerald Lake,

Martins Lake, Iroquois Lake, and Lac la Peche. The area is well known for it's great fishing.

     Our Regional Parks include Martin’s Lake and Emerald Lake, both having seasonal campsites, campsites with

power/water/sewage hook-ups, swimming lessons, camp kitchens, playgrounds, boating, fishing, golf courses and

more.  Redberry Lake is a saline lake ideal for water-skiing, canoeing, sailing, no motor boats allowed. 

For more information see under Attractions below. Web pages can be found at www.saskregionalparks.ca

Visit Our Museums!

(information courtesy og http://www.nledc.com/attractions.asp )

From refurbished train stations to the quintessential prairie farm house, the towns and villages in our region have carefully preserved the many artifacts, tools, equipment an vehicles used right from the settling of the territory! Artfully depicting the entire lifestyle of our pioneers, the museum collections range diversely from firearms, farming and ranching, clothing, transportation, sports origins, retail, faith and education.

The museums are organize, operated and funded because of the hard work of local volunteers. Through fundraisers and donated artifacts, visitors can enjoy not only the vast displays but also educational events such as blacksmithing, baking in a clay oven, threshing demonstrations and much more.

Shellbrook...

A group of Shellbrook and District citizens were interesting in starting a local museum in 1970. Government grants in 1973 provided necessary funds and a former church was relocated in the Town of Shellbrook to house our collection. In 1985, our collection was moved to its current location in the former C.N.R. Station, a heritage property. In 1999, the Rayside Schools #2808 was donated and relocated to the Museum grounds. Open June -- September.
Contact: (306) 747-4949

Spiritwood...

Located north of Spiritwood on Highway 24. Open May to September or upon request. Visit our extensive farm house display, artifacts display, agricultuebulding, school room and church! Free admission -- donations accepted.
Contact: 306-883-2828

Shell Lake...

Located in the old station house. Open weekends during the summer. Watch for activities around the museum and in our new old log house! Follow your nose when you smell freshly baked bread - it will be coming from the outdoor clay oven.
Contact: 306-427-2272

Blaine Lake...

Located in the historic CN train station that now houses the Blaine Lake Wapiti Library along with the local town museum. It was built in 1912 two years after the rail line between Prince Albert and North Battleford was constructed and served the community until 1973.

OTHER EXCITING THINGS TO DO & SEE
 

Blaine Lake centennial legacy monument entitled, A celebration - the art of stoking, is an artistic representation of a stook of eight wheat sheaves.  The sculpture honours the pioneers who settled in the prairie provinces and harvested the wheat. 

Crooked Trees: Located west of Blaine Lake is a grove of incredible Poplar trees.  These trees resemble trees from a “sci-fi” movie. 

They are certainly worth the drive to see them. An interesting stop for the who;e family to enjoy. Benches, and outdoor touolets available. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twisted_Trees to learn more about the crooked bushes. Contact the Town Office for directions on how to get there. Phone 306-497-2531.

Doukhobor Dugout House National Historic Site: Doukhobor caves and archaeology site. Became a Provincial Heritage Property in the spring of 2005.  Come and visit this historic site and learn more about the Doukhobor culture.  Relive the grit of the Doukhobor pioneers when they fled their homeland of Russia and settled in the North Sask. river ravine in 1899. You will hear the unique sounds of capella singing, listen to traditionally dressed tour guides telling stories from their history. Enjoy freshly baked Doukhobor bread & view all the memorabilia, and visit the gift shop. Open Saturdays July 4 to 25 only. Guided tours every Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Located 17.5km south of Blaine Lake a short distance off Hwy #12. For more information and hours of operation, or to book a tour, please visit their website.  www.doukhobordugouthouse.com or call 306-97-3140.

