Friends of Madge Lake, Building Community Beyond the Cabins
ELLA-VATED TRAILS
Tracing prairie trails through memory, discovery, and home.
By Ella Gidluck, SaskTrails Storyteller
Friends of Madge Lake, Building Community, One Project at a Time
Madge Lake is more than a summer getaway. For many, it is a second home, a place for family traditions, and a hub for community connection. At the heart of keeping that spirit alive is the Friends of Madge Lake, a volunteer driven organization that has been raising funds, rallying neighbours, and supporting projects that make the park better for everyone.
I sat down with Barb McLean, Chair of the Friends of Madge Lake, to learn more about their work, their challenges, and their vision for the future.
Enhancing Health, Wellbeing, and Community
The mission of Friends of Madge Lake is simple, to enhance and support health and wellbeing through community projects. Their work spans everything from playgrounds and trail maintenance to arts and culture. Recent highlights include:
- New playground equipment built with the help of 21 volunteers who braved the rain to assemble it.
- Murals on the Recreation Hall doors, painted by a young local artist who had just graduated high school.
- Flood mitigation along the Trans Canada Trail, ensuring cyclists can ride from Madge to the Manitoba border without getting stuck in swampy spring water.
- The upcoming bocce ball courts, adding to an already vibrant recreation hub with tennis, basketball, and pickleball.
Even the mud could not stop volunteers from making the playground a reality.
Community members braved the rain to build the new playground at Madge Lake.
A vibrant mural by a young artist now brightens the Rec Hall doors.
A Partnership Approach
One of the group’s biggest strengths is working hand in hand with partners like the provincial park and local clubs. As Barb explained, “We do not own anything. Every project has to be done cooperatively.” That has meant building relationships with the park, the Nordic Ski Club, and other local organizations.
This cooperative model ensures that projects not only get built, but are also maintained for the long term.
Funding and Support
Friends of Madge Lake relies almost entirely on community fundraising and donations. Sometimes it is golf tournaments or family bingo nights, other times it is the ever popular Treats and Treasures store, where hoodies remain the best selling item year after year.
Treats and Treasures is the heart of summer shopping at Madge Lake.
Barb noted that many supporters “like to know that there is a project,” and once they do, they are quick to donate money, time, or both.
Looking Ahead
The board is always balancing big dreams with practical realities. Long term visions include:
- Exploring ways to expand and enhance trail experiences so more of the park’s natural spaces are accessible for hikers and bikers.
- Expanding arts and culture programming to engage youth and schools.
- Building stronger partnerships with local First Nations and Métis communities, recognizing their long history with the park.
As Barb shared, “Whether it is trails, heritage, or culture, the goal is always about bringing people together to enjoy this place in new ways.”
A carved bear welcomes hikers on the trails around Madge Lake.
How to Get Involved
If you would like to support Friends of Madge Lake, you can:
- Visit Treats and Treasures to shop local products and merchandise.
- Follow the group on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
- Donate directly through their website or volunteer for upcoming projects.
Closing Reflection
Friends of Madge Lake shows what is possible when a community takes pride in its park. From playgrounds to murals to trail connections, every project leaves a mark not just on the landscape, but on the people who live, camp, and play here.
“It does not magically look good over a lifetime, it takes people who care.” Barb reminded me. And clearly, Madge Lake has plenty of those people.
This article is part of the SaskTrails Storyteller Series. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association and Trans Canada Trail for supporting this initiative.
Ella Gidluck is the Saskatchewan Trails Association’s 2025 Summer Storyteller. She’s a university student with a love for quiet places, trail snacks, and telling the stories behind the paths we walk.
Madge Moments Part 2: Trails Worth the Bug Spray
ELLA-VATED TRAILS
Tracing prairie trails through memory, discovery, and home.
