What are the Saskatchewan Sand Dunes?
Saskatchewan sand dunes known as The Great Sandhills are a very fascinating landform in Southern Saskatchewan. These dunes are a hidden treasure in the prairies and are the second largest active dunes in Saskatchewan the biggest are the Athabasca Sand Dunes.
The Great Sandhills are a protected area and lie within the Great Sandhills Ecological Reserve.
Each year thousands of people come to see, photograph, explore and climb the Saskatchewan sand dunes. It is a very unique opportunity to experience such a site in the prairies.
How to Get to The Saskatchewan Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Hills is located roughly 20 km South of Sceptre. It is 47 km southeast of Leader, 137 km south of Kindersley, and 157 km northwest of Swift Current.
It is an easy visit from Trans Canada Highway (1 hour north of Saskatchewan Highway 21/TransCanada Highway near Maple Creek) and about 2 hours (~160 km) from Medicine Hat in Alberta.
If you are leaving from Medicine Hat you can take Highway 41 (see map above) then turn right on highway 321, follow the highway until you reach Libenthal cross highway 21, and follow the gravel road until you reach a dead end. Turn left and continue on until you reach the Great Sandhills.
Wildlife and Vegetation Found Around The Great Sand Hills
Some of the sand dunes are up to 30 m high and made up of fine white sand, there is some native vegetation holding parts of it together.
In the area you will discover prairie grasses, there are also some low bushes such as the rose, sagebrush, or chokecherry, along with small clumps of aspen, birch, and willow.
If you are someone that enjoys wildlife viewing keep a look out for mule deer and sharp-tailed grouse as they are two of the most common wildlife you will see there. Other birds you may see are the prairie chicken, sandhill crane, partridge, and hawks.
More Information on the Saskatchewan Sand Dunes
If you need more information or require a map to the dunes from Sceptre, stop at the village office in Sceptre, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 - 4 p.m. or at the museum daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. mid-May to Labour Day.
Tel: 306-623-4345
Email: gshs@sasktel.net