Clarence-Steepbank and Narrow Hills: Top Reasons to Visit a Northern Saskatchewan Park this Summer

We made two brief visits to some of Northern Saskatchewan’s provincial parks this past week. It was my first time in Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Park and a second visit in the past year to Narrow Hills Provincial Park. For information about our visit to the Gem Lakes in Narrow Hills check out my post from last fall. Though we didn’t have a lot of time to fully enjoy the parks because of time constraints, I left with the feeling I will have to return, kayak in tow. Here are some of my top reasons for visiting a Northern Saskatchewan park this summer.

Pristine Lakes

I’ve been going to the Northern Saskatchewan lakes since I was a child and the thing that has always impressed me is how, on a calm day, the water is crystal clear and you can see right down to the sandy bottom – tiny minnows hover in formation around your legs and dart this way and that as you wade out deeper. Since we had visited the Gem Lakes last fall, we decided to check out some of the other lakes Narrow Hills has to offer. Our first stop was at Summit Lake, where you can find parking and a boat launch. The lake is long and narrow and you can’t see a great deal from the launch, but with a small watercraft you can explore the regions of the lake that are invisible from the dock. Here, we were surprised and delighted to see three mothers and at least 23 baby mallards skimming across the surface of the water each time someone came near the water’s edge.

Our next stop was at Sealey Lake near the northern limits of the park. It is located just off highway 106, a paved road that runs through Narrow Hills. There were a few fishing boats in the distance on the lake, which is smaller than Summit. In the stillness of the afternoon, though I couldn’t see the people, their voices carried clear across the water and the reflection of the clouds on the smooth surface was spectacular. We are often rewarded in the Land of the Living Skies.

On another afternoon, we visited Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Park. It was a bit of an adventure getting to Steepbank Lake near the end of the park as the roads are not maintained and are pretty rough, especially after a rainfall. If making the trek down to Steepbank by vehicle, you will probably want some clearance because it is a bumpy ride on a narrow trail. For me, of all the lakes at this Northern Saskatchewan park, Steepbank was the most impressive. The photographs don’t do the lake justice as it has the feeling of being much more expansive and grand than the photos can portray. Unfortunately, we found an unattended fire at the campsite and had to spend the next half hour trying to put it out with a glass bottle and tin can shot full of holes we found at the site. However, the views were worth the trouble as the lake gives you the sense you’ve travelled deep into the northern wilderness. I should also mention that the path to walk down to Steepbank is true to its name – it’s a steep bank.

The Fauna

We’ve had particularly good luck with animal sightings this year, even managing to snap a few pictures though I don’t really have to equipment to take quality wildlife photographs. It’s actually more common for us to see animals in the ditch on the way to or from the parks than it is to see them in the park, as our crunching footsteps, voices, and Destiny scare them off. We have seen several bears, a few foxes, tiger swallowtail butterflies galore, beavers, mergansers, loons, pelicans, and the ubiquitous squirrels and chipmunks.

The Flora

The flora has been especially vibrant this year, as well. Perhaps we are being rewarded for spending the winter in isolation. There’s plenty to see from wild rose bushes everywhere you look to the rare sighting of the pink lady’s slipper of the orchid family. It’s always fun to spot our provincial flower, too, the western red lily which has just started to bloom.

The Forest

Both Clarence-Steepbank and Narrow Hills provide the opportunity to explore part of the boreal forest. The forest in Saskatchewans’ northern parks has a way of embracing you into its cool depths, protecting you from the harsh rays of the sun and cushioning your step on the pine needle carpets. The air just smells better up here, too. Stepping away from the heat and exhaust fumes of the city, you can really appreciate connecting with nature in the wilderness.

Peace and Quiet

There’s nothing quite like finding yourself completely alone, your only company the haunting cry of the loon echoing over the vast expanse of the lake. The reality is, you may not be far from another human being, but it can seem like you are lost in a world all to yourself. The roar of motors fades, the voices die out, and you find yourself experiencing a meditative peace, the sound of water lapping against the shore lulling you into a restful state that can be felt only when you rediscover nature. If you crave peace and quiet, Northern Saskatchewan parks can provide that opportunity.

You Are Never Too Far From Ice Cream

If you need a short break from the wilderness, ice cream is never too far away. From Clarence-Steepbank, you can drive 30 km to Eagle Bay Outfitters, where you’ll find Chapman’s ice cream, a general store, restaurant, and fuel. From Narrow Hills, on the west side of the park is Piprell Lake where you can find a general store with Chapman’s next to the Rainbow Lodge. Also, just north of Narrow Hills is Little Bear Resort with a general store that sells packaged ice cream.

I would encourage everyone to get out and explore some of Northern Saskatchewan’s parks this summer, whether Clarence-Steepbank, Narrow Hills, or one of the many other amazing wilderness areas preserved for us to enjoy the lakes and forests of our province. You don’t have to be a camper to benefit from a day of fresh air and cool water!