Cypress Hills for Western Canada Family Travel
Saskatchewan and Alberta Kid-friendly Holiday Accommodations
Jul 7, 2009
Spanning the border of two Canadian prairie provinces, Saskatchewan and Alberta, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is located about 600 meters above the Great Plains between Saskatchewan and Alberta; the highest point in Canada between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador. The natural brilliance of this park starts with its beautiful scenery. Pine forests covering the hills overlook the prairie sprinkled with captivating lakes creating hiking and biking trails from beginner to intermediate.
Beneath the woodland, wildlife may be observed among an array of stunning plant life. Cypress Hills is home to wapiti, white tail, moose, mule deer, cougars, gray catbirds, wood warblers, wild turkey, rainbow and brook trout and over 200 species of birds. With over 700 species of plants and orchids found within the park, Cypress Hills represents nature in all its splendour.
Kid-friendly Camping, Resort and Bed & Breakfast Accommodations
Resort accommodations in the park are located at the Cypress Park Resort Inn on the Saskatchewan side or the Elkwater Lake Lodge and Resort on the Alberta side. Bed and breakfast accommodations offer a choice between the Bar Zee Bed and Breakfast, the Historic Reesor Ranch or the Spring Valley Guest Ranch. Camping on the Alberta side offers 15 campgrounds or the Saskatchewan side offers no fewer than 14 campgrounds, all tent or full-service sites with showers.
Family Oriented Nature Activities and Events
Cypress Hills, known for stunning natural scenery and wildlife, has several fun-filled activities and events families enjoy. Seasonal events include:
- History in the Hills
- Canada Day celebrations
- Aboriginal Day – traditional dancing, a Tipi raising ceremony, Métis dancers, Inuit throat singing and Kakwa traditional games and activities.
- Parks Day celebrations with fireworks
- The Elkwater Lakeshore Fun Run
- Sand sculpture contest at the beach
- Great Family Treasure Hunt
- The Saskatchewan Summer Star Party
Kids take part in crafts and activities daily at the Visitor Centre, whole families enjoy performances by the beach or historical visits such as:
- "Babes in Toyland", a play with characters such as Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill and Little Bo Peep.
- The “Sask. Express” musical, singing and dancing group.
- Fort Walsh – stepping back in time as recruits of the North West Mounted Police and their duties as members. (Open seasonally).
- Eastend – the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton observatory at the T. rex Discovery Centre overlooking the town of Eastend, Saskatchewan. (Open year-round).
An educational, exciting and all the while entertaining family experience, the incredible surroundings of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park offers family oriented accommodations and activities for all ages. For more information visit the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park web site.
 |
