Top things to see and do in Elbow & Lake Diefenbaker
From parks to watersport playgrounds, this area boasts a ton of things to do
Known as Saskatchewan’s largest lake, Lake Diefenbaker is a man-made reservoir formed by the Gardiner Dam and the Qu’Appelle River Dam being constructed across the South Saskatchewan and Qu’Appelle rivers. This created a body of water that not only provides irrigation for the area but also offers visitors the chance to explore more than 800 kilometres of sandy, undeveloped shoreline.
1) Fun on the waterfront
For those who love the water, Lake Diefenbaker provides plenty of access, whether you favour swimming, getting out with your power watercraft or feeling the wind at your back as you run under full sail—Lake Diefenbaker is the sailing capital of the prairies. Winds that funnel off the adjacent rolling hills and grasslands create ideal conditions.
To cater to the boating crowd that flocks to the lake each summer, Diefenbaker has three full-service marinas. This makes long day trips and even longer overnight trips possible and allows mariners time to explore the many secluded bays along the lakeshore, some of which can be reached only by water.
The largest of these marinas, and indeed the largest on the prairies, is located at the most easterly point of the lake at the village of Elbow. Boasting 150 slips that lie in a long, narrow coulee, the marina can accommodate boats up to 40 feet long.
Two additional marinas can be found, one near the village of Riverhurst within Palliser Regional Park and the other in Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park at the southernmost end of the lake. Both offer gas, fishing supplies, rentals and a place to moor.
2) Provincial playgrounds
If you’re looking to stay overnight, Lake Diefenbaker has plenty of places to park a rig. The area boasts three large provincial parks and three regional parks, each with its own unique history and amenities and each offering sites with unparalleled views of the lake.
The three Lake Diefenbaker provincial parks are Danielson, Douglas and Saskatchewan Landing. All have been recently upgraded to include more electric sites and a new online camping registration system.
At Danielson Provincial Park, visitors have an opportunity to see the Gardiner Dam in action. One of the world’s largest earth-filled dams—with an ability to pump out an astounding 7,500 cubic metres of water per second—this marvel of engineering has an interpretive centre on site where visitors can learn more about the history of the dam, grab a bite to eat in the centre’s cafe or have a picnic on the nearby wide, sandy beach, followed by a relaxing swim.
In contrast to Danielson’s man-made highlight, Douglas Provincial Park—named after the late premier Tommy Douglas—looks to offer visitors a more natural experience. It has 27 kilometres of interpreted hiking trails and includes a section of the Trans-Canada Trail that travels alongside the lake. Hikers can view wildlife including moose, whitetail deer and mule deer as well as more than 170 species of birds.
Saskatchewan Landing’s landscape is a mixture of rolling hills and native prairie grassland. This park celebrates its history as the traditional crossing place on the South Saskatchewan River where generations of aboriginals, Metis and, later, new settlers to the area would cross the river. This was known in pioneer days as the Battleford Trail. The traffic that crossed here by ferry and steamboat transported supplies up from the railway in Swift Current to North Battleford. Today, interpretive hikes through the coulees allow visitors to see the remnants of early pioneer homes and to wonder how a life could be carved from such a rugged environment.
3) Regional parks for your pleasure
In addition to its provincial parks, Lake Diefenbaker also provides visitors with a number of services at three regional parks: Prairie Lake Regional Park in Beechy, Palliser Regional Park in Riverhurst and the Outlook and District Regional Park located within the town of Outlook. Each offers guests the opportunity to camp in the park or to take advantage of nearby accommodations and amenities.
Without the hustle and bustle and overcrowding that can be found in so many popular vacation spots across Canada, Saskatchewan’s Lake Diefenbaker offers travellers the wide open spaces the province is well known for. There’s room to have fun and explore the many wonders that Lake Diefenbaker and its communities have to offer.
Key Elbow and Lake Diefenbaker contacts
SaskatchewanLand of Living Skies
Explore Saskatchewan! You will discover 100,000 lakes and rivers, some of the world's friendliest people and our famous living skies. Relive our fascinating history and celebrate it with us at lively events and colourful festivals. Seek adventure in our rugged wilderness. Relax in our breathtaking outdoor splendour and tranquility. Discover the beauty of our land. See how it has shaped a unique people and culture.
