Going boating in Saskatchewan? Over 12% of the province of Saskatchewan is covered by lakes and rivers. Seriously — that’s a whole lot of boating.
Spend the day on the crystal blue waters of Barrier Lake, located at the base of Mount Baldy. Or plan a weekend trip to Meadow Lake Provincial Park to explore one of its 25 lakes. Both spots offer easy boating access, so getting out for a day on the water is a breeze.
For more information on Saskatchewan’s boating access areas, check out Discover Boating’s marina finder. Just remember to get your Saskatchewan Boat License and register your boat!
Where should you go to hit the water? Check out some of your favorite lakes to enjoy your boat in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan’s Best Boating Lakes
If you’re in search of a more peaceful time on the water, La Ronge Provincial Park is the perfect spot to paddle out for the day. It features over 100 lakes and 1300 islands to explore.
However, if reeling in a trophy-sized pike is more your style, hit up Athabasca Lake. Just be sure to check out Saskatchewan’s current Anglers Guide for the most up-to-date fishing regulations for your area.
Little Manitou Lake
Little Lake Manitou is open to all types of boating, including power boating and paddling. It’s more commonly known as Canada’s Dead Sea.
Little Lake Manitou has been attracting visitors for centuries. Although it was once a freshwater lake, the waters of Lake Manitou have no outlet, resulting in its increasingly mineral-based composition. The resulting water is far denser than seawater, making it easy to float (just like the Dead Sea).
The lake offers a variety of activities and amenities, including beaches, resorts, mineral pools, and a drive-in.
Reindeer Lake
Reindeer Lake is the perfect relaxing getaway for the whole family. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and retreat to Northern Saskatchewan for a peaceful weekend filled with boating and fishing.
Check out the Nordic Lodge on Reindeer Lake for perfect cottage-style accommodations. Book a Woodland Cree guided fishing tour on the lake.
Last Mountain Lake and Regional Park
Located about an hour north of Regina, Last Mountain Lake and the surrounding regional park offer loads of boating, water activities, and camping — a prime spot for boating in Saskatchewan.
The park features easy boating access and is a popular spot for fishing. Just remember that this lake is pretty shallow, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for sandbars and rocks, which can be tricky to spot.
More interested in “glamping?” Check out one of their many RV sites, take a swim in the outdoor pool, check out the beach volleyball court, or play a round of golf. There’s also a new concession stand, an aquatic program (with swimming lessons for kids), a shower house, and laundry facilities.
It’s basically your home away from home in the summer months!
Barrier Lake and Barrier Lake Resort
Barrier Lake is located about 60 km south of Tisdale, Saskatchewan. On its southwest side is the Barrier Lake Resort, a perfect family getaway for Saskatchewan’s south-central residents. Book a cabin for the weekend, camp for the night, or park your RV for the summer. Choose from a variety of summer (and winter) activities!
Launch and dock your boat straight from the beach, and head out on the water. Enjoy a day of fishing, swimming, or catching some rays from the boat.
Don’t have your own boat? No problem — you can rent one straight from the resort. Once you’ve had your fill of cruising around the lake, dock up for the afternoon. Check out some beach volleyball, book the kids in for swimming lessons, or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant.
If you’re in search of winter activities, you won’t need to go far. Barrier Lake also offers ice fishing, including two ice fishing derbies through the winter. The area around the lake also boasts miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Meadow Lake Provincial Park
Meadow Lake Provincial Park region spans about 1600 km and features more than 20 lakes, rivers, and streams. It’s also one of the largest provincial parks in all of Canada and resident of some of Saskatchewan’s most prime beaches.
This park is a major camping, paddling, and fishing family destination for Saskatchewan residents. Bring the kids and head out for a day of paddling on the Waterhen River. Trek through the Boreal Trail — stop for a break at one of the park’s picnic areas.
The park’s campground offers RV sites, tent sites, firepits, and picnic tables. There’s also a concession service if you’re looking for a bite to eat and a fish cleaning facility if you want to fry up a fresh catch for dinner. So stay for the night or the summer, and enjoy all that the park has to offer.
Be Safe and Have Fun When Boating in Saskatchewan
Boating in Saskatchewan is an excellent way to spend your time, whether you love to cruise the water, engage in watersports, or go fishing. Just make sure you know how to stay safe when on the water.
The BOATsmart! online boating education course for Canada tells you everything you need to know about boating safety. Plus, you can get your boater card after passing the final exam to show you know your stuff and that you are legal to boat in Canada!
First published in November 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for relevancy and accuracy October 14, 2024.
