Photo via Russ Heinl / Shutterstock
From wildlife and big cities to the northern lights above, the Great North has no shortage of incredible sights, but what you might not expect to see are massive sand dunes in a Saskatchewan park.
Located in a pretty unexpected place, Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park was created to protect the earth’s most northerly sand formations, not only in Canada, but the entire world.
Even if you’ve travelled around the country and back again, most wouldn’t expect to see a Sahara-like desert in the Prairies, but they’re pretty hard to miss.
Measuring over 2,000 square kilometres along a 100 kilometres of shoreline, this incredible place is large, in charge, and truly one-of-a-kind.
“The dunes, which rise as high as 30 metres, offer stunning scenery, a unique ecosystem full of rare and endemic plants, and an evolutionary puzzle,” explains Saskatchewan Parks.
“To protect this fragile environment, the park has been divided into three management zones, each with its own set of guidelines for camping and visitor activities.”
A landscape over 10,000 years in the making, these incredible formations are the product of wild winds and a drier climate.
Here, animals roam, rare plants and flowers bloom, the sun shines, and adventure seekers wander, but there are a few things to note if you’d like to join them.
Want to see it for yourself?
Due to its remote location, the park is accessible by float plane or boat only and is recommended for experienced wilderness campers — especially because there are no amenities or cell service in the area.
Collecting plants, trees, ventifacts, and artifacts within the park is prohibited; however, fishing is allowed and can be done respectfully.
If you’re still interested, visitors can check with the Lac La Ronge Provincial Park office for more information before visiting the area.
Additionally, guided tours by licensed outfitters are also available.
No matter how you try to explore it, you’re going to have a blast.
Be smart, stay safe and enjoy! You’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Where: Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, Sask.
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