General Store Memories – Museum and Antiques. When it’s time for a break from the ordinary, take a walk down memory lane.  This two story building with a store-front appearance is overflowing with antiques & collectibles to admire or purchase. Local heritage is preserved within the walls of the second floor museum . 24km N.W. of Blaine Lake just off Hwy #12 near Lac la Peche. Info: 306-226-4646

Heavenly Hills Orchard: tucked in the rolling hills south of Blaine Lake, contains four acres of saskatoon berry trees featuring Honeywood, Martin, Northline, Smoky and Thiessen varieties. These luscious, healthy, deep purple berries start to appear between the beginning and middle weeks of July and last for approximately three weeks. Tasting is encouraged as you pick your own or enjoy a pail of pre-picked and sorted. Shade parking and a picnic area are available. Open at 8 a.m. Located 11.2 km south of Blaine Lake on Hwy 12 and 6.4 km west on 434 grid. Chad and Denise Timm (306-497-2285) email: heavenlyhills@sasktel.net

Historic Sites: The Blaine Lake area boasts several churches with historical significance & fascinating ecclesiastical architecture. Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox (1935) of Krydor displays its colorful Byzantine heritage, the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Roman Catholic’s (1947) arched bell tower also in Krydor. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic ‘s (1922) French Canadian architecture in Marcelin, & St. Andrew’s Catholic’s (1914) Gothic Revival influence in Blaine Lake. St Paul's Lutheran Church 20km southeast of Leask, still uses wood heat & natural light. There are several historical buildings that are celebrating their 100th birthday this year: In Blaine Lake the CIBC Bank which was prefabricated in Vancouver BC, & the old CN station building that now houses the local museum & library. Bramshott Spirits in Leask, built in the boomtown style, was originally the towns first pharmacy. There are other historic sites throughout the area.

Honeywood (Dr. A. J. Porter) Heritage Nursery Inc. - Saskatchewan Provincial Heritage Site: A Horticultural oasis of Saskatchewan's history. It is a unique place where one can see many of the plants that are and were a part of the history of Horticulture on the prairies. The nursery has beautiful gardens & orchards, a unique gift shop & picnic area. Go 46.2 km east of Blaine Lake on Hwy #40 to Parkside, then 6.4km south & 1.6km west. Open Daily - 9:00 am – 5:00 pm from May long weekend to 3rd Sunday in September. For info: www.honeywood-lilies.ca.

Murals, a Self-Guided Tour: A series of colorful murals depicting Saskatchewan’s local wildlife, landscapes & it’s people, enhancing the sides of 13 buildings within the community. Take an enjoyable drive around Blaine Lake viewing these beautiful works of art done by local artists. Be sure to take a tour and view Marcelin’s beautiful murals also.

Petrofka Orchard currently has over 1,200 apple trees on 15 acres of farmland and is located 40 minutes north of Saskatoon or 16 minutes south of Blaine Lake. Our goal is to produce fresh, healthy and sustainably grown fruit and vegetables for our local customers. Petrofka Orchard is a Saskatchewan apple orchard supporting the prairie hardy apple research of the University of Saskatchewan Horticulture Program. We are not "Certified Organic" but we are committed to not using any pesticides on our apples. We believe in the value-added concept and to date have developed three "Saskatchewan Made" apple products with more to come. The store front sells their special apple products; Jams & Jellies; Green Leaf Colony Meats, Chicken, Pork and Sausage; Honey (Raw/ Unpasteurized) and Other Goodies. Please visit the Ordhard website to view hours of operation. Visit www.PetrofkaOrchard.com

Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve: a World Biosphere Reserv, one of 16 Canadian Biosphere Reserves and the only one in Saskatchewan, a migratory bird sanctuary. The area boasts research and education center which contains information on local history, information about the biosphere, as well as various historical data. Consists of 112,000 hectares of rolling prairie surrounding Redberry Lake, dotted with seasonal ponds and marshes along with aspen shrubs and groves. Go exploring, hiking & birding. Visit the Reserve’s Interpretive Centre. Head south on Hwy #40 toward North Battleford for 27.1 km, turn left and go 4.4 km, turn left and go 1.5 km. Info: 549-9311 or www.redberrylake.ca. 

Riverlands Heritage Region Tour: The Riverlands self-guided tour is found along the west side of the North Saskatchewan River between Petrofka Bridge and Wingard Ferry in Saskatchewan, Canada. The self-guided tour includes cultural and historical sites as well as areas of natural history. Direction signs as well as information signs guide the traveller along country roads with stops at a number of interesting sites. This is a fair weather summer tour with information available for each site on the map brochure.

