Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Meewasin Trail Brochure 5245e80239ba2 PDF
Meewasin Trail Brochure 5245e80239ba2 PDF
Symbol Legend
Barbeque Area No Boats
Beverages No Dogs
Boat Cruises Picnic Area
Canoe Launch Point of Interest / Lookout
Cross Country Skiing Public Washrooms
Dog Park Skateboard Park
Ferry Skating
First Aid Sports Field
Fishing Swimming Pool
Food Telephone
Gift Shop Tennis
Hiking Tobogganning
Horse Riding Water Fountain
Historical Site Wildlife Viewing
Information
Interpretive Programming
Motorized Boat Launch
Museum
1
West Bank Sites pg 24 RM of Corman Park sites pg 33
About Meewasin
Welcome to the
Meewasin River Valley.
The Meewasin Valley is an oasis of
exceptional beauty in the midst of the
Saskatchewan prairies. Stretching nearly
sixty kilometers, from Pike Lake in the
southwest to Clarke’s Crossing in the
northeast, the Meewasin Valley follows the
winding curve of the South Saskatchewan
River as it passes through the rural
municipality of Corman Park and the
city of Saskatoon.
2
Meewasin” is the Cree word for beautiful.
Perhaps no other word so aptly describes this special piece
of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Within its boundaries
lie nearly 40 square kilometers (25 square miles) of pristine
wilderness, exciting culture, and inviting trails. Whether you
enjoy an outdoor hike, learning about Saskatoon’s heritage or
simply wish to stop and smell the wildflowers, the Meewasin
Valley is for you.
3
“Meewasin”
About Meewasin
is the Cree word
for beautiful.
5
Interpretive Programming
Stewardship
The Meewasin Valley Authority encourages volunteers to
work together to help protect, enhance, restore, and
beautify the valley. Through the River Stewardship Program,
volunteers perform tasks to complement the work being
performed by city of Saskatoon and Meewasin Valley
Authority crews.
These volunteer “River Stewards” help maintain sections
of the riverbank, plant trees in the Meewasin nursery,
collect seeds from native flowers, band for cankerworms,
clean up garbage, and even mulch and wrap trees to
prevent beaver damage.
Trail Ambassadors can be easily identified by their green
Meewasin vests. They help promote trail safety, and can
often be found volunteering at special events.
6
Design and Development
The Meewasin Valley Authority Design & Development
Unit consists of a design team, a construction crew and
a horticulture crew. The Unit develops and maintains the
natural environment with projects that range from large
park development to minor repairs such as bench and
sign replacement.
All planning, design and development is done with respect
to the “Meewasin Valley Project: 100 Year Conceptual
Plan” developed in 1978 by architectural planner Raymond
Moriyama. Decisions are based, in large part, on careful
gathering and analysis of data from across the valley.
Interpretive Programming
Maintaining a vibrant and healthy river valley depends, in great
part, on public support. The Meewasin Valley Authority strives
to ensure that people young and old understand the value of
the Meewasin Valley and wish to care for and protect it.
This is done, in part, through creative interpretive programming
that runs throughout the year. Whether it is making a craft
indoors or touring down the river in a passenger canoe, a
hands-on experience increases enjoyment and awareness
for residents and visitors alike.
7
Interpretive Programming
The Meewasin Valley Centre
The Meewasin Valley Centre is the “headquarters” of the
Meewasin Valley Authority and home to a good deal of
programs and services – for example, curriculum-based
learning for Grade 3 classrooms featuring topics such as
The Founding of Saskatoon, Pioneers, the South Saskatch-
ewan River, Boom Years 1908-1913, and The Present City.
The Centre is a great place to learn about Saskatoon’s
history, the South Saskatchewan River, and the future of the
Meewasin Valley. Drop by to explore fun, interactive displays;
browse the unique gift shop items, and pick up information
on the Meewasin Valley and the city of Saskatoon.
The Centre is located at 402 Third Avenue South, inside
Friendship Park. For more information call (306) 665-6888.
