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Edition
30: October 15, 2002
In the thirtieth
issue of the Bed and Breakfast Traveller, we take you to Northwest
Saskatchewan, a region rich in both history and modern accomplishments
and attractions.
 Fall
is upon us and with a few really nice days still to come before winter
sets in, and the garden being in, there's a yearning for a quick pre-winter
"getaway". How about a historical weekend tour, complete with
battlefield sites, old forts, and art museums, with friendly hosts right
adjacent to a provincially designated Lakeland "Recreational Site"?
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Just inside the Saskatchewan / Alberta border, an hour north from Lloydminster,
is an area truly worth exploring. It spreads from the border east to St.
Walburg, south to Paradise Hill and north to Loon Lake.
The southern portion of this region is farm and ranch country, the northern
part, forest covered lakeland. It's a perfect place to spend a few days,
with something different to be experienced each day. There are several
B & Bs sprinkled throughout the area, that will welcome the explorer
and provide some guidance in locating these attractions even though it
is slightly "off season". Simply check out BB Canada's Saskatchewan
website on line.
Frenchman
Battle historical battle site |
In 1885 the Northwest
Rebellion raged through the area as the Alberta Field Force fought to
suppress rampaging Indian warriors after a spree of killing at Frog Lake
in Alberta on April 2, 1885. The Cree surrounded Fort Pitt, forcing capitulation
and abandonment by the North West Mounted Police. The Alberta Field Force,
originating in Calgary, responded initially to the crisis by marching
against the Cree just north-west of Paradise Hill at what is known as
'The Battle of Frenchman Butte". A week later the Cree, fleeing with
their prisoners, were again attacked about eighty kilometers north of
this battle site at Loon Lake narrows. These historical battle sites are
explorable, left as they are in an undeveloped condition for over a hundred
years! Recommended reference is a recently released book, 'Steele's Scouts'
(Heritage House Publishing) which provides an excellent outline of the
events of those turbulent days as well as giving directions to the sites
at the end of each chapter.
In the 1930's an exceptional,
world renowned painter, Count Berthold Von Imhoff lived on a farm near
St. Walburg which now has been turned into an unique art museum.
Imhoff s artwork graces the exterior of his original studio, which is
now a historic site worthy of a visit, south of St. Walburg. He also left
his legacy through the interior decor of the Catholic Church in Paradise
Hill, as well as innumerable paintings, some displayed at his home
farm, others at the Fuch's Museum in Lloydminster. The quality
of his "old world' style painting leaves the viewer spellbound. In
one, a fly rests on an arrangement of fruit so real there's an urge to
trick it off.
St. Walburg
is a pleasant little town of about 750 people located on Highway # 26
and is home to several Chuckwagon racing champions in recent years. The
town has its own excellent museum, specializing in memorabilia of the
past, located in the old Catholic Church at the south end of Main Street.
"Walburg" is also home to numerous renowned artists and crafts
people ranging from wildlife artists, to sculptures, to the unique
Bird House Factory just south of town, off Highway # 3. There are
several major events hosted in the town throughout the year including
the Agricultural Fair in July, Blueberry Festival in late
August, a street fair featuring displays, craft booths, and classic car
"Show & Shine". Don't miss spending at least part of a day
in town, play a round of golf on their new 9 hole course and experience
true hospitality.
Carlton Trail
signage in Paradise Hill district |
On the south border
of this area is Paradise Hill, located just off Highway #3 As you
enter town, there's a double size replica of an ox pulling a Red River
Cart. This is situated right on the historic Carlton Trail, an
1800's version of the Trans Canada Highway. In the past, hundreds of these
squeaking carts trundled back and forth along it, carrying supplies and
trade goods west and furs east. This trail is marked with small black
and white signs designating where the modern municipal road crosses it.
In some places the trail is still faintly visible today.
The Bronson Forest
Recreation Site is a tract of land specifically designated for recreational
use. It has over a dozen lakes within its boundaries, with campgrounds
located on many of them. Industrial development is prohibited and the
intent is to provide a superb vacation experience for tourists to enjoy.
Fishing is very good for a variety, of species such as perch, walleye,
pike, whitefish and trout are stocked in some of the smaller lakes. This
area abounds with trails to ride or walk, summer or winter. They are not
marked so take care not to become disoriented in your exploring. The meadows
around Bronson Lake are home to a unique band of about 60 wild
horses, of which a few can usually be found, grazing on the grass flats
near the lake.
Wild horses
at Bronson Lake |
If you have a desire
to visit this area request a copy of "Circle The Northwest",
a superb 70 page tourism guide available through the St. Walburg town
office, phone (306) 248-3232' or write: Circle the Northwest, Box 368,
St. Walburg, Sask. SOM 2GO. This guide will provide enough details on
the attractions of the area to make your visit worthwhile. Visit the area
and explore its' secrets--it'll cure the "Blahs'---- and I'll bet
you return again!
Article and photos
provided By Wayne F. Brown of Lakeview B&B, Paradise Hill, SK.
Saskatchewan Country
Vacations Association
Box 694
Lumsden, SK.
S0G 3C0
Phone: (306) 731-2646
Fax: (306) 731-2768
Email: scva@canada.com
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