Printable Self Guided Tour Map - Riverland Self Guided Tour

Saskatchewan's Largest Tree (The Big Tree) also known as the Popoff Tree. It is located South of Blaine Lake on Hwy #12 down Tree Road (this road will also take you to the Doukhobor Dugout House site).  This very old cottonwood/balsam poplar hybrid has been growing since before the first white settlers came to this area. Over 160 years old, it has a girth of nearly 5 meters (over 16 ft) and a span of 32 meters (over 104 ft),  it towers above everything else in the area. For more information about this amazing tree go to: http://www.saskhiker.com/#!popoff-tree/clld

Spirit of the Prairie Art and Teaching Studio. Local artist, Doreen Kalmakoff teaches and works in a variety of media.  She is responsible for much of the artwork that has gone into the Blaine Lake Murals.  Please contact her at 306-497-2801 or e-mail her atjohn.kalmakoff@sasktel.net. View some of Doreen's beautiful work at: http://12-40andbeyond.com/content.php?info=3a

12-40 & Beyond Tour An Adventure in Rural Life. This exciting self-guided Saskatchewan adventure in the Blaine Lake, Marcelin, Leask and Hafford area is held annually in July. All venues are within a thirty minute drive from Blaine Lake. Red grain elevators direct guests to the many sites where welcoming smiles await your visit. We encourage you to bring your lunch and enjoy the relaxing setting of picnic sites at most venues..

You will discover unique and exciting venues in rural central Saskatchewan during this weekend. Enjoy the country roads that lead you through diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Visit art studios, an antique museum, a blacksmith shop, orchards and other significant venues that are signature of the fine talents of rural residents. Learn how to set a loom, temper hot steel, view or purchase paintings, art prints, art cards, mosaic tables and a variety of handmade items. Artisan and blacksmith demonstrations will be held all weekend. Self Guided Tour - PDF Map. For more information visit their website at http://12-40andbeyond.com/.

Wildlife / Birdwatching: The Blaine Lake area is a Birdwatchers' Paradise: The Aspen Parkland is a popular destination for birdwatchers & nature enthusiasts. The lakes, river valleys, meadows and forests provide habitat to hundreds of different bird species & other wildlife. Thickwood Hills is a geographical phenomena, a unique and productive mosaic of interconnected habitats. This zone of transition between the aspen woodlands of the boreal forest and the prairie grasslands has one of the highest concentration of wildlife in North America. Saskatchewan’s largest mammals abound here including moose, elk, and deer. The Ecoregion also provides a major breeding habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife, a main Whooping-crane migratory flight path. Birdwatchers may expect to encounter woodpeckers, wrens, bluebirds, humming birds, swallows, owls, blue herons, loons, migratory birds such as ducks, geese, as well as turkey vultures and eagles including the beautiful Bald Eagle.

Wingard Ferry is the only remaining ferry on the North Saskatchewan between The Battlefords and Prince Albert.  / grid road 783, 6 car capacity: The six car ferry is operated by the Saskatchewan Department of Highways and Transportation. The ferry is free of tolls and operates between 7:00 am and midnight, during the ice-free season. The ferry has a length of 17 metres (56 ft), a width of 6.7 metres (22 ft), and a weight limit of 27.2 tonnes.  It transports about 10,000 trucks and cars each year. The ferry crosses the North Saskatchewan River, as part of Range Road 783. Located east of Marcelin on grid Road between Highway 40 and Highway 11. This is an experience you won't want to miss! For more information on the histroy go to the Wesrwern Development Museum sit at http://wdm.ca/artifact_articles/ferry.html

BATOCHE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE - The Riel Rebellion: The Battle of Batoche 1885. Bullet holes above the doorway to the church/rectory complex are the most tangible evidence of the historic Battle of Batoche that occurred here in May of 1885. “Journey Through Time” Meet authentically costumed Métis settlers as you journey through time to hear everyday stories of the folk who lived by the South Saskatchewan River on the site of the last battle of the 1885 Resistance. Imagine the shocking changes as men gathered on both sides and battle began to rage. Visit the final battlefield of the Northwest Resistance of 1885 and learn more about how a traditional way of life changed forever as a new country began to form. Re-live the last battle of the Métis resistance in 1885, led by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont against the government troops of General Middleton’s men at Batoche. Join staff in authentic costume telling further stories of Métis life beside the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

