16. North Saskatchewan River
EXPANSIVE...this route is a fine day trip on the mighty North Saskatchewan River...this scenic route meanders through a continuous series of rolling hills covered in grasslands and intermixed with aspen and black poplar stands...expect to see cattle, oil wells and pump jacks, fence lines, a variety of bird life and if lucky, perhaps a moose. There is little for aquatic vegetation in the river system which makes for fine swimming or wading in the numerous shallows of the river. There are many sand bars at which to stop and enjoy lunch or a break. The current is surprisingly swift even at low water levels (~ 3 to 6 km per hour) which allows for completion of the trip in a comfortable 6 to 7 hours.
Length: ~ 35.0 km
Time of year: All summer (mid-May to late September)
Experience required: Novice
Noteworthy features: Wide open scenery...rolling hills and ranch land along both banks...extensive sandbars.
Access and parking: Great access to the river at various locations near the two bridges located on Hwys 3 and 21.
Start location: Deer Creek Bridge (Hwy 3, about 11 km west of Paradise Hill)...there are several good access points near the bridge on both sides of the river.
Take out location: bridge across the North Saskatchewan (Hwy 21, about 20 km south of the junction of Hwy 3 and Hwy 21)
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
Length: ~ 35.0 km
Time of year: All summer (mid-May to late September)
Experience required: Novice
Noteworthy features: Wide open scenery...rolling hills and ranch land along both banks...extensive sandbars.
Access and parking: Great access to the river at various locations near the two bridges located on Hwys 3 and 21.
Start location: Deer Creek Bridge (Hwy 3, about 11 km west of Paradise Hill)...there are several good access points near the bridge on both sides of the river.
Take out location: bridge across the North Saskatchewan (Hwy 21, about 20 km south of the junction of Hwy 3 and Hwy 21)
Route location (Google Earth kmz file):
| North Saskatchewan River Hwy 3 to Hwy 21.kmz |