By Ella Gidluck, SaskTrails Storyteller
Madge Moments Part 2: Trails Worth the Bug Spray
In Part 1 of this Madge Moments series, we met April and Jordan from Duck Mountain Lodge and explored why this place has such a strong pull for locals and travellers alike. But let’s be honest, the trails are what keep people coming back season after season. Whether you’re chasing butterflies, biking with your family, or just trying to dodge mosquitos and your emails, the forest paths around Madge Lake have something for everyone.
Fen Trail
The Fen Trail is a little out of the way, tucked near the ski hill on the edge of the park. It’s a bit of a drive to get there, but I wasn’t complaining. Call me Miss Daisy. I was in full passenger princess mode while my mom chauffeured me down winding roads with no cell service and vibes only.
By the time we reached the trailhead, the signal had vanished entirely, which made the journey feel like a portal into a different world. No texts, no emails, no directions. Just moss, trees, and the distant sound of birds plotting.
This trail is gentle, with a stunning raised boardwalk through the wetland. It’s cool and quiet, with ferns and filtered light that make it feel like you’ve stepped into a moss-covered secret.
Ferns, fairylike lighting, and the boardwalk of dreams.
My mom, MVP of the day, carried the bag with all the essentials. Water, bug spray, sunscreen, bear spray, snacks, sweaters, and for reasons I will never question, a sudoku book. Because nothing says “prepared hiker” like the option to sit on a bench mid-trail and do a logic puzzle in the shade.
Ella-vated Trail Rating: 5/5 moss patches. Magical with minimal effort.
Madge TCT
This segment of the Trans Canada Trail starts near the tennis courts at Ministik Beach and winds its way into the Pickerel Point Campground. The beginning is bright and open, with trees that make just enough shade to keep things cool. As the trail continues, it passes cabins and starts to feel more enclosed, with thicker forest and a narrower path that pulls you deeper into the trees.
Starting the TCT loop like a local, tennis courts to trees in under five minutes.
I didn’t see many people, just the occasional squirrel and birdsong. If you’re looking for a trail that offers a bit more distance without feeling overwhelming, this one’s a good pick.
If you’re into geocaching, this stretch is even more fun. One of the STA board members recently replaced a hidden container near the bridge along this trail (GC4F0Y7 for the real ones). Nature walk meets treasure hunt? Sign me up.
Choose your own forest adventure. Left or right, it’s all trees.
Ella-vated Trail Rating: 4/5 quiet forest vibes. Best enjoyed without a destination.
Damselfly Trail
I cannot confirm whether I saw an actual damselfly on the Damselfly Trail. What I can confirm is that a mysterious bug landed on a stick I was holding. Did I freak out before we could identify it? Yes, and my mom caught it on camera.
Welcome to the Damselfly Trail: bugs, beauty, and bear warnings included.
This trail is a nice middle ground: not too long, not too short, with enough changes in scenery to keep it interesting. It’s the kind of hike where you start pointing things out to no one in particular, just to keep the conversation going.
Ella-vated Trail Rating: 3.5/5 mysterious bugs. Great scenery, minor emotional damage.
Batka Lake Lookout
Batka Lake Lookout is not a fancy lookout. It’s a dirt pull-off with a couple of picnic tables, a woodpile, and a view of the lake if you walk around a bit and stand in the right spot. There’s no sign announcing you’ve arrived, just a “No Motor Vehicles” gate and enough shade to make you stay longer than you planned.
I wandered around while my mom scouted ahead and casually carried every possible hiking essential on her back like it was no big deal. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t feel like much, until you realize how peaceful it is. No crowds, little to no cell service, just trees, birds, and the occasional frog judging your footwear.
Not a fancy lookout, just a picnic table and peace.
If you want to keep going, the trail to Moose Lake starts nearby, and there’s a geocache tucked somewhere along it (GC9X4QX) if you’re the type who enjoys finding things hidden in the woods by strangers on the internet.
Ella-vated Trail Rating: 4/5 picnic tables. Not much going on, in the best way.
