Hikingthe Boreal Trail - Tourism Saskatchewan

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Hiking the Boreal Trail
Travel Itinerary | The Boreal Trail
Trip
Length
One week
or less
THE BOREAL TRAIL – MEADOW LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Meadow Lake Provincial Park
Cold
Lake
919
Cold River
BT 1
Saskatoon
Regina
ALBERTA
SASKATCHEWAN
Pierce
Lake
If you’re looking for a hike that’s
10 km
more than a stroll in the park,
then start lacing up your boots.
The Boreal Trail awaits you. Saskatchewan’s newest and longest
hiking trail stretches more than 130 km through breathtaking
forested lakelands in Meadow Lake Provincial Park. From the
shore of Cold Lake to Greig Lake near the large park’s eastern
end, the trail takes you through every boreal forest habitat from
white spruce to black spruce, jack pine, aspen, birch, muskeg, river
valleys and wetlands galore – you name it, it’s here. Chances of
seeing wildlife are excellent, with over 100 species, from birds to
deer, elk, moose or bear. Throw in a few sandy beaches, fascinating
glacial formations, fishing for pike, walleye or trout, and the Boreal
Trail is a hiker’s dream come true.
Meridian
Lake
Turvey
Lake
Pritchard
Lake
Hirtz
Lake
BT 2
21
Sandy
Beach
Lepine
Lake
Big
Island Lake
IR 124
950
BT 3
Goodsoil
26
55
Pierceland Beacon Hill Peerless
Boreal Trail Distances
Trail head (Cold River) to campsite BT 1
Campsite BT 1 to campsite BT 2
Campsite BT 2 to Sandy Beach campground
Sandy Beach campground to Howe Bay
Howe Bay to campsite BT 3
Campsite BT 3 to campsite BT 4
Campsite BT 4 to Murray Doell campground
Murray Doell campground to campsite BT 5
5.1 km
4.1 km
6.7 km
8.2 km
950
Johnston
Lake
BT 4
Lac des Iles
Bousquet
Lake
Murray
Doell
BT 5
Goodsoil Bridge
Campsite BT 5 to De Balinard Lake
Campsite BT 5 to Goodsoil Bridge
Goodsoil Bridge to campsite BT 6
Campsite BT 6 to Mistohay junction
de Balinhard
Lake
Entry
Gate
DB
Mistohay Lake
Mistohay Peitahigan
Lake
224
BT 6
Matheson Lake
Chalet
BT 7
Camp
Greig
Lake
55
Boreal Trail Map, www.saskparks.net/borealtrail
9.7 km
8.8 km
10.4 km
4.9 km
For 8.7 kmsafety Mistohay reasons, junction to Mistohay hikers campground need 7.4 km to register First Mustus campground with to the trail end park before 9 km
14 km Campsite BT 6 to campsite BT 7
8.9 km New Branch junction to campsite BT 8
3 walking 1.7 km Campsite the BT trail. 7 to Chalet The camp park can 5.6 provide km Campsite detailed BT 8 to campsite maps, BT 9 advise you 6.4 kmon
9.2 km Chalet camp to Kimball (via river trail) 12.4 km Campsite BT 9 to trail end
11.6 km
current trail conditions and supply information on “Leave no Trace”
principles to assure that you have a safe trip while minimizing your
impact on the wilderness.
W
a t
BT 8
Vivian
Lake
e r h e n
Fourth
Mustus
Lake
BT 9
Third
Mustus
Lake
Kimball
Lake
R i v
Dennis Creek
First
Mustus
Lake
e r
North Route
Chalet camp to Tall Timber Trails
Tall Timber Trails to Third Mustus junction
New Branch junction to Kimball Lake campgound
Kimball Lake Campground to Fist Mustus campground
First
Mustus
Kimball
Lake
Rusty
Lake
Little
Raspberry Lake
Trail end
4.8 km
1.6 km
6.2 km
2.3 km
If 130 km sounds intimidating, don’t worry. With road access at several
points, you can hike as much or as little as you like. Challenge yourself
by doing it all – allow at least a week – or choose a shorter section.
While Meadow Lake ranks among Saskatchewan’s most popular
provincial parks, you’ll enjoy nature at its best while staying at
secluded backcountry campsites. All sites are equipped with fire
boxes, privies and metal, bear-proof food lockers. If you need to
stock up on provisions enroute, or just want to indulge in a few
luxuries such as a hot shower or an ice-cold drink, the trail passes
three major front-country campgrounds at Pierce Lake, Lac des Isles
and Kimball Lake, plus Pierce Lake Lodge at Howe Bay.