8
Beaver Creek Conservation Area
The Beaver Creek Conservation Area contains one of the
few uncultivated short-grass prairie sites in Saskatchewan.
Visitors can explore any or all four nature trails and visit the
Interpretive Centre, where friendly staff members facilitate
programming and unique adventures such as, Perseid
Meteor Showers, Canada Day Heritage Hoopla, and
interpretive canoe tours.
BCCA is a four-season destination. In summer, it is an ideal
place for a nature hike. In the winter, Beaver Creek is an
excellent place for cross-country skiing.
Beaver Creek is 13 km south of Saskatoon on Highway #219.
For more information call 306-372-2474 or 306-665-6888.
9
Meewasin Canoe Tours
Interpretive Programming
For a real river valley experience, explore the South
Saskatchewan in a ten-passenger voyageur canoe. Tours
depart from the Beaver Creek Conservation Area, head
downstream towards Saskatoon, and then loop back to the
starting point. Along the two-hour journey, paddle leisurely,
watch for wildlife, and listen to stories from your Meewasin
canoe guide.
Canoe tours run May to the end of August. The cost is
$20 per person. Group charters are available for $150
per canoe (the canoe seats nine visitors plus the guide/
interpreter). Non-profit youth groups may be eligible for
free charter tours thanks to sponsorship from Saskatch-
ewan Indian Gaming Authority, Vince Carter Foundation,
ASUPCA, Sask Lotteries, Saskatoon Foundation, and the
City of Saskatoon.
Beaver Creek is located 13 km south of Saskatoon on
Highway #219. Transportation is available for $23 (one
way) through Saskatoon Radio Cab (306-242-1221).
All canoe tours require re-registration; please call
(306) 374-2474.
10
Exercise Your Options!
The Meewasin Valley offers a wide variety of options for outdoor
exploration and exercise. If you’re up for more than a casual
stroll, consider canoeing, kayaking, boating, running, biking
or roller-blading. Get your heart pumping in wintertime with
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and skating.
If you don’t have the appropriate gear, don’t worry – many
local business and clubs rent or sell the equipment you are
looking for. Just check the phone book Yellow Pages or ask
the Meewasin Valley Centre (306-665-6588) for assistance.
11
The Trans Canada Trail
Interpretive Programming
The Meewasin Valley Trail follows the South Saskatchewan
River through the heart of Saskatoon. This section of the
Trans Canada Trail offers a range of winter activities
including sledding, snowboarding and cross country skiing
on winter trails, along with walking, running and rollerblading
on cleared paths. An outdoor rink offers skating at no
charge (for entry or skates): It attracts more than 12,000
skaters annually from Saskatoon and around the world.
The Meewasin Valley Trail is well-used, year-round, for
recreation, sightseeing and active transportation. Access
points are found throughout the city.
The trail offers beautifully landscaped parks and natural
areas. Many people use the trail for cycling, hiking,
picnics or simply to enjoy the magnificent view of the
river. Meewasin is Cree for “beautiful” which is a fitting
description of this wonderful Trail.
12
Explore the Meewasin Valley
In and outside of the city of Saskatoon, on both sides of the
river, there are sites and services to help you make the most
of your day. Explore the natural habitat along the riverbank,
discover culture at museums and interpretive sites, and take
advantage of enhancements such as parks and canoe
launches.
Many of the parks and sites are located along the lovely
Meewasin Valley Trail, a must-see attraction. The trail runs
along both sides of the river, winding under the bridges, and
through beautifully landscaped parks and natural areas.
Residents and visitors flock to the trail to cycle, jog, stroll
or simply gaze at the scenery.
Exploring the Meewasin Trail is easy! Access points are
found throughout the city, with maps, interpretive signage,
and washrooms are located along the route.
