Boreal Trail Hike in Meadow Lake Provincial Park
I spent a long weekend in Saskatchewan’s Meadow Lake Provincial Park hiking five sections of the Boreal Trail. The trail runs most of the length of the park, spanning a distance of about 120 kilometres. It’s Saskatchewan’s only destination backpacking trip.
It can be done as an epic multi-day hiking trip, but just as easily, you can do day hikes, choosing sections of the Boreal Trail, depending on your interest and how much time you have.
The Boreal Trail in Saskatchewan is one of the few trails, and the only long distance trail in Canada to my knowledge, that actually showcases the beauty of the Boreal forest.
The Boreal Forest
The Boreal forest is a rich ecosystem, about 1,000 km wide, that separates the northern tundra from the westerly temperate rainforest and southerly coniferous woodlands. The forest also goes by the name taiga. It is the biggest intact forest on the planet.
In Canada there are approximately three million square kilometres of Boreal forest. You’ll also find the Boreal forest in Russia, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
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The western end of the Boreal Trail in Saskatchewan
We started at the western end of the trail – right at the intersection of Cold Lake and Cold River.
Our plan on the first day was to hike 16 km one way to the Sandy Lake Campground where we had left our car. Beforehand, we had arranged a shuttle with Clearwater Canoeing. Otherwise we would have had to retrace our steps or try our luck with hitchhiking.
Looking north from the Boreal Trail, there is nothing but a vast wilderness of forest and lakes until you reach the tundra in the Northwest Territories.
This section of the trail offers delightfully easy hiking over flat to gently rolling terrain. The trail is wide, ATV wide and yes, unfortunately you might run into occasional vehicles. We did on one occasion on the first day.
The trail to Sandy Beach Campsite took us by two backcountry campsites – all boasting bear lockers, a composting toilet and a fire pit. They were both beautifully situated, as were all other backcountry campsites we encountered over the weekend.
Our first day on the trail was a treat and not what I expected. The hiking took us between stands of pine and spruce and then back into great swaths of aspen – that must be stunning in the fall. We also beat the bugs on this trip – a consideration for a June or July hike.
Signage on the Boreal Trail
The trail is generally well signed. Approximately every kilometre you run into a post stating that you’re on the trail. I did find at the end of the first day near Sandy Lake Campground that signage was in short supply.
There are loads of well-trodden game trails that should not be mistaken for the real trail.
Important info regarding the Boreal Trail hike
Do carry a proper topographical map on this hike. Its included with your backcountry permit.
There are 13 designated campsites along the Boreal Trail – where you are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles. Each campsite includes a pit toilet, bear proof lockers and a barbecue. They can be booked online or at the park office. The cost is $18 per night.
You do need a Park Entry permit too which you can purchase in advance.
I’d recommend car-camping if you want to do day hikes. Our campsite both nights was just up from the lake – a real treat. In my mind there’s nothing like being lulled to sleep by the sound of loons and woken in the morning by songbirds.
Birding on the Boreal Trail
The bird life on the Boreal Trail hike was fantastic. Not only did we come across the heron rookery, but we saw about 10 rose-breasted grosbeaks in one small area, numerous warblers, at least six duck species, swans and more. John is still putting together a birding list from the weekend.
For more information visit the Tourism Saskatchewan website.
Where to stay that is close to the Boreal Trail
In Pierceland you can stay at Maguire’s Bridge Bed and Breakfast and enjoy an awesome cooked to order breakfast made by Sharon and a very comfortable bed for $95 per night.
Your other choice is a room in Water’s Edge Eco Lodge located on the west side of Greig Lake in Meadow Lake Provincial Park.
