Travel Through Saskatchewan

HowieRoll · Aug 25, 2016

Howdy,

In late September Himself and I are going on a road trip that will last 3-4 weeks and take us from Wisconsin out to the Canadian Rockies and back.

A part we're fumbling with is the outbound leg through Saskatchewan. The original plan was to take Trans Canada Hwy 16 for the westbound leg and then take Trans Canada Hwy 1 eastbound on our way home. But we're wondering if it makes sense to detour farther north of Trans Canada 16 up into Prince Albert National Park and take more of a "back road" approach before meandering into Edmonton?

We love scenic routes (really who doesn't?), like to hike relatively short distances (1-5km at a time), do not camp, and will go great distances out of our way if there might be a moose sighting opportunity. This trip will also encompass Riding Mountain, Jasper, and Banff National Parks, along with stops in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, etc.

Does anyone have any advice on routing through this part of Canada, or any random tips for a wayward pair?

Thank you!

penelopejane · Aug 25, 2016

In Jasper NP and north Icefields parkway and Edith Cavell Mt road we saw elk, grizzley, Mt goat, Mt sheep and Eagles. Nothing in Banff except squirrels. We saw no moose at all in Canada.

HowieRoll · Aug 25, 2016

Thanks, penelopejane, for the heads-up on where you saw all those animals. What a bummer you didn't see any moose (or maybe you preferred it that way?). We've seen moose before in Maine and they are really a sight to see... from a distance! But we'll keep our eyes peeled and hope to see some elk, grizzly, and woodland friends at the places you noted - thank you!

snappyllama · Aug 26, 2016

I haven't been to Canada, so cannot help you with routing but just left the Rockies in Colorado. Moose are the most majestic dorky looking critters, and most folks know to keep their distance from them.

Please be extremely cautious around any elk you encounter. They should be starting to rut and are testosterone-crazed-foaming-at-the-mouth jerks that charge and pick fights with everything around. Their bugling is otherworldly great to hear though.

Have fun on your trip!

penelopejane · Aug 26, 2016

HowieRoll said:
Thanks, penelopejane, for the heads-up on where you saw all those animals. What a bummer you didn't see any moose (or maybe you preferred it that way?). We've seen moose before in Maine and they are really a sight to see... from a distance! But we'll keep our eyes peeled and hope to see some elk, grizzly, and woodland friends at the places you noted - thank you!

Hi Howieroll,

We saw lots of moose in Denali and the rest of Alaska.

We saw marmotts near Emerald lake as well. There was a guy photographing something on the side of the road (always stop if there is someone with a huge camera) and he showed us a family that is regularly there.

Hope you have a great trip.

CaraBou · Aug 26, 2016

Jasper and Banff are absolutely stunning, moose or not. We came from north to south. It was my favorite stretch on our move from Alaska. Living in Alaska, I thought we had it good, scenery wise. That country gives it a very good run of competition.

It's hard to say where you'll see wildlife. Always keep your eyes peeled!