Echo Valley Provincial Park is located in the stunning Qu’Appelle Valley near the town of Fort Qu’Appelle. The rolling hills offer spectacular hiking that offers views of the valley below and you can almost always count on one of the two lakes to be calm in the summer months.
The hiking in the area is perfect for families as they offer beautiful views without too much exertion. Following the hike enjoy cooling in one of two lakes!
Not sure how to start hiking with little kids? Check out these Tips for Hiking with Toddlers.
Disclosure: Please note that I have been working with Saskatchewan Parks as one of their 2020 Ambassadors. This post was written on my own and with my own point of view of the park.
Looking for something else?
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is also near Regina and close to Moose Jaw. For more information on the park check out our Guide to Buffalo Pound Provincial Park in our Saskatchewan Parks series.
Are you heading to Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis or Calgary? Check out the book I wrote with Hikes for Families in the area!
Guide to Echo Valley Provincial Park – Saskatchewan Parks
Go Camping
Echo Valley Provincial Park campground has two main access points. There is the upper campground on the top of the valley and then lower campground that is closer to the lake. They also have group campsites located closer to Pasqua Lake.
There may be some debate but my favourite campsites are the ones located in the valley closer to the lake in Lakeview A. There is a small playground and you can either bike or walk to Echo Beach.
Enjoy One of Two of Beaches
There is not only one but two beaches at Echo Valley Provincial Park. Often if one lake is wavy then the other one is more calm.
Echo Beach boasts softer sand, a playground, and it is fun to jump off the dock. If you do choose to jump off the dock then do not dive in. It is very shallow!
Pasqua Beach is a little rockier but offers a more rustic feeling since there are less cabins along the shoreline. A canoe up Pasqua Beach on a calm day is a great way to escape the “real” world.
Go for a Hike
There are QR codes to scan for trail maps at the start of each hiking trail, at the boat launch, and in the Echo Valley campground. Many of the trails are family friendly and easy for kids to complete on their own!
We loved hiking the Owl trail and the Qu’Appelle Interpretive Trail in Echo Valley Provincial Park with our five and six year old girls. Their favourite part was stopping mid hike to munch on Saskatoon berries that were scattered alongside the trail.
Grab a Park Activity Kits
Park Activity Kits (PAKs) are available at the Echo Valley Provincial Park campground customer service station to give the kids an activity. These PAKs are available at more provincial parks and the best part is that there is a new activity available everyday! Activities range from learning about Sundials to making friendship bracelets.
Go Geocaching
There is Geocaching at Echo Valley Provincial Park and this can be a great activity for families.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is basically the “new” treasure hunt. Basically, people have hidden different caches and added the GPS into the app Geocaching.com. By using the app you can search for the Geocaches. Some are very well hidden and even camouflage. Try finding geocaches throughout the park by downloading the free app at Geocaching.com.
Can you spot the Geocache in the trees? This was one easier to find but some can be tricky! Use the hint if necessary.
Pick Saskatoon Berries
There are Saskatoon berries that scatter most of the hikes in Echo Valley Provincial Park. Enjoy them as a mid hike snack or pick a few extra to add to some pancakes while camping!
Nature and Night Caching
On Saturday’s at Echo Valley Provincial Park, you can go nature caching during the day or night caching at night!
Caching is another type of scavenger hunt.
This is also available mid-week if you ask the park staff at the newly renovated visitor centre. Unfortunately they cannot guarantee that the caches are there because occasionally people more around the caches.
Go Fishing
Bring along a fishing rod and try fishing! There are two lakes to enjoy fishing. Don’t forget your fishing licence.
Mini Golfing and Ice Cream
There is a mini golf located next to the Pasqua Lake parking lot. After enjoying a round of golf enjoy and ice cream! The mini golf is cash only.
Enjoy a YUMM burger from the Food Truck
The YUMM food Truck is located alongside the mini golf and is owned by the same family. They boast a variety of different foods including the YUMM burger that is topped with an onion ring and bacon. The YUMM food truck is cash only.
Yoga on the Beach
Try out yoga on the beach on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9:30 am! The yoga instructor is Lori and she also runs classes out of Yoga Haven in Regina. Make sure to bring $15 cash to the session and your own mat or beach towel.
Go Boating
Bring a motor boat, SUP board, or canoe and enjoy some time on the water! Boat rentals are not available yet but they are hoping to offer them sometime in the future!
Any activities at Echo Valley Provincial Park that we are missing?! Let us know so I can check them out share them with the community!
Heading to the Canadian Rockies? Order the paperback book Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here.