The Boreal Trail, Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Tourism Saskatchewan/Paul Austring
Starting at the western trail terminus at the Cold Lake Campground,
you begin by walking through mixed wood forest close to the Cold
River, a short but powerful waterway with abrupt drops at some
impressive sets of rapids. The first backcountry campsite you reach
is also one of the nicest of the trip, beautifully perched on a high
cliff overlooking the river. The next campsite on the west shore of
Pierce Lake is nestled in a wooded area next to a sandy beach on a
sheltered bay.
continued >

continued
Travel Itinerary | The Boreal Trail
The trail follows the shore of Pierce Lake south to the large fullservice
Sandy Beach Campground, then heads uphill through mostly
aspen forest. For the next couple kilometres the Boreal Trail follows
the same path as the Humphrey Lake Trail, a popular day hike from
Sandy Beach Campground. This stretch tends to be rich in birdlife,
especially near shallow Humphrey Lake which is favoured by loons,
various waterfowl and occasionally tundra swans. Just a bit further
up the hill, the trail comes to a height of land where you can climb
a viewing tower for sweeping views of the forested lakelands.
Not far past Lac des Isles, the terrain changes yet again as the trail
follows the Waterhen River, the main waterway running through the
park. The countryside becomes more open as the meandering river
widens into wetlands rich in birds and other wildlife. Since there’s no
road access for much of the way, you’ll enjoy parts of the park that
few visitors ever see.
Farther east the trail splits, offering three optional routes. Continue
along the river and head up to Little Raspberry Lake, then Kimball
Lake, site of the most popular beach in the park and the largest
campground. Alternatively, turn north to Matheson and Vivian Lakes,
then onto Kimball Lake. A third option is even better if you haven’t
had enough of an “away from it all” experience. From Vivian Lake,
turn north and circle around the four picture-perfect Mustus Lakes.
First you hike along eskers near Third Mustus Lake, then to hilly terrain
overlooking the creek between Third Mustus Lake and Peitahigan
Lake. Watch for wildlife in the wide creek valley with adjoining
wetlands – nesting grebes, terns, kingfishers, waterfowl and possibly
coyote, wolf or moose. To continue on the Boreal Trail you must cross
this creek, which is only feasible when water levels are not too high.
The Boreal Trail, Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Tourism Saskatchewan/Paul Austring
One of the prettiest sections is just north of Lac des Isles, among the
park’s larger lakes. In addition to backcountry campsites, you can
also overnight in the full-service Murray Doell Campground. But just
before you arrive, you might run into a surprise left by busy beavers.
They are fond of damming a creek here, which often means that the
path gets flooded. You can cross the dam if it looks stable, but if in
doubt, it’s not far to detour on the road.
The stretch after Murray Doell is among the more challenging
segments with several creek crossings. The trail heads inland from
the lake to bypass a large wetland area formed by Sukaw Creek.
Depending on water levels, you might be able to wade across the
creek where the valley narrows or, if you prefer to keep your feet
dry, continue a little farther to the road and cross the bridge. The
east side of Sukaw Creek takes you through some of the most
gorgeous landscapes of the entire trail, winding along the tops of
eskers, looking over a mix of forest, meadows and wetlands with
the expansive lake as a backdrop. Arriving back at Lac des Isles, you
can relax on your own private beach at yet another nicely situated
backcountry campsite.
In the next couple kilometres you have to contend with a troublesome
water crossing where a creek empties into the lake. No matter
how you look at it, you’re going to get wet! Sometimes it’s a simple
matter of wading across, but more often than not you’ll find deep
channels excavated by beavers. If you’re looking for another way
through, sometimes the best bet is to wade into the lake.
On the east side of First Mustus Lake, the two branches of the Boreal
Trail meet for the final leg to trail’s end at Greig Lake. Now it’s time
to kick off the hiking boots, relax and celebrate. You’ve accomplished
the Boreal Trail – Saskatchewan’s longest hike.
Contacts and resources
Boreal Trail Map – Saskatchewan Parks
W: http://saskparks.net/borealtrail
Meadow Lake Provincial Park
5 km N of Goodsoil on Hwy 26, 24 km N of Pierceland on Hwy 21,
6 km N of Dorintosh on Hwy 4
P: 306-236-7680 TF: 1-800-205-7070 W: www.2sk.ca/13383
Meadow Lake
Information on accommodations, attractions, shopping and dining
P: 306-236-3622 W: www.2sk.ca/com/1000584
Pierce Lake Lodge
South shore of Howe Bay at Pierce Lake in Meadow Lake
Provincial Park
Open: year-round
P: 306-839-4517 W: www.2sk.ca/14669
An $11 per-tent, per-night camping fee is charged for the use of
backcountry campsites. Fees can be paid at the point of registration.
You’re encouraged to contact Meadow Lake Provincial Park before
visiting to inquire about any trail closures and suggested places to
leave a vehicle. P: 306-236-7680 or E: meadowlake@gov.sk.ca
Disclaimer: Tourism Saskatchewan makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this travel itinerary. Please note, all services, accommodations,
attractions and events are subject to change without notice. For more information, please contact Tourism Saskatchewan at 1-877-2ESCAPE or www.2sk.ca.