Trail Sampler: Quick Picks You Might Like
There are a few more trails that deserve a mention, even if we didn’t do a deep dive this time:
- Green Lake Trail – An easy loop through the trees. In the winter, the warm-up shelter is a cozy place to stop while snowmobiling. It smells like woodsmoke and good memories.
Green Lake Trail, where snowmobilers and hikers alike find their forest fix.
- Pelly Point Nature Trail – My family loves to bike this one. It’s gentle, open, and is a good opportunity to get the heart rate up (depending how seriously you take it).
Green tunnel vibes: Pelly Point Trail bringing the forest immersion.
- Fire Tower Trail – A short, easy path that loops near the back of the golf course. No towers to climb, just a good walk and a cool name.
No fire tower to climb, but still worth the loop.
- Tamarack Ski Shelter – You can reach it with a short walk off the ski hill road. If you’re into geocaching, there’s a container hidden nearby (GC4D03P). Not a full hike, but still a little adventure.
And for the truly committed, there’s even a cache hidden on an island in the middle of Madge Lake (GC2CHKR). Bring a canoe, or a very brave friend.
Bonus Ella-vation Tip: Green Lake in winter hits different. Bring mitts and a thermos.
Coming Up Next…
In the next Madge Moments blog, we’re hitting the road, literally. I’ll be sharing highlights from the scenic route to Madge from Regina, with some trail stops and prairie towns you won’t want to skip along the way.
Until then, grab your bug spray, charge your phone, and let me know which Madge trail is your favourite. And hey, if you spot a damselfly, send me a pic. I need closure.
This article is part of the SaskTrails Storyteller Series. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association and Trans Canada Trail for supporting this initiative.
Ella Gidluck is the Saskatchewan Trails Association’s 2025 Summer Storyteller. She’s a university student with a love for quiet places, trail snacks, and telling the stories behind the paths we walk.
Echo Valley – Built by Heart, History, and Hikers
ELLA-VATED TRAILS
Tracing prairie trails through memory, discovery, and home.
By Ella Gidluck, SaskTrails Storyteller
Until now, Echo Valley Provincial Park had always been somewhere I drove past, not into. I thought I was coming for a quick volunteer trail cleanup. I didn’t expect to walk away with a map, a few new trail names in my head (Badger, Owl, Raccoon) and a story about legacy, accessibility, and the quiet power of community.
This isn’t just a beautiful place to hike. It’s a place that’s been shaped by people who care.
“We all just pitch in.” – Rick, Trail Volunteer
Trail names like Badger, Owl, and Raccoon greet you right from the start.
Rick met me in the parking lot, bright-eyed and fully geared up. He’s one of the folks behind the Echo Valley trail system as it exists today. He mapped routes with GPS (and a little help from the deer), organized cleanups, and added signage so you don’t get lost out there.
“We started from scratch. I just wanted a place to run, but I couldn’t maintain it all by myself… Now we’ve got over 1,000 people in the Facebook group.”
Rick, one of the original volunteers behind Echo’s current trail system.
He walked me through trail history like a local legend, pointing out how certain names came to be:
- Badger Trail: “It’s the gnarliest one. Badgers are gnarly.”
- Owl Trail: Named after the owl that swooped across the trees mid-run.
- Rock Garden: A glacial bed of giant boulders you pass near the bottom of Badger Trail.
His favourite? “Definitely Badger. Down the hill, up through the bridges, past the glacier rocks. It’s got everything.”
Echo Valley trail wisdom: come for the views, beware of trolls.
Rick also talked about how they’ve added “You Are Here” signs, color-coded markers, and community-friendly maps to help people explore safely. No app required. “We thought the techy people would scan the QR codes. Turns out, they just take pictures,” he laughed.
