Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
Learn more from the exhibits at the Chaplin Nature Centre or take in a tour (www. chaplintourism.com ). HERITAGE AND CULTURE Follow driving tours through the Trails of 1885 to relive a challenging era in the development of the West, when disappear- ance of the buff alo and the increasing pace of settlement led to unrest by some Aboriginal bands and the Métis under Louis Riel ( www.trailsof1885.com). A great way to get in touch with Saskatchewan's contemporary Aboriginal culture is to attend a powwow. Powerful drumming, chanting singers and swirling dancers in brilliant outfi ts make for an unforgettable experience. Powwows carry on traditions, but also serve as social gatherings and dance competitions. Above all, they are a lot of fun. One of the biggest is the annual Spring Powwow at Regina's First Nations University ( www.fnuniv.ca/ powwow ). Saskatchewan culture is defi ned by its rich diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Saskatoon's Ukrainian Museum of Canada, for example, chronicles the contributions of this prominent segment of Saskatchewan's makeup ( www.umc.sk.ca ). In northeast Saskatchewan, fi nd out more about the Doukhobors at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village at Veregin. MUST SEE, MUST DO Camp or rent a teepee in Grasslands National Park to experience the wild prairie at its fi nest (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/grasslands). Witness one of Nature's most awesome spectacles as hundreds of thousands of migrating geese, cranes and other water- fowl stage in late September and October. Hotspots include Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area and the Quill Lakes International Bird Area ( www.quill-lakes- bird-area.com). Challenge yourself on Saskatchewan's longest documented hike, the 120-km (75-mi.) Boreal Trail across Meadow Lake Provincial Park's picture-perfect forested lakelands. Dedicated backcountry camp- sites make for a true wilderness experience ( www.saskparks.net/borealtrail). The Great Sand Hills are Canada's second largest sand dunes, eclipsed only by Saskatchewan's remote Athabasca Sand Dunes. These, however, are easily accessi- ble; simply drive right up to massive walls of sand beside the road, then go for a hike. Set the stage with a stop at the Great Sandhills Museum & Interpretive Centre in Sceptre, then follow the signs south to the magical landscape ( www.greatsandhills museum.com). SCENIC DRIVES Tourism Saskatchewan's suggested driving routes include everything from spectacular scenery to history, the arts and the best in local food ( www.tourismsaskatchewan. com/experience-saskatchewan). A Drive Through the North West Frontier takes you back to the turbulent days of 1885 when Chief Big Bear's Cree clashed with the Canadian militia. The fi nal skirmish at Steele Narrows is considered the last military engagement to take place on Canadian soil. A Journey Through Cowboy Country hits the best of the southwest, rich in ranching culture, steeped in the history of early mounted police posts and cattle-rustling outlaws, and home to outstanding natural wonders such as badlands and the Cypress Hills. FAMILY FUN While youngsters may be impressed by dinosaur replicas, nothing compares to seeing the "real" thing moving and roaring. Named Megamunch by local school children, the half-size robotic Tyrannosaurus rex is the most kid-friendly highlight of Regina's Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Kids are even invited to friend Megamunch on Facebook—if they dare ( www.royalsask museum.ca). PARK PICK PRINCE ALBERT NATONAL PARK Grey Owl called it one of Canada's greatest wilderness playgrounds. Saskatchewan's largest protected area is almost smack in the centre of the province, preserving a transition zone from southern aspen parkland and fescue grasslands to northern boreal forest. Almost a third of the park is water, with huge lakes, small ponds, rivers and streams and wildlife-rich wetlands galore. Canoeing and other watersports are especially popular. Tiny Ajawaan Lake is where Canada's famous conservationist, Grey Owl, lived, worked, wrote his bestselling books and was fi nally buried. The hike or canoe trip to his cabin is a pilgrim- age to the home of a Canadian icon ( www.parkscanada.gc.ca/princealbert). National Parks and Historic Sites: www.parkscanada.gc.ca 1-888-773-8888 QUICK FACT LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE AREA IS THE OLDEST BIRD SANCTUARY IN NORTH AMERICA. HISTORIC REESOR RANCH, CYPRESS HILLS • CTC SK 79