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. 

 

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