“This is your backyard.” – Shelly, Park Manager
Shelly, the park manager, talked to me about Echo’s bigger vision. It’s a legacy being built one trail and tree at a time. She told me how local school kids from Standing Buffalo, Pasqua First Nation, and Fort Qu’Appelle helped plant over 100 trees in the park last fall. They named them too — Leafy, Superman, Scotty (the Scots Pine). Elmer (the Elm), Sparkles.
“We want people to feel like this is theirs to protect, but also theirs to enjoy.”
Shelly shared Echo’s upcoming accessibility plans: a new all-persons trail close to the campground. Not paved, but solid-surfaced with minimal elevation changes, it’s built for walkers, wheelchair users, and anyone needing a more stable path.
“Right now, we don’t have a fully accessible trail. But we’re working on it.”
Framed slides from the 1980s Girl Guide Jamboree, still on display in the visitor centre.
Echo is also preserving its past, like a set of slides from the 1980s Girl Guide World Jamboree when over 3,500 Girl Guides camped right in the valley. One photo shows kids playing wheelchair volleyball — proof that Echo was thinking about accessibility long before it became a buzzword.
From Glacial Boulders to Girl Guides
Echo Valley is full of these unexpected stories. A trail system partly designed by following deer paths. A running race that doesn’t stop until everyone but one drops (yes, really — Rick calls it the “Backyard Ultra”). A park with one side reserved just for nature-based recreation to keep the valley wild for future generations.
“We’ve got people out here who care as much about the park as I do,” Shelly said. “That’s when cool things happen.”
If You Go
- Start with Deer Trail if you’re new or bringing kids. It’s flat, shaded, and loops around with a great valley view.
- Looking for a challenge? Try Badger Trail. You’ll find bridges, coolies, and the legendary Rock Garden.
- Stop by the visitor centre and ask about the Girl Guide slides.
- If you see a tree named Sparkles… give her a little wave.
The kind of view that makes you slow down, breathe deep, and stay a little longer.
My Ella-vated Trail Ratings
5/5 Trees Named by Kids Who Totally Got It Right
Looking at you, Sparkles.
4.9/5 “You Are Here” Signs That Prevented a Panic Spiral
The other 0.1 is on me, not the map.
5/5 People Who Showed Up Because They Care
And somehow made trail cleanup feel like a party.
Here’s your go-to trail map to start planning your Echo adventure. Don’t worry—they’ve added “You Are Here” signs too.
Read more trail stories and enter the 2025 Photo Contest at sasktrails.ca
This article is part of the SaskTrails Storyteller Series. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association and Trans Canada Trail for supporting this initiative.
Ella Gidluck is the Saskatchewan Trails Association’s 2025 Summer Storyteller. She’s a university student with a love for quiet places, trail snacks, and telling the stories behind the paths we walk.
2025 Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest
📸 Give Us Your Best Shot: 2025 Trail Photo Contest
Your camera roll already knows… Saskatchewan’s trails are full of beauty, adventure, and moments worth capturing.
Now’s your chance to share your favourite trail photos and win some seriously cool outdoor gear. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, biking, or just out for a scenic walk, we want to see how you experience the trails.
🗓 Entries open June 1 and close June 30, 2025.
🏆 How to Enter
You can submit your photos in three easy ways:
- Post to Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter) using #GiveUsYourBestShot2025
- Email your photo to info@sasktrails.ca
- Upload directly through our Google Form submission portal
Please include where the photo was taken in your caption or submission.
Make sure your posts are public so we can see them!
There’s no limit to how many photos you can submit—just make sure each one is uniquely awesome.
What We’re Looking For
We want to see trail life in all its forms.
- An action-packed cycling moment
- A peaceful paddle on glassy water
- Kids chasing bugs down a forest path
- Your dog doing something goofy in a meadow
Big moments or small—if it captures the spirit of the trails, we want to see it.
🎁 2025 Prize Categories
All entries will be considered in one of the three categories below. You do not need to specify which—our board will review and place submissions accordingly.