Visitors to Batoche may walk up to 4 kms (2.5 miles) over trails and grassland, and spend four to six hours touring the four featured areas of the site. A minimum of two hours and a 1.4-kms walk (less than a mile) is required to tour the visitors centre and church/rectory complex, the most popular areas. Food and crafts available; limited wheelchair access. Visit the Batoche website for information on fees, and hours and dates of operation. 33 miles [53.1 km] to the East Southeast (ESE) of Blaine Lake

Borden and District Museum - A trip through time, the museum has built a replica cabin to commemorate this historical event. Located in an open air, indoor/outdoor museum right in the center of town. Did you know former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker's family homesteaded in the Borden area? There is a replica of the Diefenbaker homestead shack, Masonic Lodge building, Newbold Butcher Shop, & Munroe barber shop and artifacts.  Take the time when you're there to read the plaques on each of the buildings. It's an interesting bit of history that I had never known to exist! The buildings are open June to September.
A Geocache: The Borden bridge is a nice place to stop for a view of the North Saskatchewan River and Borden. The old concrete bowstring-arch bridge was built as a Depression make-work project and opened in 1937, replacing a ferry service. It was designed by Bev Evans for his master's thesis while a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan. Construction took place between 1935 and 1937 by R. J. Arrand Company of Saskatoon. At 250 metres long, the bridge was the longest bow-string arch bridge in North America at construction. One can still wander on the various paved arteries that lead to what used to be camp parking sites. The Hudson Bay Company sternwheeler "Northgate" steamed through this location traveling from Grand Rapids to Edmonton in 1874 and 1875. Orville Middleton, the 92-year-old entrepreneur bought the bridge for $33 000 in 2007. To read the StarPhoenis newspaper story about this CLICK HERE.

Borden farmers market generally begins the first Friday in May until the second Friday in October. It runs every Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is held in the Borden Fire hall. Borden Museum Facebook. Borden home page.

Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Center: This is a general history museum which includes treatment of the battle of Duck Lake which opened the Riel affair of 1885 (used to be called a rebellion, now called a resistance) and, also, the tragic story of Allmightyvoice (the log jail from which he escaped is near the museum building). A must for students of Canadian history. Local jams, jellies as well as local art offered for sale. Located at Hwy 11 & 212, 27 miles [43.5 km] to the East of Blaine Lake.

Rosthern Station Arts Centre Tea Room in the restored Canadian National Railway train station, which also houses an art gallery and performing arts theatre. The menu is based on fresh products from surrounding farms and gardens.  The award-winning renovated CN Railway Station now houses an art gallery, tea room and performing arts theatre. The Station Arts Centre presents an annual summer theatre production, a concert series which runs from September through to April and a coffee house series.

Seager Wheeler Farm National Historic Site, where award-winning farmer and five-time world wheat champion Seager Wheeler devised machinery, grew fruit trees and experimented with varieties of wheat. See the house, yard, orchard, English garden and gift shop, interpretive displays, and a video sharing the life of Seager Wheeler. They also offer visitors a piece of prairie pie or delicious dessert with tea or coffee. For the HISTORY click here

CROWN HILL Drumlin: A little way off the tour route, northwest of Blaine Lake, Crown Hill is visible for miles around and has long served as a prominent landmark for area residents and travellers. It is a glacier-formed hill known as a drumlin; the gentle slope on its side indicates the direction of the glacier’s flow. Popular spot for tobogganing during the winter months.

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in the Village of Marcelin.

Construction of the first Roman Catholic Church began in 1904 at the original Marcelin town site on land donated by founder Antoine Marcelin. Three years later, the wooden structure was blessed by Monsignor Pascal. In 1913, the CNR's railway tracks bypassed the village necessitating a move one half mile West to the present site. In 1922, the decision was made to construct a new church to house a growing congregation. Construction was completed one year later and the new church was re-named St. Joseph's parish

