18 July, 2024

Trail Profile: ᐯᒥᐢᑲ Pêmiska Trails

Sign indicating Trans Canada Trail to the right on snowy path. Panneau indiquant le sentier Transcanadien à droite sur un chemin enneigé.

Running from Duck Lake to Fort Carlton Provincial Park via Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, Pêmiska Trails offers over 20 kilometres of trails with beautiful landscapes, powerful connections to Indigenous history and culture, and even accommodation options!

What we love about this Trail section

A snowy path winds through a serene forest landscape. Un chemin enneigé serpente à travers un paysage forestier serein.

• It takes you through awe-inspiring landscapes with rolling hills and stunning skylines (yes, you read that right – rolling hills in Saskatchewan!)

• You’ll pass alongside unique historical and cultural monuments.

• It’s suitable for year-round activities, from hiking to cross-country skiing and more.

• You’ll find accommodation options on offer for those wishing to extend their trip.

Greenway and grasslands

Head out from Duck Lake towards Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation. Note that the beginning section of the trail takes you on roadway, but then continues onto greenway as you pass through beautiful pasture and grasslands. The Cree Nation has opted to maintain the land’s natural state as much as possible, and much of the land adjacent to the Trail is working pastureland.

Hike, bike or walk in the warmer months, and cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter as you take in the sights and sounds surrounding the trail. Keep an eye out for moose and deer along your route! If you like, Pêmiska Tourism offers fat tire bike rentals, which is a great way to explore the trails.

History along the trail

Scenic view of teepees in a field with cloudy sky at Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation. Vue panoramique de tipis dans un champ avec un ciel nuageux à Beardy's et Okemasis Cree Nation.

Several monuments and historic sites of interest can be found along the trail, including a monument marking the signing of Treaty 6, signed in 1876 between the Crown and Cree and Stoney First Nations and covering land between the Athabaska and South Saskatchewan rivers. Another point of interest is a National Historic Site marking the Battle of Duck Lake in 1885, the first in a series of battles in what is now known as the North-West Resistance between the Métis People and Canadian Government Forces.

At Fort Carlton Provincial Park, the former Hudson’s Bay Company fort features a reconstructed palisade, fur and provisions store, and more.

Pêmiska Tourism guides and lodging

Scenic dirt road with Pemiska tourism green flags and lush trees. Chemin de terre pittoresque avec des drapeaux verts de Pemiska Tourism et des arbres luxuriants.

For those looking to extend their stay, Pêmiska Tourism has brand-new lodges available for booking. They also offer guided canoe, hiking and cycling tours so you can explore the area and learn more about the rich history and culture in the region.

Thank you to Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation

Thank you to Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation for your dedication to building and maintaining this trail system.