Saskatchewan — Overview
The origin of the name ‘Saskatchewan' is the subject of some debate. Some think it comes from a Cree word for ‘swift-flowing river' (Kisisskatchewan). That would be apt, because the province has close to 100,000 lakes and rivers. Although Saskatchewan is commonly thought of as consisting mainly of vast prairies, the landscape is quite varied.
Valleys, forests, plains
The wide, treeless plains in the south are broken up by river valleys and ranges of low-lying hills. There are large forests in the north of the province, and Saskatchewan's two national parks, Prince Albert National Park in the north and Grasslands National Park in the southwest, cover nearly 5 million acres (2 million hectares) between them.
Rural pleasures
Indeed, Saskatchewan is not a province to escape to for a slice of urban lifestyle: there are few permanent cities and many northern regions are accessible only by air. This is, instead, a laid-back province with a pleasant remoteness.
Although there is definitely adventure and rodeo for those who seek it, perhaps you are best off savouring Saskatchewan's nature and wildlife: wolves, moose and caribou inhabit the northern forests, while elk and deer can be found farther south.
Geography
Saskatchewan is bordered by Manitoba to the east, the Northwest Territories to the north, Alberta to the west, and the US states of North Dakota and Montana to the south. Its landscape is mainly prairie, parkland, forests and lakes. Prince Albert National Park is the gateway to Saskatchewan's wilderness. The highest elevation is the Cypress Hills in the southwest, 1,392m (4,566ft) above sea level.