13
The Meewasin Valley Trail - East Bank
East Bank Sites North to South
1 Peggy
Mckercher Conservation Area
3 Saskatoon
Natural Grasslands
17
6 University
of Saskatchewan / The Little Stone The Meewasin Valley Trail - East Bank
School House / Diefenbaker Canada Centre
22
10 Gabriel
Dumont Park
23
The Meewasin Valley Trail - East Bank
11 Western
Development Museum
24
12 Diefenbaker
Park / The Pioneer Cemetery
25
W ater pollution may flow downstream of the city’s direction in the river – its powerful backwash that can Boating Zones Water-skiing
No Boating
Sewage Treatment Plant. Stay out of the river in this area pull you in. Going onto the weir apron is also prohibited.
Boating Zones and the Rules of Water-skiing activities are concentrated between the Idylwyld
and DO NOT drink the water. Power Boating
Navigation are strictly enforced Bridge and the safety boom. This relatively small area also
D angerous changes in river flow conditions are
Watercraft by the Saskatoon Police Service No Power Boating frequently accommodates large numbers of watercraft,
usually announced on the radio. Listen for warnings or
in conjunction with the Sas- including power boats and personal watercraft (PWC) such
call Meewasin if you have any questions or concerns. Slow Zone
For everyone’s safety, it is critical that operators of all types as jet-skis.
M otorized Vehicles may not enter the river channel. katoon Fire Department River
of watercraft learn and obey the rules of navigation, are
(Meewasin Bylaw 002). Rescue Unit. Personal Watercraft (PWC)
aware of river hazards, and respect the rights of others.
W hen fishing, catch and release is encouraged. The four Boating Zones on the To ease congestion and lower the risk of collision in the
Please note that fishing is not allowed in Conservation Areas. General Rules of Thumb
South Saskatchewan River are: Circle Dr. Bridge water-ski course area, PWC operators are requested to stay
S harp drop-offs occur just off shore and along sandbars, Wear approved life vests when on the water.
No Boating in the area between the Broadway and University bridges,
and frequently change location due to the fast-moving Other watercraft should yield right-of-way to boats
Power Boating particularly during high-use periods.
current. If you are wading, watch your footing! towing water-skiers. C.P.R. Bridge
W et stones are slippery – watch your footing. No Power Boating Weir Canoes and Kayaks
The current is strong – account for it when steering.
B roken glass, sharp objects, and debris may be Slow Zone (30km/hr Safety Boom
Get to know the river – avoid water intakes, bridge Canoes and kayaks are allowed on most areas of the river,
found in the sand and in the water. Watch for dangerous within the R.M. of
piers, and obstructions. but special caution is to be taken in the Power Boating Zone
objects and please remove them. Please do not litter. Corman Park R.M.) University Bridge
Be aware that changing water levels can shift sand where there is a high risk of accidental collision or swamping.
A void storm sewer outfalls – flows may contain a wide bars and expose dangerously shallow rocky shoals. Please report violations of Senator Sid
Buckwold Bridge
Avoid congested areas, be aware of other boaters, and be
range of unpleasant substances. Deposits from the water Motorized craft should pass non-motorized craft boating regulations to the sure to steer clear of the water-ski course and jump.
Broadway Bridge
treatment plant (near Riversdale pool in Victoria Park) slowly and at a safe distance. Saskatoon Police. Traffic Bridge
should also be avoided. To be sure that your skills are a match for the river, take
Look ahead. The law states that when towing a skier,
A ctivities are prohibited in the river between the Power Boats lessons first. Don’t overload your canoe – three adults is the
there must be a spotter assigned so that the driver
safety boom and the CPR Bridge. This is for your Power Boats are allowed outside recommended maximum.
can concentrate on what is ahead.
personal safety, as well as to reduce human intrusion on D O NOT approach the weir – the powerful back- of the city limits – within city Be aware of fast currents, particularly beneath the bridges
wildlife habitat. wash makes the weir an extremely dangerous river limits, they are restricted to the and on the outside of river curves. Stay close to the riverbank
T he weir is an extremely dangerous river hazard. hazard – it could pull you in. area of the river between the Future South Bridge where currents are easier to handle.
