
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
A Saskatchewan gem offering stunning lake views, diverse activities from mountain biking to family fun, and unique camping.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Saskatchewan gem offering stunning lake views, diverse activities from mountain biking to family fun, and unique camping.
"One of my favourite provincial parks I’ve ever stayed at. Beautiful campsites, beautiful views, clean facilities and absolutely wonderful staff."

🚗 Detour for Valley Views
Take the scenic detour to Buffalo Pound for stunning valley views; it's worth the extra drive!
🥾 Tick Check Essential
Be vigilant about ticks in spring. Pack repellent and check yourself thoroughly after outdoor activities.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jackpot Trail
Mountain Biking Area
Experience thrilling downhill mountain biking on Saskatchewan's premier DH trail.

Marsh Boardwalk Trail
Nicolle Flats
A serene walk through wetlands, perfect for wildlife spotting and enjoying nature's tranquility.

Buffalo Pound Eco Lodge Tipi Cabins
Shore of Buffalo Pound Lake
Unique Métis-owned tipi cabins offer a comfortable and scenic stay with lake views.

Hammock Camping
Elmview Campground (Site E036)
Sleep under the stars in a unique hammock camping experience, with options to rent or bring your own.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Unique Stays
Tick Awareness & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Detour for Valley Views
Take the scenic detour to Buffalo Pound for stunning valley views; it's worth the extra drive!
🥾 Tick Check Essential
Be vigilant about ticks in spring. Pack repellent and check yourself thoroughly after outdoor activities.
🚴♀️ Bike the Jackpot Trail
For adrenaline junkies, the Jackpot Trail offers an exhilarating downhill mountain biking experience.
🏕️ Unique Camping Options
Explore hammock camping or stay in Métis-owned tipi cabins for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Detour for Valley Views
Take the scenic detour to Buffalo Pound for stunning valley views; it's worth the extra drive!
🥾 Tick Check Essential
Be vigilant about ticks in spring. Pack repellent and check yourself thoroughly after outdoor activities.
🚴♀️ Bike the Jackpot Trail
For adrenaline junkies, the Jackpot Trail offers an exhilarating downhill mountain biking experience.
🏕️ Unique Camping Options
Explore hammock camping or stay in Métis-owned tipi cabins for a memorable outdoor adventure.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The park offers breathtaking natural beauty, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
🍕 Pack Snacks & Pizza
Limited food options inside the park; grab pizza from Moose Jaw or bring your own games and snacks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Buffalo Pound Provincial Park's beautiful scenery, clean facilities, and friendly staff, making it a favorite provincial park for many. It's particularly well-suited for families with a wide range of activities. Some minor concerns include the limited food options within the park and the presence of ticks in the spring.
"Great little find on our western Canada trip. It was just supposed to be a pit stop but it's a great venue. It's very well suited for families with young kids with tons of activities. It has a boat launch,a pool,a mini putt course, a Frisbee golf even an axe throwing activity ! Also play structures and an ice cream shop. Great views of the lake and we spotted what might be future accommodations on site. Oh and pelicans were a surprise!
Facilities were modern and clean,we might come back!"
Jean-Marc Provencher
"One of my favourite provincial parks I’ve ever stayed at. Beautiful campsites, beautiful views, clean facilities and absolutely wonderful staff. Me and my partner stayed there on our way to go tree planting and had great conversations with the young staff working there. We will definitely make sure we stop there on our way out next year. If you ever have the chance to visit, go! (so many prairie dogs, so cute)"
Emma Sutcliffe
"I love it here. The campground is great and you can camp right at the edge of the lake. Careful of ticks in the spring but other than that the fishing was great, they had a porta-potty in the early season before the water was working and everyone in the office was very lovely and helpful."
Shayna P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is located north of Moose Jaw. Take Highway 2 North and follow the signs for the park. The drive offers scenic valley views and is a worthwhile detour.
Public transport options to the park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with others.
From Regina, take Highway 1 West towards Moose Jaw. Then, take Highway 2 North and follow the park signs. The park is a relatively short drive from Regina.
It's always a good idea to check the official Saskatchewan Parks website or local traffic advisories before your trip for any unexpected road closures or construction impacting access to the park.