We have more than 6,000 campsites located throughout the province, offering everything from
full service sites, to backcountry adventures.Experience the heart and soul of Saskatchewan! Photo credit:
OA00306.jpg – Horseback Riding, South Saskatchewan River
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
OA00266.jpg – Harbor Golf Club & Resort
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar Photography
PN00091new.jpg – Narrow Hills Provincial Park
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar PhotographyTourism Saskatchewanwww.sasktourism.com
Feel safe on all your RV journeys
At the British Columbia Safety Authority, we keep people safe. As the province's delegated authority, we promote the safe installation and use of technical equipment. We are a not-for-profit organization that administers safety standards through education, and through issuing permits and licences. We also promote compliance to standards to ensure consistency and fairness, and conduct onsite inspections - particularly in high-risk situations. We continuously research trends to advance the standard of safe practices in our province. When you are travelling in your RV, be sure that you know about propane safety. Our staff team and informative website can help you feel secure on all your journeys.
BC Safety Authoritywww.safetyauthority.ca
SaskatchewanA touch of Europe on the Prairies
Culture, heritage, spirituality and architecture: these are the four pillars of Gravelbourg. This small, vibrant and multicultural community is located in south central Saskatchewan. Gravelbourg's unique quality of life offers modern recreational facilities, excellent educational services and all the amenities you might expect in a larger urban centre. There are more than 100 businesses and services available, artistic venues of all kinds and an array of annual events to look forward to. It's no wonder this town is known as the cultural gem of Saskatchewan.
Town Of Gravelbourgwww.gravelbourg.ca
SaskatchewanOffering 800 square kilometres of shoreline
You’ve got your RV and gear all ready to go and all you can think about is getting to the lake; but dealing with the crowds can be a major headache, not to mention boating traffic on the water feels a bit like rush hour in the city. Would you believe that there is a lake in southern Saskatchewan that stretches over 225 kilometres in length and features 800 square kilometres of shoreline that feels light years away from big crowds? It's called Lake Diefenbaker and it has all the room you need to stretch your legs and relax.
Lake Diefenbaker Tourismwww.lakediefenbakertourism.com
Watrous, SKExperience tranquillity, at Watrous and Manitou Beach
Discover two progressive communities in Central Saskatchewan. Experience the abundance of recreation, dining, and cultural opportunities close to home. Float in the healing waters of nearby Little Manitou Lake. Can’t swim? No problem, in this lake you can’t sink due to the high salt and mineral content found nowhere else! Find one of Saskatchewan’s top regional parks with over 200 campsites and adjacent 9-hole golf course. Experience world famous Danceland and take a dip in the healing waters at Manitou Springs Hotel and Spa – one of Canada’s premier health spas. No matter what you like, Watrous and Manitou Beach have it!
Watrous Manitou Marketing Groupwww.watrousmanitou.com-
SaskatchewanSharing success
Since being incorporated as a non-profit organization, SIGA has become a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry in Saskatchewan. By combining gaming with traditional First Nations hospitality, guests are treated to a truly unique entertainment experience. The success and accomplishments of SIGA over the years has been the result of a strong vision and the commitment of their 2,100-plus employees. In addition to the profits it generates for its beneficiaries, SIGA also invests $1.3 million annually into hundreds of community groups in Saskatchewan through its community relations sponsorship program. Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Inc.
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Inc.www.siga.sk.ca 
Melville, SKMelville: Endless opportunities
Melville is a pleasant Saskatchewan community with friendly residents, plenty to see and do and an array of attractions to visit. You can tour the town and see heritage buildings that are beautifully restored, or stop by the Tourism Centre to pick up souvenirs, maps and brochures, self-guided tour information or the latest details on upcoming events. The centre is open year-round and tours of the Caboose and the Railway Museum are available on request.
Tourism Melvillewww.tourismmelville.com
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