🧭 Best Action Shot – Adventure Bundle
- Mustang APF PFD
- Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
- Morakniv Knife
- UCO Fire Striker
- Tinder-on-a-Rope
- 100 ft Paracord
🌄 Best Scenery Shot – Chill Trail Bundle
- Eureka Tagalong Lite Chair
- Gooder Sunglasses
- Fresh Air Hat
- Granite Gear Hiker Wallet
- Shemagh Scarf
- Nalgene Bottle
- Waterproof Phone Case
🎲 Random Draw – Trail Starter Pack
- Cotopaxi Fanny Pack
- Fresh Air Hat
- Waterproof Phone Case
- UCO Switch Spork
A huge shout-out to our prize partners:
Stapleton’s Great Adventure Company and Fresh Air Experience for generously supporting this year’s contest. Thanks for helping us gear up Saskatchewan’s trail lovers!
⚠️ Rules + Legal Notes
- Open to all Saskatchewan residents
- STA board and staff may enter, but are not eligible to win
- By submitting a photo, you give Saskatchewan Trails Association permission to use it in promotional materials (social media, reports, brochures, website, etc.)
- You must own the rights to your photo and have permission from anyone clearly visible in the image
- Private posts or submissions we cannot access will not be considered
- Submit the highest resolution possible
🏁 Deadline
All entries must be submitted by June 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST.
Winners will be selected by our board and announced in early July.
Whether you’re snapping memories on your next big adventure or rediscovering a favourite trail close to home—
Give Us Your Best Shot.
Welcome to the Trail
Ella-vated Trails
Tracing prairie trails through memory, discovery, and home
Hi, I’m Ella. I’m a storyteller, a curious beginner, and someone who’s spent most of her life in Saskatchewan without realizing how many trails are waiting to be explored. This summer I’m setting out to change that.
As the Trail Storyteller with the Saskatchewan Trails Association, I’ll be travelling across the province to walk, watch, listen, and share. I’ll be posting updates here through trail reflections, short videos, photos, and conversations with the people who love these places and keep them alive.
Some stories will be playful. Some will be quiet. All of them will come from real moments on real paths.
Whether you’re someone who hikes every weekend or just likes to follow along from the comfort of home, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s see where the trail leads.
About Ella
Ella Gidluck is a student, writer, and the 2025 Trail Storyteller with the Saskatchewan Trails Association. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, she is spending the summer exploring trails across the province and sharing the stories she finds along the way. With a camera in hand and a curious mindset, she is drawn to the quiet details, the local voices, and the feeling of discovering home all over again.
Experience the Trails in Danielson Provincial Park
Experience the Trails in Danielson Provincial Park
Danielson Provincial Park is located at the northern end of Lake Diefenbaker in the southern part of the province. The park surrounds the Gardiner Dam, which was built in 1967 and is among the largest embankment dams in Canada and the world.
The South Saskatchewan River flows north beyond the park, towards Outlook and Saskatoon. Saskatchewan Highways 44, 45, and 219 provide access to the park. SaskPower’s Coteau Creek Hydroelectric Station is near the park.
The park opened to the public in 1971 and was named for former MLA Gustaf Herman Danielson.
Danielson Provincial Park’s Visitor Centre is located between Lake Diefenbaker and Coteau Bay and features numerous interactive displays about the Gardiner Dam and the river systems of southern Saskatchewan in addition to a café and beach.
Danielson Provincial Park is home to several trails including the Trans Canada Trail. All of the trails are designed for hikers, cyclists and mountain bikers. In the winter they can be used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Trans Canada Trail provides users with breathtaking views of various landscapes, including wetlands, shoreline views of Lake Diefenbaker, wooded areas, native prairie and large coulees.
