Saskatoon Hiking and Skiing Meetup

Unfortunately, it is looking like Prince Albert National Park won't have the Grey Owl trail open again.

So we are planning on going to Riding Mountain National Park instead. Let's meet at Tim Hortons by the southend Costco Saturday August 9th at 10am. We will drive approximately 6 hours to the trailhead, start the hike by 430. Hike 7.3 kms to the first campsite at Lake Tilson.
Sunday morning we will pack our gear and hike 15.6kms to Birdtail campsite.
Monday morning we will pack up and hike 14.9 kms back to the vehicles. Depending what time we get done, we can decide to stay Monday night at a front country campsite or drive the 6 hours home.
Permit Fees are $13.50/night/person and $10/night/site for fire permit. So budget for around $50/person for permits.
Gear to bring: Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water filter system, water bottle, cookstove, cooking pot or kettle, proper layering system of clothes for all weather conditions; ie:rain and cool, proper footwear, for on the trail as well as a pair at camp, food for 3 nights and 4 days on the trail, bear spray, bug spray, sunscreen, hiking poles, hat, bug jacket and/or hood.

$10 annual fee: if you haven't yet, please pay $10 annual fee. You can pay by cash or preferably, e-transfer eneudorf@hotmail.com

LIMITATIONS AND LIABILITY The organizer of your event is not acting as a professional guide and is not responsible for any injuries or losses resulting from your participation in the Group's events. Participation is entirely voluntary and you assume all the risks of the event, whatever circumstances may occur. In all instances, you are responsible for providing the proper equipment, and for your own safety. Neither the Group nor the organizer is liable in any respect for losses, injuries, damages or deaths resulting directly or indirectly from your participation in the Group's events.

Please read details of event before signing up.

Nicolle Flats and Buffalo Pound have been favourites for our group since day 1. So below's the low-down for this go-round:

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park offers a balanced blend of nature and recreational opportunities. Once used by First Nations to corral bison, the park maintains a captive herd in a paddock that's situated among the area's scenic rolling hills. There are also lots of migrant waterfowl for viewing in the Nicolle Flats Interpretive Area and Marsh Boardwalk.

We're going to start by hiking the Terminator, challenging trails on the west side of Buffalo Pound Lake. These trails have good tree coverage, but there are lots of ups and downs, (similar to those at Saskatchewan Landing) so the level of difficulty will be high. We'll aim to do 6-7 kms.

After we finish the terminator we'll stop for lunch, before heading out again in the afternoon to do Nicolle Flats: an easy 8km loop around the southern most portion of Buffalo Pound Lake. Most of the terrain here is flat with little tree cover, so lots of sun. We'll make one stop for snacks along the way, at the Nicolle Homestead.

Including the drive, this will be a full day, so be prepared: bring 1-2 litres of water to keep you hydrated, plus a snack and a bag lunch.

Dress appropriately, based on the weather for that day: cool in the morning and warm during the day. Wool or synthetics are always better than cotton as cotton soaks up sweat and makes you feel cold. Bring a rain jacket in case of rain. Running shoes will do but hiking shoes/boots will help keeping you sturdy on uneven ground. Walking poles are recommended but by no means essential. Did I mention water yet - bring water to keep hydrated!

You should also bring mosquito repellent, a hat, sunglasses, lipbalm, etc..., to protect you from the elements.

Cost: $10 annual fee if this is your first hike for 2025. $10 per car for park access fee, + fuel for transportation (passengers pay).

True to our tradition, on our way home we will stop at Twister's Sister in Chamberlain for ice cream and a group picture!