You can explore the world’s largest northern sand dunes right here in Canada

Where in the world would you go to see sand dunes? Morocco? Mongolia? The Australian Outback? Haha, try northern Saskatchewan. We’re serious- one of the most remote, most incredible sand dune formations in the whole world is in good old Sask. Welcome to the Athabasca Sand Dunes!

If you’d never even heard of these dunes, we wouldn’t blame you. They’re allllll the way up in the far northwestern corner of the province, out of reach of roads. You’d be hopping a floatplane or taking a nice long canoe trip to catch a glimpse of this otherwordly place.

Among the boreal forest hides a park that extends 100 kilometres along the southern edge of Lake Athabasca. These are the largest dunes in Canada (fun fact, Saskatchewan has even more dunes, dude) and the largest northerly dunes in the entire world.

The best way to explore the dunes is via canoe, as they’re sliced by three rivers. How very Canadian. In one spot, you’ll be floating along the William River with deep green pine trees on one side and stark sand mountains on the other. Is this another planet? Are we in the matrix?

Dotting the dunes are endemic plants found literally nowhere else on earth and exhumed forests of ancient trees. National Geographic, you hearing this?

Hike two hours into the dunes and you’re going to be hard-pressed to remember you’re in Saskatchewan at all. Fly over top of William River and you’ll question whether you’re looking at a river, an abstract landscape painting, or a toasty lemon meringue pie. This view is just unbelievable.

We never really thought we’d say this, but we’re dying for a trip to northern Saskatchewan. Want to join?

ATHABASCA SAND DUNES

Where: Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park