Camping, Fishing, and Family Fun
The big fishing boat trailered well through the winding access trail to a remote lake. It only took minutes to launch, and before we knew it, the watercraft was skimming over the lake’s calm surface. A black bear sauntered up the far shore and disappeared into the dense forest. The waves lapped against the shore as we slowed at the start of a narrow finger leading to a shallow creek and another remote lake.
There was not another boat, angler, or sign of human activity anywhere. The diversity of outdoor activities in Meadow Lake Provincial Park is outstanding. I was busy setting up rods when my daughter yelled that she had a fish. When I turned around, a 28-inch walleye was at the surface. The bite was hot and heavy, and everyone caught fish. Between walleye, a nice pike changed up the action. Our family fished for several hours, keeping enough fresh fish for lunch. The boat ride was exciting and made it feel like we were off the grid.
Lunch at our campsite, back at Kimball Lake, was what our girls refer to as a “fishwich” – fresh fish fried and served on a bun with mashed avocado, homemade tartar sauce, and some lettuce. It was a special treat before enjoying the sandy beach for the afternoon and some cycling around the numerous trails.
The provincial parks in Saskatchewan are reminiscent of yesteryear, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The fire pit was the gathering place for meals and some family downtime. Camping fees provide an endless supply of firewood, hot showers and clean bathrooms, interpretive programs, and details on enhancing your outdoor experiences. Kids who play hard and don’t mind handling fish and building sandcastles also meant a trip to the laundromat to keep everyone in clean clothes.
The beach and clean water were outstanding, and days of entertainment were provided. The boat met five different lakes in as many days and allowed for exploring new waters and fisheries. Walleye, northern pike, lake trout, yellow perch, and stocked trout were all close at hand. We played hard, ate well, and smelled like campfire smoke. Nobody wanted it to end, and plans had already been made for the following summer.
Saskatchewan has 37 provincial parks, recreation areas and two national parks. A reservation system allows interested parties to book in advance or check on short notice for availability. An annual park pass is a great value for what is provided, not to mention the natural surroundings and opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The province boasts over 10,000 lakes with incredible fishing, canoeing, water sports, and scenic vistas.
Visiting and exploring Saskatchewan Provincial Parks is like living in the “good old days” of camping. Create family adventure and memories and consider options to make your next summer getaway spectacular. Visit the Provincial Parks and Tourism Saskatchewan webpage for more information or to reserve a campsite at www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/places-to-go/provincial-parks.
Brad Fenson | Outdoor Write/Communicator & Photographer
Brad Fenson is a passionate outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, camping, and sitting around the fire. Fenson started writing over 36 years ago and has been in print in over 65 publications in North America. Fenson has over 80 national communication awards for his writing and photography.