“There are bush trails, there are open, open fields, there are hills—there’s a little bit of everything,” said Robert Clark of his home trails around Kamsack in eastern Saskatchewan. He is the president of the Kamsack Snow Drifters Club, which grooms close to 200 kilometres of trails. These tie into nearby Duck Mountain Provincial Park and endless riding trails maintained by neighbouring clubs.
The trails around Kamsack are family friendly, according to Clark. Those who don’t venture from the trails will find a network that is gentle, groomed and well-signed. The Green Lake Shelter, located on the west side of Duck Mountain Provincial Park, is a suitable destination for families. The area around the shelter is popular with sledders from the area and mostly consists of maintained trails through trees. Riders can also venture to the north end of the park where they can take a break at the Ketchamonia Shelter.
Staging is available right in the Duck Mountain Provincial Park, or sledders can simply ride in from Kamsack, which is only about 14 kilometres away. There is lodging, cabins and fuel available in the park, making it a comfortable and convenient place for visitors to stay.
There is plenty to explore outside of Duck Mountain Provincial Park as well. Clark suggested that families might want to check out the Hideaway shelter to the southwest of Kamsack. His personal favourite riding area is to the west of town, around Verigin.
“Our trails go right through Verigin and they go through the Palace (Warm-Up Shelter)—that’s halfway between Verigin and Norquay. That’s a nice trail there,” said Clark. “(What kind of a journey someone takes) will just depend on how many miles they want to ride. They can just turn around or they can head out in the morning and end up in Manitoba or all over. They could end up in Benito and Swan River or wherever they want. All the trails join together so you can keep going, or you can take a different route back.”
Wherever and however you choose to ride, this region of eastern Saskatchewan has lots to explore and plenty of gentle trails for families, social rides or those introducing their favourite sport to new riders.