Further reading on things to do in Saskatchewan
- A Stay at Historic Reesor Ranch in Saskatchewan
- A Trip to the Great Sand Hills, Saskatchewan
- 7 Adventures for the Outdoors Lover in Saskatchewan
- 12 Fun and Unique Places to Visit in Saskatchewan
- 6 Fun Things to do in Saskatoon In Summer
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My family and I hiked the entire trail (130km) this August (2019). It was a wonderful experience. A portion of the trail was severely damaged by tornado but still passable. Another section had been affected by forest fire and bears were prominent in this area. We hiked East to West and a portion of trail ~1 km East of Chalet (Snowmobile shack) Camp area was completely under water (over waist deep) due to beaver activity. We hauled packs over our heads, shoe-less through the swamp. My daughter who is 9 completed the entire trail and enjoyed the adventure and so many out of the ordinary experiences. Definitely a 5 star trail in our books. Unfortunately Parks staff were not very knowledgeable or informative on the trail’s condition. Signs indicated that cougar activity was high on one section of the trail, but we were not informed of this upon checking in at the parks office. We were also not informed about the flooded area and were set on the wrong section of the trail at the Goodsoil park gate, by the gate attendant (and so we had to back track). Our advice; be prepared for some set backs, trail conditions are often unknown due to the rarity that the trail is traveled. Maintenance crews were on the trail and had helpful tips (A BIG thank-you goes out to them!).
@Andrea I really appreciate you commenting. I knew about the storm but have had no updates. We weren’t told about a flooded section either when we did the trail but I commend you for your perseverance and very impressed with your daughter. Would be great to see more families doing this.
Excellent piece! I am up there almost every weekend. ATV’s are not allowed in the park or on the trails. Unfortunately there are too few rangers to enforce the rules. I am an ATV enthusiast but only where it’s legal.
I just wanted to make a few corrections for the benefit of you and your readers. Those toilets are pit toilets not composting toilets. They have a large underground tank. Once full the park sends in a vacuum truck to empty them. Composting toilets would be an excellent idea. But not that advanced yet. Those trees are birch and poplar. The white ones anyway. Birch is the best firewood on the planet in my humble opinion. The one that is folded over is a birch and the others in the other picture are poplar. The carcass is a coyote. Happy trails and thank for the great review of one of my favorite places.
Hey Leigh, I have the idea of riding the trail on a mountain bike. Do you think that would be feasible from the portions of the trail that you’ve seen?
Thanks
@Morgan Parts of it would be excellent but you’re better check with the provincial park to see if you’re allowed to mountain bike it.
Hello, my name is Kyle. My friend Charlie and I are doing a school project in which we must plan a multi-day trip and we have selected the Boreal Trail. We are also required to conduct an interview with an acknowledged expert and we would be delighted if we could ask you some questions. We can be reached at lightningkiy@gmail.com. Thank you for your time.1
@Kyle You can reach me through the contact form on my website. I’d be happy to answer questions.
Hi! Late to commenting relative to your original post, but it looks like when you hiked in May was early enough to avoid bugs and really high water? I’m thinking about taking it on later this year, but really want to avoid the northern SK bugs. I’m going to call the parks folks in Saskatchewan for more info, but if you have any other suggestions or ideas, they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Ryan
@Ryan We had no bugs and in a few places the water was high but overall no problems. If you really want to avoid bugs you probably need to do it from August on – and the later in August the better. It really is a lovely hike.
I live in the Meadow Lake area. Thank you for featuring our much-loved but unheralded boreal playground. This is a beautiful overview of the first section of the Boreal Trail.
@Vicky I do think the area needs more “love” and am happy to provide some. I hope the blog brings more people into the area to discover its beauty.
My boyfriend and I are looking into planning an off-the-grid get-away with minimal supplies and maximum exploration in the span of about 2 days.
Would you recommend this route?
@Brianna If you’re in Saskatchewan I think it’s a great one to do but be prepared for bugs in August. Swimming should be good. Not sure you’d be able to knock off the whole route in 2 days so think about is reasonable. Arranging a car shuttle is hard. The eastern section of trail had closures last year so check with the park before you go.
Thanks for the info on the trail. I just moved to Cold lake and i am planning this trail in the summer of 2015. I am starting to be an ultralight backpacker and cant wait to try this as a start to a wonderful season of hiking and getting out into the wilds of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Thanks again
@Peter Just plan your trip at a time that the bugs won;t be a problem for maximum enjoyment. I thought the bird life was superb and really enjoyed the trail.
