BEAVER CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

 

Looking for a day hike close to Saskatoon? Then Beaver Creek Conservation Area is a great place to head out for the day. Part of the Meewasin Valley Authority it is a protected nature reserve just south of the city. 

 

There are many different easy trails that criss-cross each other and offer you spectacular views of the South Saskatchewan River and Beaver Creek. 

 

The area is abundant in wildlife and you will see many signs of deer, foxes, birds, and other small mammals. 

 

It can be quite busy on weekends, so prepare to share the trail with other people looking to escape the city. 

 

In the winter the  Beaver Creek bed freezes entirely which allows you to walk along the meandering creek. Do not head out onto the ice of the South Saskatchewan River as it is dangerous and unstable. 

 

They do not allow dogs here, so if you want to bring your furry friend a better place is Cranberry Creek which is less than 5km away. 

 

You can also cross country ski here as they groom trails for people to use. Since the area is frequented by a lot of people you can leave the snowshoes at home. 

 

There is an interpretive centre on location as well. This is a great place to bring kids to make more out of the day when visiting. 

 

This area is not open 24/7 so make sure check out the Meewason Valley Authority website for hours of operation. 

 

SaskHIker Recommendation

 

Living Sky Trail

Distance 3.2km

Difficulty -Easy

 

The trails at Beaver are one network so I reccomend starting on the Living Sky Trail and exploring the area from there. 

 

Make sure you stop at the bench that overlooks where Beaver Creek feeds into the South Saskatchewan River.

 

Getting There

 

Head south out of Saskatoon on Lorne Ave (Highway 219), this is the same route you would take to Dakota Dunes. 

 

Stay on Highway 219 for 17km's. You will pass the hamlet of Beaver Creek, where the turn off is on the right side of the highway. There is a large brown sign that marks the entrance. 

 

Drive down the short gravel road to the parking lot.