Last Updated on October 3, 2023
Saskatchewan is known for its vast prairies and rolling hills, but there is another side to the province that is often overlooked: its hidden sand dunes.
Scattered throughout Saskatchewan, these dunes offer a unique and secluded sand dune experience, and are a leftover from the last ice age.
The hidden sand dunes in Saskatchewan formed due to a combination of geological and climatic factors.
Geologically, Saskatchewan was once covered by a massive ice sheet during the last ice age.
When the ice sheet melted, it left behind a large amount of sand and gravel.
This sand was deposited in low-lying areas, where it was exposed to the wind.
Climatically, Saskatchewan has strong winds and dry summers.
These conditions are ideal for the formation and movement of sand dunes.
The wind picks up the sand and carries it over long distances, depositing it in areas where the wind speed decreases.
There are a few different places where you can find hidden sand dunes in Saskatchewan.
Below, a list of sand dunes you can find scattered all across the region.
Great Sand Hills
The largest sand dunes in Saskatchewan are the Great Sand Hills, located in southwestern Saskatchewan.
These dunes are the second largest in Canada and are home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, coyotes, and snakes.
The Great Sand Hills are also one of the few spots in Canada where you can practice sandboarding, a sport similar to snowboarding.
Getting there:
The closest town to the Great Sand Hills is Sceptre, Saskatchewan.
From Sceptre, you can drive to the dunes on a gravel road. The drive takes about 20 minutes.
Athabasca Sand Dunes
The Athabasca Sand Dunes are the largest sand dunes in Canada, but they are located in the far north of Saskatchewan and are not as accessible as the Great Sand Hills.
These dunes are home to a unique ecosystem that includes a variety of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Getting there:
The Athabasca Sand dunes are possibly the most hidden sand dunes in Canada, and getting there can be tricky. There are however a few options:
- By boat or float plane:
- The closest access communities are Fort McMurray, Stony Rapids, and Fond du Lac. Boats and float planes can be chartered from these communities to take you to the southern shore of Lake Athabasca, where you can access the dunes.
- By canoe:
- Experienced canoeists can also paddle to the dunes from the William River or the MacFarlane River. However, this is a challenging and dangerous journey, and should only be attempted by experienced paddlers.
Douglas Sand Dunes
These dunes are located in Douglas Provincial Park, near Lake Diefenbaker.
They are the most accessible of the hidden sand dunes in Saskatchewan, and offer stunning views of the surrounding prairie landscape.
Getting there:
The closest town is Goodsoil, Saskatchewan. From Goodsoil, take Highway 12 east for about 30 kilometers.
Turn left onto the Douglas Provincial Park Road and continue for about 10 kilometers. The dunes will be on your left-hand side.
Sceptre Sand Dunes
These dunes are located just south of the town of Sceptre, in southwestern Saskatchewan.
They are smaller and less well-known than the Douglas Sand Dunes, but they are still a beautiful and secluded spot to enjoy the sand and sun.
Getting there:
The closest town is Sceptre, Saskatchewan. From Sceptre, take Highway 32 west for about 20 kilometers.
Turn left onto the Sceptre Sand Dunes Road and continue for about 10 kilometers. The dunes will be on your right-hand side.
Qu’Appelle River Sand Dunes
These dunes are located near the town of Lang, in southeastern Saskatchewan.
They are the smallest of the hidden sand dunes in Saskatchewan, but they are also the most unique.
These dunes are made up of very fine sand that is similar to flour.
Getting there:
The closest town is Lang, Saskatchewan. From Lang, take Highway 47 north for about 20 kilometers.
Turn left onto the Qu’Appelle River Sand Dunes Road and continue for about 10 kilometers. The dunes will be on your right-hand side.
Good Spirit Lake Sand Dunes
The Good Spirit Lake Sand Dunes are a relatively small dune system located in the southeastern corner of Saskatchewan.
They are located on the eastern shore of Good Spirit Lake, a popular recreation destination.
The dunes are relatively low, with the tallest dune reaching only about 30 meters in height. However, they are still a popular destination for hiking, camping, and photography.
The dunes are formed by sand that is blown from the beaches of Good Spirit Lake.
The sand is deposited on the shore of the lake and then blown inland by the wind. The dunes are constantly changing shape, as the wind moves the sand around.
Getting there:
The Good Spirit Lake Sand Dunes are located about 20 kilometers east of the town of Good Spirit Lake, Saskatchewan.
From Good Spirit Lake, take Highway 48 east for about 20 kilometers. The dunes will be on your right-hand side.
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