Thanks, im heading up 02 may to check out the first portion from the river and about 10 km or so into the trip and back to the start. Dont have the time to do more, but i will do the whole trail this summer. I cant wait.
thanks again for the tip
@Peter That’s a really pretty part of the trail to hike. With lick you’ll be treated to some birdsong as well. Hope there isn’t too much in the way of fallen trees.
You always make hiking sound so appealing, even to a relatively lazy nonhiker like me. That stand of aspen trees is gorgeous, and I like how clear and shallow the waters of Cold Lake appear. Finding those carcasses and bear trap really emphasize that you are out there surrounded by the glory of nature.
@Michele The hike John and I did is really very family friendly. Once we got home John counted up how many bird species he’d seen and it was 46 – without trying too hard. Lots to see and grand country in its own way.
Hi Leigh, thank you for taking me to another hike in a beautiful wllderness. I just learned something new today – about the Boreal forest. It’s the first time I’ve heard of this kind of ecosystem. Once again, you brought the scenic landscape to life through your beautiful photos. I think the third photo, the one with just the tree trunks would make a good wallpaper art. Looking forward the next installment.
@Marisol I learned a lot by hiking in the Boreal forest as well. I really can’t say enough good things about how beautiful the aspen stands were. I would love to see them ablaze in yellow come the fall.
Saskatchewan is the only Canadian province I haven’t been to. Your photos are beautiful. I agree, that falling aspen looks exactly like a horses head. Your sunset shot is glorious.
@Nancie I don’t think Saskatchewan gets a lot of love but it’s a province I am enjoying discovering. I find the landscapes vast & the people friendly.
That is actually a decomposing birch tree in the photo.
@Vicky oops.
I just wished I could magically appear in one of your photos. I think I would enjoy doing a day hike like this. Fall would be wonderful for sure. Would there be too many bugs in Spring?
@Jan I have no doubt that the bugs will suddenly appear but because spring was late this year we had a beautiful, bug free weekend. It’s a really interesting hike and not difficult in my mind.
I think you’re the only blogger I know who posts about Saskatchewan. 🙂 And I love learning about these beautiful Canadian parks and trails from you. What a stunning landscape and there’s a bit of a haunting look to those rows of aspens. Glad to see hints of Spring and especially all those deer. Beautiful captures as always, Leigh.
@Mary Saskatchewan isn’t exactly a mainstream tourist destination but it really does have its charms. I’m heading back in July for more hiking & to canoe a part of the Churchill River – via a floatplane ride in.
Fascinating hike! What would one do with a bear once it has been trapped? The birch tree forest looks stunning.
@Karen The trap is old and rusty so I don’t know if they caught bears for research purposes or to release them somewhere else. The forest was a real treat to see.
Stunning, Leigh. I’d never heard of a Boreal forest before or that such a large one existed in Canada.
Great to hear there are options for short and long hikes and the terrain sounds manageable for weekend hikers as well as those more experienced.
Gorgeous images – those aspen trees are so beautiful – I love the patterns of the bark.
This looks like a great hike to do. A bit like our Bibbulmun Track in WA – although our track is nearly 1000kms. We have markers indicating we are on track still too – they really give you a boost of confidence.
Thanks for taking us along. Happy travels.
@Jill Even though there wasn’t a leaf on them I agree about the aspens looking amazing. A 1000 km track is one heck of a long trip – and I’d have to think it would be very hot much of the time.
Superb scenery in your excellent photo series, Leigh. You must both be really fit — and the dog, too!
@Andrew I’ll be a lot fitter after a few months of doing adventures like this but I really don’t think of 16 kms as a long day. Our dog would beg to differ.
Starkly beautiful landscape. Also, there’s something so mysterious and romantic about the name Saskatchewan.
@Sophie I think we have to get you to Saskatchewan so you can get the full on experience. I love the province but I appreciate it’s stark beauty, numerous lakes and wide open spaces.