Do not approach the weir from the shore or from either Idylwyld Bridge and University
28 29 30 Bridge. 31
C.N.R Bridge
27 26 33 32
creating dangerous stretches of thin ice. Stay off the ice!
from the Queen Elizabeth power station erode the ice, unexpected traffic.
inter ice is unsafe. Strong currents and warm water
W Watch for blind spots and sharp corners – anticipate – 5.1 km North of 42nd Street Bridge not continue activity to the point of exhaustion. Never ignore
studying nature. horn – pass slowly on their left. To avoid hypothermia, avoid wet and windy conditions. Do
1.4 km 1.4 km CRP to 42nd Street Bridge
to use the shore and beaches for relaxing and Alert pedestrians of your intentions by using a bell or
1.8 km 1.4 km University to CPR Bridge and even cause death.
ading is allowed. Meewasin encourages people
W Stay single file – obey all pavement markings.
can result in loss of muscle control and mental confusion,
sandbars can be hazardous. Go slow – the suggested maximum is 15 km/hr. 1.2 km 1.2 km Broadway to University Bridge Hypothermia is a lowering of the inner body temperature that
currents and undertows, and unpredictable shifting Cyclists 0.3 km 0.2 km Victoria to Broadway Bridge
wimming is not advised. Cold water, strong
S In Case of Hypothermia
0.4 km 0.3 km Idywyld to Victoria Bridge
review the following important facts. footing. Please do not walk or run on winter ski paths. fire department.
Idylwyld Bridge If other people are nearby, have someone call the police or
all bodies of water can be dangerous. For your safety, please In winter, the trail can get icy – be cautious about your – 2.0 km Spadina Cres West to for them to grab, and pull them in.
The South Saskatchewan River is a beautiful waterway, but for signs. Please pick up after your pet.
Dogs on leash are permitted in certain areas – look East Bank West Bank Total Trail Distances If they are close to shore, extend a stick or similar object
River Safety cyclists may be about to pass. Throw a buoyant object out for the person to hold on to.
Listen for alerts from bells or horns on bicycles – DO NOT swim in after them.
Activity and Fitness Circuits
warn them of potential dangers. If you see someone in trouble in the river:
injuries resulting from trail use.
Protect small children – explain the “road rules” and
The Meewasin Valley Authority is not liable for problems/or warm fluids and high-energy foods – no alcohol! spots are common in the river.
pass. Before crossing the trail look both ways.
Please note trail use is always at your own risk. garments, keep the victim warm and, if possible, provide and the bottom firm enough, for you to stand up – shallow
Follow “road rules” – keep to the right, except to
person should use their own discretion for personal safety. elements (e.g. wind, rain), replace wet clothing with dry Check occasionally to see if the water is shallow enough,
Some sections of the trail are not lit at night; therefore,each Pedestrians To assist a victim of hypothermia, provide shelter from the the current will be moving you downstream.
should be taken to ensure good footing at any time, day or night. you and others, please note the following guidelines Swim directly toward the shore, taking into account that
seek medical treatment immediately. DO NOT fight the current.
trails are great for running and for skiing. However, caution on a leash, or any number of endeavors. For the safety of If you or a companion begin to show signs of hypothermia
unpaved trail found lower down the bank, nearer the river. These be walking, running, cycling, on roller blades, walking pets Stay calm.
In addition to the paved Meewasin Trail, there is often an The Meewasin Trail is used by people of all ages who might sunny day. If you accidentally fall into the river:
Remember that hypothermia can occur even on a warm,
FEDORUK DR.
