Fort Qu’Appelle is a town at the heart of the Qu’Appelle Valley, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) northeast of Regina. The Qu'Appelle Valley stretches two thirds across the province from Lake Diefenbaker to the Manitoba border in the east, passing through the northwest of Regina along the way. The valley is characterized by a long line of green trees and a series of lakes. Back in the day, it was a favorite place for Indians and fur traders to congregate, providing a welcomed respite from the flat prairies and a good source of wood.[1]
The town of Fort Qu’Appelle originated as a trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Northwest Company also had a trading post in the valley. The town grew into a summer cottage community in the 1950s and 1960s, and served as an escape for Regina residents. Today, it is a formidable tourist destination both in the summer and in winter.[2]
The main attraction of the town is the Qu’Appelle Valley itself, which encompasses the wildlife rich Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. This vast parkland is home to herds of roaming buffalo and offers beaches, hiking trails, fishing lakes, tennis courts, and horse-trekking trails.[3] The town is also surrounded by several other series of lakes that are excellent for fishing and swimming as well as cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling in the winter.[4] Katepwa Point Provincial Park and Echo Valley Provincial Park, which is situated between Echo and Pasqua Lakes, are great places to spend time in the outdoors. Both offer beaches, golf courses, and other recreational facilities. At Fort San, the northern banks of Echo Lake, students at the Saskatchewan Summer School of the Arts showcase their work to the public.[5] Also, Fort Qu’Appelle is known as a great place to purchase local craftwork, so be sure to check out the local shops while you’re in town.
References:
Carroll, Donald. Insider’s Guide Canada. Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc, 1996. ISBN: 1556507100.
“Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan.” < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Qu%27appelle>
“Valley of Legend.” < http://www.virtualsk.com/current_issue/valley_of_legend.html>
[1] Carroll, 139
[2] Fort
[3] Carroll, 139
[4] Valley
[5] Carroll, 139
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