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Fort Walsh National Historic Site is federally operated through Parks Canada but works in partnership with Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, in which it is located. Truthfully, at first I wasn't overly interested in visiting this interpretive site, but was glad afterwards that I did. For about $7, I learned about the interesting history of not only the Cypress Hills, but also about the natives who lived in the region and the arrival and presence of the Northwestern Mounted Police (now RCMP) at Fort Walsh. Interpreters take visitors through a reconstruction of the fort, telling stories of daily life and hardships of the men who lived there. Visitors also learn why the fort was built, what sorts of activities went on there, and get to participate in a court hearing. There is also an excellent interpretive centre on site that displays exhibits on the unique ecology and geology of the Cypress Hills, more history of Fort Walsh and surrounds, etc. There is a small cafe in the interpretive centre where you can purchase coffee and/or lunch. The tour price includes an interesting video about the whiskey trade and other factors leading to the construction of Fort Walsh.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Phone: 306-662-3590
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The drive through the west block and Alberta block of Cypress Hills is really pretty, with lots of bends in the road. At one point the road winds around Reesor Lake, a small, but pretty lake where people were fishing and kayaking. You can have a picnic by the lake or hike part of the Trans Canada Trail to the Reesor Lake Viewpoint, which offers a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding landscape (for which my photo does not do justice). Alternatively, you can contiue driving on the main road around the lake and reach the viewpoint that way. The hike is 4.2 km uphill, so not for those looking for an easy stroll. The trailhead starts at the parking lot for Reesor Lake by the entry to the Reesor Lake Campground. Maps are available at the trailhead for all trails in the Alberta block.
Updated Sep 5, 2008
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These two scenic lookouts are located between the centre and west blocks in Saskatchewan. The lookout point overlooks miles of prairie. On clear days, you can see the town of Maple Creek and possibly the Sandhills. If you're driving on the gap road between the two blocks, make sure to stop here on the way. Otherwise, these viewpoints can be accessed from the centre block by the Bald Butte Trail which splits from the gap road just by the golf course.
Written Aug 17, 2008
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I really enjoyed this trail. It loops around two small lakes, starting off in an open woodland, transitioning into a mature, shaded forest, passing through a marsh, and ending in a mixed-grass prairie. The lakes in the middle provide opportunity for numerous beautiful photographs. A white pelican was foraging in the water while we were there. Interpretive signs along the trail provide complementary information about the surrounding environment. The trail is 2 km looped. The park pamphlet suggests 1-1.5 hours, but we were defintely there longer, but we went at a relaxed pace. On hot days, morning and late afternoon is recommended. We were there midday and the open prairie portion was hot and sunny, so we sort of rushed through it.
Written Aug 17, 2008
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This nice little trail is only 0.8 km looped and can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, though we took our time and stopped to enjoy the wildlife and the wonderful smell of the pines and spruce trees. It's a forested trail, so it is a good choice on really hot summer days when some of the more open trails might be uncomfortable. It starts off in a moist valley by a river and moves upland. You really notice the change in the plant community as you walk along it because of this change in moisture. Interpretive signs are located along the path and showcase some of these changes and some of the plant and animal species you might encounter. A really nice, easy trail.
Updated Aug 17, 2008
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A beautiful view awaits you from the cliff. The lookout point, like many in the Cypress Hills, can be easily accessed by car if you are short on time or energy. There is an interpretive sign at the lookout.
Written Aug 17, 2008
West Block (SK) Campgrounds: Hidden Gems of Cypress Camping?
Babzz Says: We were at Cypress Hills over the August long weekend, so we were concerned about getting a campsite, since all the reservable ones were booked and it was first come, first serve. And then we discovered the west block camgrounds (saskatchewan)! Since this block of the park...
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The restaurant in the inn has a nice ambiance - wood trim, large windows overlooking the forest, artwork depicting Cypress Hills and prairie scenes. The lunch options were fairly simple, but presentation and quality were good. If you need a change from smokies over the campfire, a stop here might be worth it.
Favorite Dish: The steak sandwich was very nice. The steak was cooked the way I asked.
Written Aug 17, 2008
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Grocery stores are in Elkwater Townsite and in the Centre Block - Saskatchewan (just past the entry kiosk). Here you will find pretty much anything you may have forgotten for your camping experience, including food, drinks, ice, newspaper for firestarter, lighters, clothing, sunblock, bug spray, etc. Also available are reading material, gifts, souvenirs, p;ostcards, etc.
Written Aug 17, 2008
Cypress Hills INTERprovincial Park
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park protects and showcases a unique environment. The Cypress Hills make up the highest elevation in Canada between Labrador and the Rocky Mountains. The forested rolling...
Build your own Cypress Hills Provincial Park page
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