31 Wanuskewin (14.5 km) / pg. ##
Key Map
13 14 33 Chappell Marsh
(3.0 km) / pg. ##
34 Yorath Island
(3.0 km) / pg. ##
35 Maple Grove
(3.0 km) / pg. ##
36 Wilson Island 39 Chief Whitecap Park (12.1 km) / pg. ##
(12.5 km) / pg. ##
40 Cranberry Flats (15.7 km) / pg. ##
EAST BANK 15 38 Paradise
1 Peggy McKercher Conservation Area / pg. ## Beach (3.0 km) 37 Poplar Bluffs (12.5 km) / pg. ##
5 pg. ##
6 41 Beaver Creek (19.7 km) / pg. ##
2 Peturrson’s Ravine / Crocus Prairie
and Grasslands / pg. ## 42 Fred Heal Canoe Launch
17 The Weir / pg. ## (20.5 km) / pg. ##
7 Cosmopolitan Park / Lookout / pg. ## 22 Meewasin Valley Centre / pg. ## 32 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area / pg. ##
8 Rotary Park / Lookout / pg. ## 23 Friendship Park / pg. ## 33 Chappell Marsh / pg. ## 23 22 8
9
9 The Marr Residence / pg. ## 24 River Landing / Farmers’ Market / pg. ## 34 Yorath Island / pg. ## 24
10 Gabriel Dumont Park / pg. ## 25 Victoria Park / Boathouse / pg. ## 35 Maple Grove / Leisureland / pg. ##
11
11 Western Development Museum / pg. ## 26 Sanatorium Site / pg. ## 36 Wilson Island / pg. ## 25 10
12 Diefenbaker Park / Pioneer Cemetery / pg. ## 27 Bowerman House / pg. ## 37 Poplar Bluffs Canoe Launch / pg. ##
SO
UT
H S
28 Saskatoon Landfill / pg. ## 38 Paradise Beach / pg. ## A SK
AT
WEST BANK CH
EW 12
13 Factoria Site / pg. ## 29 Queen Elizabeth Power Plant / pg. ## 39 Chief Whitecap Park / pg. ## LEGEND 26 A
27
N
RI
VE
14 Meewasin Park / pg. ## 40 Cranberry Flats Conservation Area / pg. ##
R
R.M. OF CORMAN PARK
C.N.R. Bridge
15 Capilano Lookout / pg. ## 30 Clark’s Crossing / pg. ## 41 Beaver Creek Conservation Area / pg. ##
16 G.D. Archibald Park / pg. ## 31 Wanuskewin Heritage Park / pg. ## 42 Fred Heal Canoe Launch / pg. ##
29
28
The Meewasin Valley Trail - West Bank
West Bank Sites North to South
13 Factoria
Site
35
15 Capilano Lookout The Meewasin Valley Trail - West Bank
36
16 G.D.
Archibald Park
38
18 The
Mendel Riverbank / Island Sanctuary
39
The Meewasin Valley Trail - West Bank
19 Kinsmen
Park
40
20 The
Ukrainian Museum of Canada
41
The Meewasin Valley Trail - West Bank
21 Kiwanis
Memorial Park
23 Friendship
Park
25 Victoria
Park / The Boathouse
26 Sanatorium
Grounds
45
The Meewasin Valley Trail - West Bank
27 Bowerman
House
29 Queen
Elizabeth Power Plant
30 Clark’s
Crossing
48
31 Wanuskewin
Heritage Park
32 Richard
St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
49
The Meewasin Valley Trail - R.M. of Corman Park
33 The
Chappel Marsh
50
34 Yorath
Island
51
35 Maple
Grove / Leisureland
36 Wilson
Island
37 Poplar
Bluffs Canoe Launch
55
The Meewasin Valley Trail - R.M. of Corman Park
40 Cranberry
Flats Conservation Area
41 Beaver
Creek Conservation Area
56
Instead, continue 1 km more to a sign on the right
reading “Beaver Creek Conservation Area.” Turn right
and follow the road to the parking lot. For more
information call 374-2474 or 665-6888.
42 The
Fred Heal Canoe Launch
57
Please help us maintain and
preserve the Meewasin Valley.
Meewasin is a non-profit organization and raises funds in
the public and private sector to support its programs and
services in conservation, education, and development.
Please help us maintain and preserve the Meewasin
Valley. For information on Corporate Giving, Planned
Giving, Buy-a-Bench, Plant-a-Tree, Buy-a-Brick, the
500 Club Programs or to discuss other ways to support
Meewasin, please call 665-6887.
Thank you.
Meewasin Valley Authority
402 3rd Ave South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 3G5
Phone: 306.665.6887
Fax: 306.665.6117
Email: meewasin@meewasin.com
Web: www.meewasin.com