The Barn Playhouse is a community theatre producing shows that celebrate rural life, farming and family. The actors live in the community and come from all walks of life. During the summer, on weekdays & Saturdays, the yard opens at 5:30 p.m. with food booths, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in the barn-turned-theatre. On Sundays in the summer, the yard opens at 12 NOON with food booths, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, show begins at 2:00 p.m. Fall and winter shows follow a different format. Their Christmas Dinner Theatre includes a horse-drawn sleigh ride and traditional Christmas dinner. The Craft Barn is located in the original barn. Among the well-worn antiques and heavy wooden beams you will find treasures of all sorts, including work from over one hundred artisans and created one of the largest, most affordable craft collections in Saskatchewan. Step back in time with us where life slows down! Sit back and listen to the tunes of the fiddle and the sound of old-tyme and folk music! There's a different band every night. Sit out on the yard, under the trees and enjoy an evening on the farm. You can find more at their web site http://www.barnplayhouse.com. 25 km North of Saskatoon on Hwy. 12.

Duck Lake is in the center of an area great in historical importance. Within a few minutes drive from Town a person can visit the sites of the Battle of Batoche, the Battle of Duck Lake and the Duck Lake Massacre, Fort Carlton, a buffalo jump, the St. Laurent Shrine and the Seager Wheeler Farm. As this area is rich in history the Town of Duck Lake has an aggressive tourism marketing effort that focuses upon the Indian, Metis, and Pioneer cultures. Duck Lake is located on Highway #11, 88 kilometres North of Saskatoon and 44 kilometres South of Prince Albert. An hour drive from Blaine Lake by Wingard Ferry.

Fort Carlton Provincial Park takes you back in time to the rugged, adventurous days of the fur trade before Canada was a country. This is the original site of a Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading post that operated between 1810 and 1885. Historic Park Fort Carlton was the most important trading post in the Northwest and is only a twenty-six kilometre drive from Duck Lake. Fur trade provisioning post - reconstructed stockade, furnished buildings, circa 1860s. Plains Cree encampment. Interpretive/guide staff, group programs and interpretive trails. Visitor centre with fur trade displays. Picnic area, campsites. Fur Trader Program including Voyageur Canoe Tour available weekends during Jul and Aug. Located 26km W of Duck Lake on Hwy 212. This is a real hands on experience for you and the family. Fort Carlton web site.

Our Lady of Lourdes St. Laurent Shrine: The St. Laurent Shrine, known also as the Our Lady of Lourdes – St. Laurent Shrine, is of heritage value for the many religious miracles which are reported to have occurred here. Since 1884, many people have believed that they were cured of ailments and illnesses by the spring water which flows from the hillside. Additionally, in 1890, a projection of light on a former convent wall in the form of a crucified Christ is said to have lasted several days. The first formal pilgrimage to the site occurred in 1905, and it has since been the destination for annual pilgrimages. The site was first associated with Our Lady of Lourdes in 1879 when a priest stationed here identified many similarities between the site and that of Lourdes, France, a place famous for religious wonders. Henceforth, the site of the spring became a place of prayer and a shrine was established in 1881, with the addition of a grotto the following year. In 1885 a statue was donated and placed at the site in appreciation of the first healing to occur. The statue remains an important element of the site.

Annual Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage: The St. Laurent Shrine is a religious site very alive today, yet steeped in history and tradition. The pilgrimage has taken place for 130 years. The July pilgrimage is preceded by a Novena, which takes place from July 6 to 14 each year. The site offers camping facilities for its many patrons. Sunday Eucharist services are celebrated at the Grotto every Sunday at 4:00 pm during the summer months of July and August. C o m e experience what the shrine can offer. Worship alone in nature’s solitude or join in the shared worship of thousands of pilgrims at the annual pilgrimage for a profound spiritual experience. The St. Laurent Shrine, northeast of town along the South Saskatchewan River, began as an Oblate Mission in 1874 for the Métis settlers moving into the area. The shrine site is devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes and has been credited with healing miracles. For over 100 years, people have made healing and spiritual pilgrimages to St. Laurent on July 15 and 16 and again on August 15 of every year.

Location: An hour drive from Blaine Lake by Wingard Ferry. Along the South Saskatchewan River. 12km directly E of Duck Lake on grid road; alternate road at statue landmark on Hwy 11, approximately 5km NE of Duck Lake.

July 15th & 16th, August 15th, September 8th, 2016

During summer season only - Phone (306) 467-4447