Around Lake Diefenbaker

Around Lake Diefenbaker

Lake Diefenbaker, a reservoir formed in 1967 by the construction of the Gardiner Dam on the South Saskatchewan River, lays in the heart of southern Saskatchewan.  Its sheer magnitude is remarkable and humbling.  Stretching 225 km from Gardiner Dam to Saskatchewan Landing we can’t ride all the way around the lake in three days so we will take a short cut across the lake on the Riverhurst Ferry.

This is a completely paved route (there is no gravel road sections) so it is suitable for road bikes. Total cycling distance on pavement is 210 km.  Adventure cyclists are welcome to explore alternate gravel road options.

This is a supported camping trip.  Participants will be tent camping in the parks along the way.  A van will provide support to riders and transfer luggage between parks.  Logding is available if desired (arrangement by participant).

The cost is $80 per participant which includes camping fees and van support throughout the day’s ride.  Pack what you need for the day, including sufficient water and food, on your bike.

This tour is organized by the Saskatoon Cycling Club however participants are welcome from all Saskatchewan Cycling Association affiliated clubs.  

For more information or to register please contact clubinfo@saskatooncyclingclub.ca

Read more about Lake Diefenbaker

Itinerary (Tentative)

Friday — (75km) Meet up at the parking lot of the Visitor Centre on Gardiner Dam around noon for a 1:30 departure. The tour will travel around the western side of Lake Dief through Birsay and Lucky Lake before crossing the Riverhurst Ferry to Palliser Regional Park.

Saturday — (75km) Group breakfast at the Mainstay Inn then departing for Douglas Provincial Park / Elbow. This route takes through Central Butte for coffee, fuel at April’s Diner; then around the east side of Lake Diefenbaker crossing near the Qu’Appelle dam.

Sunday — (50km) Meetup for breakfast or coffee in Elbow then departing on the final leg that takes us back to Gardiner Dam.

Accomodations:

  • Camping at Palliser Regional Park on Friday night and Douglas Provincial Park on Saturday night.
  • Hotels available at Mainstay Inn (right in Palliser Regional Park) and Elbow.
  • Food:
  • Friday — Cafe in Visitor’s Centre, Birsay Kitchen, Lucky Lake bar, Mainstay Inn
  • Saturday — Mainstay Inn, April’s Diner (Central Butte), concession in Douglas PP, Elbow (several options)
  • Sunday — Elbow, Visitor’s Centre

This is a supported tour. There will be a vehicle available to transfer luggage and assist riders.

The cost to participants is $80 per person. This cost includes tent camping sites, luggage transfer, group breakfast on Saturday morning, on road support.

Hotel accomodation is at the direct cost of participants and bookings need to be made by those individuals.
Mainstay Inn (306) 353-2077
LakeView Lodge Motel (306) 854-4444

To confirm your attendance on the tour please contact Don by email at doncook@sasktel.net

A $40 non-refundable deposit will be required to assure your space.

Cost

$80 per participant

All participants must be members of the Saskatchewan Cycling Association.

Get more information send an email to the club at doncook@sasktel.net