Elbow Recreational Trail

Elbow Recreational Trail

A community’s journey to seven kilometers of outstanding scenery

Natalie Letts and her husband Rick, deeply involved in the Elbow community, share a personal connection with the area. Having spent summers on an acreage near Saskatoon and vacationing in Elbow, the decision to contribute to the community’s well-being came naturally.

This passion led to the establishment of Elbow Recreational Trail. “We knew it would be a good addition to the community, and that’s how Rick and I got really involved in getting this trail built. Friends of the Elbow Trail is the name of our group. We are a nonprofit. It’s a project that took approximately 1.5 years to construct from start to finish. And at the time, we were told it would take us five years. So, it really went by quickly,” said Natalie.

Elbow Recreational Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail, spans approximately seven kilometers, taking walkers, hikers, and bikers on a scenic journey along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker and around Elbow Marina Harbor. The trail’s diverse terrain, with ups and downs, adds a thrilling element to the experience.

Recently, a connecting trail was added, linking Main Street Elbow to the primary trail. “We just recently built a connection trail that connects Main Street Elbow to our trails so that people coming into town can park on Main Street and walk on the connection trails and down to get on the main part of the trail down by the lake without having to drive,” said Natalie.

As trail enthusiasts explore the Elbow Recreational Trail, they encounter cultural and historical landmarks that add depth to the experience. The “Cairn Spot”, situated midway through the trail, serves as a rest area, offering a breathtaking view of Lake Diefenbaker, the elbow of the South Saskatchewan River, and the Aiktow Valley. Informative signs along the trail delve into the history of Captain John Palliser’s 1857 expedition and the development of the Lake Diefenbaker area.

The Elbow Recreational Trail project received a $150,000 grant from Trans Canada Trails, acting as a catalyst for the project. The construction was efficiently executed by Sustainable Trails, a company known for global trail-building expertise. Community support also played a vital role. “We had lots of community support, not just cash donations, but in-kind support, with equipment and labor during construction. All this helped the project move along much faster,” said Natalie.

For some community members, seeing the rapid progress motivated them to get involved and donate. One noteworthy community fundraiser that played and still plays an important role involved the sale of benches and picnic tables. These items were sold at $1,000 each, allowing purchasers to add a personal touch with a dedicated plaque. The adorned benches and tables were strategically placed along the trail, creating a lasting testament to the community’s support, and instilling a sense of ownership among contributors.

Maintaining a trail is as crucial as building it, and Elbow Recreational Trail demonstrates a model of community partnership. Volunteers, local golf course maintenance crews, and a collaboration with the Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) ensures ongoing care for the trail. The strategic partnership with the STA allows people who donate to receive tax receipts.

“Getting charitable status was something that our group knew would be too much administrative work for us to do. It’s been a really good partnership with SaskTrails because they have been able to accept donations on our behalf and issue tax receipts,” said Natalie.

The Friends of the Elbow Trail Group hosts two annual fundraisers, the Spring Runoff and Dinner with the Stars, attracting community members and supporters. The Spring Runoff, held on Mother’s Day weekend, allows participants to walk or run a 5k section of the trail, followed by a gathering at the local harbor golf club.

Dinner with the Stars, featuring entertainment and a delightful meal, is a sought-after event with tickets selling out within minutes. Creative initiatives, such as the Sarcan bottle drop off, where residents collect recyclables, have proven to be successful fundraisers, reinforcing the community’s commitment to the trail.

For those planning to explore Elbow Trails, Natalie offers valuable insights. She says it’s a dynamic seven-kilometer stretch and the trail is not flat, making the journey more exhilarating. When it gets windy, you have nothing to worry about because the trail is shielded from the wind and very enjoyable.

Another thing you’ll enjoy is the sense of direction. “A tip for trail builders out there is that signage is your best friend. We decked out our trail with abundant markers, maps, and distance indicators. Trust me; you can never have too much — nothing beats the frustration of a poorly-signed trail,” said Natalie.

The Elbow Recreational Trail project stands as a testament to the power of community passion and collaboration. What began as a dream is now a seven-kilometer masterpiece, weaving through cultural and historical landmarks, offering breathtaking views, and promoting community health and well-being.

As the Elbow Recreational Trail continues to thrive, it serves as an inspiration for communities and individuals who wish to create lasting legacies. “If you don’t believe in something, then you know it’s never going to happen. So sometimes you just have to take that little risk, but the rewards are so worth it,” said Natalie.

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