Adventures at Avonlea Badlands
We recently had the opportunity to explore the Avonlea Badlands, which are located just a few kilometres outside the town of Avonlea at the junction of Highways #334 & #339.
The area is only accessible by guided tour, so we were sure to book ahead and secure a time through the Avonlea Heritage Museum. This scenic spot in Southern Saskatchewan will certainly take you by surprise!
We followed our guide to the start of the hike which is approximately 3 kilometres, or 1.5 hours long.
As you walk out towards the badlands, it’s as if the prairies fall away from underneath you. Before you know it, you are left standing in what seems like a whole different world.
Some sedimentary deposits were laid down as long as 2.5 million years ago when a large inland sea covered the area. Prehistoric rock and sand formations tower around you as you navigate the landscape, serving as a stark reminder of the powers of nature.
There are many cliffs, buttes, hoodoos and pillar formations of all shapes and sizes. As the area is still being eroded, it’s almost like a living museum.
This land is privately owned and justifiably sheltered in order to maintain this geological anomaly. With many archeological and paleontological discoveries found in the area, visitors should be particularly respectful when interacting with the environment.
In other words: ‘Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.’
Scenes are picturesque at any time of day, but the Avonlea Heritage Museum offers ‘golden hour’ tours of the badlands as well. If you think these photos are cool, imagine them with a Saskatchewan sunset!
Living on the prairies, we are used to seeing a sea of green. Here, there is only a sea of sand. As I looked at each bump, crack, or wave in the lay of the land I couldn’t help but imagine what used to live there.
If you have ever wondered what it might be like to walk along the bottom of the ocean, this might be the tour for you.
To step back in time, even just for an hour or two, was an enchanting experience!
For more information on the Avonlea Badlands, or to book a guided tour visit: https://avonleamuseum.ca/avonlea_badlands/.
Connect With Us
1 day ago
Thank you to Outter Limits!The Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) is thrilled to receive a $5,000 donation from Outter Limits, raised through their recent Fun Run! The 24th Annual Outter Limits Fun Run took place on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Waskesiu. Outter Limits is based at 630 Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon and has been family owned and operated since 1987. It also has a seasonal location from May to September at Waskesiu. Outter Limits specializes in outdoor apparel and gear for various activities. With a focus on quality and functionality, the store offers a range of products to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seeking reliable and durable clothing and equipment options. This funding will be used to support our Membership Assistance Program, which provides funding, resources, and guidance to local trail groups, which assists them to maintain and develop their trail systems. This program not only supports trail upkeep but also enhances safety and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Saskatchewan’s beautiful outdoor spaces.Thanks to Outter Limits and their supporters, these funds will help us continue to build, maintain, and expand trails for all to enjoy — connecting people to nature and each other.
... See MoreSee Less
Pages
Contact Us
Saskatchewan Trails Association
2260 McIntyre Street
Regina, SK S4P 2R9
1 (306) 522 9326
info@sasktrails.ca
2260 McIntyre Street
Regina, SK S4P 2R9
1 (306) 522 9326
info@sasktrails.ca