Southern Saskatchewan - Tourism Saskatchewan

Fort Qu’Appelle
An ‘oasis on the prairies’ best describes the community
of Fort Qu’Appelle located in the Qu’Appelle Valley of
southern Saskatchewan. Surrounded by a history and a
culture dating back to the late 1700s, the valley community
has been referred to as a recreational mecca.
Within this beautiful valley are four freshwater lakes
which attracted fur traders and the establishment of the
Hudson Bay post in 1864. The North West Mounted Police
established their barracks on the site which is now the
Echo Ridge Golf Course. In 1885 the barracks served as
headquarters for troops under General Middleton prior to
proceeding north to Batoche to deal with the Riel Rebellion.
Over 130 years ago, 32 western prairie First Nations Bands
gathered in the valley near Fort Qu’Appelle to negotiate
and sign Treaties with Her Majesty the Queen. Today, these
traditional lands are the site of The Treaty Four Governance
Centre as well as the site of annual celebrations of those
historic events. Adjacent to the center is the largest
inhabited Tipi measuring 70 feet in diameter, rising 111 feet
above the valley floor with 13 poles supporting the circular
structure of the Tipi. Each pole represents a spiritual or
ethical value of the First Nations Community.
Approximately 45 minutes northeast of our capital city on
Highway 10, Fort Qu’Appelle has become a major tourist
and business centre with all the conveniences of larger
cities. The year round recreational activities include: a
magnificent golf course within walking distance from a
lakeshore campground; hiking and nature trails; access to
Pasqua Lake, Echo Lake, Mission Lake and Katepwa Lake
for fishing or recreational water activities; Mission Ridge
Winter Park for skiing and snowboarding; snowmobile trails
as well as many historical points of interest just to mention
some of the unique attractions within this valley community.
A new “FORT” has been built at the old Saskatchewan
Environment site beside the Town campground. Phase
Two of the project is taking place with the renovation of
the existing buildings at the site to provide rental space for
cultural activities. The Fort and grounds including washroom
facilities are presently available for rent by contacting (306)
332-5266.
For Town of Fort Qu’Appelle campground information
contact the Fort Qu’Appelle Recreation & Parks Commission
Office at (306) 332-4614.
52 Southern Saskatchewan Vacation Guide 2012/2013