The park has well-marked roads leading to various campgrounds and trailheads. Having a park map, available at the entrance or online, is helpful for navigating to specific points of interest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Saskatchewan Provincial Park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering the park. These can be purchased online or at park entry gates.
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is generally open year-round for day use. Campground operating seasons vary, with peak season typically from May to September. Check the official website for specific dates.
Park entry fees vary depending on the type of permit (daily, weekly, annual). Annual permits offer the best value for frequent visitors. Check the Saskatchewan Parks website for current pricing.
Yes, advance booking for campsites is highly recommended, especially during peak season. You can book online through the Saskatchewan Parks reservation system.
The park often hosts special events and activities, particularly during the summer. Check the park's event calendar on the Saskatchewan Parks website for the latest information.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Marsh Boardwalk Trail for wildlife viewing and the Nicolle Flats trails. For mountain bikers, the Jackpot Trail is a must-try.
Yes, Buffalo Pound Lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are boat launches available, and some reviews mention great fishing.
The park is very family-friendly, with playgrounds, a pool, mini-putt, frisbee golf, and even axe throwing. The prairie dog sightings are also a hit with kids.
Absolutely! The Marsh Boardwalk Trail is excellent for spotting various bird species and other wetland wildlife. Keep an eye out for pelicans and prairie dogs too.
Campgrounds offer various amenities including fire pits (with unique wheat sheaf designs!), washrooms, and BBQ stations. Some sites are right at the edge of the lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there are limited food services directly within the park. It's recommended to bring your own food or grab pizza from nearby Moose Jaw.
Moose Jaw, located a short drive away, offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. Red Swan Pizza is a recommended option for takeout.
Yes, BBQ stations and picnic areas are available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family picnic or outdoor meal.
The closest full-service grocery stores are located in Moose Jaw. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before heading into the park.
The Eco Lodge offers tipi cabins with screened outdoor dining areas and kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. Specific dining services may vary.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers stunning vistas of Buffalo Pound Lake and the surrounding Qu'Appelle Valley. Look for scenic overlooks, the Marsh Boardwalk, and sunset/sunrise points.
You can photograph various bird species along the Marsh Boardwalk, as well as prairie dogs and potentially larger mammals.
While not guaranteed, Buffalo Pound's relatively dark skies can offer opportunities to photograph the Northern Lights, especially during clear winter nights.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for wildlife.
While official tours might be limited, local photographers like @vadera.photography capture the park's beauty. Consider following local accounts for inspiration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and games, as food options within the park are limited. The Marsh Boardwalk Trail is also an easy and engaging walk for families, offering opportunities to see wildlife.
🚴♀️ Adventure Seekers
🏕️ Campers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mountain Biking Adventures
For those looking to rent bikes or get advice, local shops in Moose Jaw, such as @bohscycle, are recommended stops before hitting the trails. Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, and be aware of trail conditions, especially after rain or during the spring thaw. The park's varied terrain and scenic routes make it a must-visit for any biking enthusiast exploring Saskatchewan.
Unique Camping Experiences
Another novel offering is hammock camping at Elmview Campground, specifically at site E036. Visitors can bring their own hammocks or rent them from the park, enjoying a unique way to sleep under the stars. This option provides a serene and immersive experience, rocking campers to sleep amidst the natural beauty of the park. Both of these unique camping styles are highly sought after, so booking well in advance is strongly advised, especially during peak season.
Family Fun and Activities
Reviews consistently highlight the park's suitability for families, with mentions of axe throwing adding a unique adventurous element. The presence of prairie dogs is also a delightful surprise for many visitors, especially children. With its diverse offerings, from water activities to playful attractions, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park provides a memorable and engaging experience for family outings and vacations.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit