Water is a big attraction for most campers so why not make the most of it and go fishing, rent a kayak, try paddle boarding or water skiing? Winter camping and hut rentals are also available. Whether you are into Fly or spin fishing you will find something to enjoy in the park. As Headquarters of the NWMP, Fort Walsh presided over one of the most dramatic periods of change on the Canadian prairies without ever having fired a shot from its walls. Mountain bikers will find a variety of looped single track around Elkwater and at Fort Walsh the bike is the perfect way to explore the site.
Seasonal opening times vary for regions so please check with the relevant Visitor Centre for more information. With zip-lining in the Saskatchewan side, downhill skiing on the Alberta side and hiking trails into the back woods of the forest, there is as much adventure as you want there to be.
When the snow falls the elevation of the park at 1234m means it is a great place to have some winter fun. You will also find a ski resort with 600ft vertical and a great place to start snow sports. www.visitcypresshills.ca, Visitor Reception Centre museum, theatre, gift-shop and cafe, On-site bus tours along the scenic Battle Creek Valley, The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of old Fort Walsh, Bannock over a wood-stove, NWMP drill demonstrations and more, The fort's buildings furnished to the 1880's period, guides in period costume, Daily children's activities, adult programming as well as self directed activities for families, The breathtaking natural beauty of the Cypress Hills. The casual biker has steady trails leading to some of the viewpoints around the park and around the resort area in Saskatchewan. It has hands-on experience for everyone and shows you firsthand how it was to live in the area as a settler. Fort Walsh was the NWMP headquarters from 1878 to 1882 and was strategically placed close to the US border. (306) 662-3590
Bike Rentals and service stations are available at some locations. The NWMP at Fort Walsh enforced the Queen's law in the west, put an end to the American whiskey trade in Canada, and attempted to bring to justice the men responsible for the 1873 Cypress Hills Massacre. You will also find the “Cypress Hills Riding Academy” located in the Centre Block which offers guided tours and lessons. Fort Walsh National Historic Site of Canada As Headquarters of the NWMP, Fort Walsh presided over one of the most dramatic periods of change on the Canadian prairies without ever having fired a … You will also find a snow luge (big banked snow slide), natural ice rinks, hockey rinks, ice skating trail and rental equipment just in case you didn’t bring yours. There is a variety of types of accommodation and dining available in the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Fort Walsh is a National Historic Site of Canada that was a North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) fort and the site of the Cypress Hills Massacre. Through diplomacy and conciliation, the NWMP allowed Canada to avoid much of the violence and bloodshed that so often characterised other colonial frontiers. There is some great road biking to be had in the Park with some challenging climbs for the real enthusiast. The Park spans the South East corner of Alberta and the South Wwest corner of Saskatchewan. In preparation for the settlement of the prairies and the coming of the railway, Fort Walsh aided in the conclusion of the Treaty adhesion process during the final days of the hunting of the bison. Fishing is extremely popular within the park and there are many stocked lakes to be had with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Walleye, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. For region specific information please click below. Canoe and Kayak on one of the lakes in the park, travel by car to the viewpoints overlooking the prairies at the highest point between the Rockies and New Labrador or try one of the programs to get you out into nature. www.pc.gc.ca/walsh. You will also find the National Heritage Site of Fort Walsh on the South side of the park. (306) 662-2645 The Cypress Hills has a variety of trails available for biking ranging from paved to technical single track. Don’t forget that there are backcountry huts for the more adventurous types. Rates vary between provinces as do the booking processes so please be sure to use the links below to ensure you have the correct area.
Fort Walsh, Saskatchewan. Photo Credit: Tyler Dixon In Alberta there are over 140km of trails and a new Equestrian Campsite at Spring Creek. Fort Walsh’s immediate jurisdiction included some 52,000 square-kilometres of present-day southwest Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta. Regional regulations and permits apply. Administered by Parks Canada, it forms a constituent part of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Fort Walsh also maintained diplomatic relations with the Lakota & Nez Perce as they arrived as refugees in Canada following historic battles in the United States. For a young nation securing its tenuous sovereignty in the west, these were defining moments in its application of justice, in its dealings with Aboriginal peoples, and in its relations with the United States of America. There are even opportunities for swimming lessons. History was made here in very many ways. For more information, please visit www.pc.gc.ca/walsh, www.maplecreek.ca From Bed and Breakfasts to Resorts, and even Ranch Experiences, there is plenty to choose from.
Camping comes in all shapes and forms and all seasons.