The Prairie View Nature Trail follows a looped pathway that connects back to the park’s campground. Cyclists and mountain bikers are asked to watch out for pedestrians and use caution as parts of the trails can become quite sandy, making them more difficult to ride through. Visitors may also come across a variety of wildlife and bird species while on the trails. Jackrabbits, western meadowlarks, deer, coyotes and sharp-tail grouse are just some of the species you may see this year.
The Plantation Loop Trail: Another option for a shorter hike along the Plantation Loop Trails, which is 1.2 kilometers long and provides a pleasant walk through the park’s natural beauty.
The Overflow Trail is a five-kilometer trail that offers a bit more of a challenge and takes you through various terrains.
While you are in the area, you may want to visit the Elbow Trail, which links to the Trans Canada Trail. This trail is situated near the town of Elbow, and this proximity to the lake provides beautiful views and opportunities for water-related activities.
The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. It’s a gravel path, which is great for walking, running, and cycling. The area around the trail is rich in wildlife and natural beauty. You might spot various bird species, small mammals, and a variety of plant life. The trail is accessible year-round, though the best times to visit are during the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is more favorable.
If you are interested in more information, visit these sites:
Danielson Provincial Park | Tourism Saskatchewan
Trans Canada Trail | Where to Find Stunning Lake Views in Saskatchewan (tctrail.ca)
This article is part of the SaskTrails Storyteller Series. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association and Trans Canada Trail for supporting this initiative.
Experience the Sand Beneath Your Feet
Experience the Sand Beneath Your Feet
If you want to experience the sand beneath your feet on a walking trail, then make sure you visit the Sand Hills Trail in Douglas Provincial Park. It is not as well-known as the Great Sandhills near Sceptre, but it is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. It’s like going for a walk in the desert without having to leave the province!
The Sand Hills Trail is part of the larger Sand Dunes Loop, which is about 9.3 kilometers long. It’s generally considered a moderately challenging route, taking around 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete. You will need to complete the loop to view the sand hills. Once you are in the sand, you are free to roam around the discover this unique terrain.
The trail offers stunning views of massive sand dunes, which tower about 25 meters over the surrounding grasslands. These dunes are constantly shifting with the wind, creating a dynamic and picturesque landscape.
As you hike, you’ll encounter a variety of habitats, including aspen woodlands, prairie landscapes, and lush, forested areas near the lakeshore. This diversity makes it a great spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
The best time to visit is from June through September. The trail is well-marked, but it’s recommended to bring ample drinking water and wear proper footwear, as there is little shade along the way.
The Sand Sunes Loop also includes the Cacti/Dune Trail and the Sunset Hiking Trail, which each offers unique experiences and scenic views.
The Cacti Trail portion is 5 km, and the Dune portion is 6.5 km. This trail takes you through diverse habitats, including areas with cacti and the picturesque sand dunes. It’s known for its moderate-to-hard difficulty level and can take about two to three hours to complete. You’ll encounter the park’s main natural features, such as the large, constantly moving sand dunes and isolated clusters of rich, aspen woodlands.
Sunset Hiking Trail is an approximately 2 kilometer a loop. It is rated easy, suitable for hikers, cyclists, and even wheelchairs. This trail offers a diverse range of habitats, including moist meadows and lush woodlands. You’ll find forested areas near the lakeshore, where underground streams create lush, forested areas. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, especially in the early morning. Interpretive panels along the trail enhance the hiking experience by providing information about the local flora and fauna.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a more challenging hike, the Sand Hills Trail has something to offer.
If you are interested in more information, visit these sites:
Douglas Provincial Park Sand Dunes, Saskatchewan, Canada – 101 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Douglas Provincial Park Trails | Tourism Saskatchewan
Sand dunes in Saskatchewan! – Douglas Provincial Park, Elbow Traveller Reviews – Tripadvisor
Tour Park Detail – Douglas Provincial Park, Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Provincial Parks
Katee Pederson – Douglas Provincial Park
This article is part of the SaskTrails Storyteller Series. Thank you to the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association and Trans Canada Trail for supporting this initiative.
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