As the camping season settles in, you may find yourself alongside many in the province who go camping, boating, or spending a day at the lake. Sask Parks has announced the addition of 14 new businesses across our provincial parks, meaning you'll now have a lot more to do.
Previously, Sask Parks announced its initiative to make our parks more entertaining and inclusive, and so far for Buffalo Pound, this means a modernized Visitor’s Centre complete with a new restaurant in the park.
“We are pleased to grow our partnerships with local businesses around the province and provide visitors more options while they experience the beauty of Saskatchewan's parks,” announced Parks, Culture, and Sport Minister Laura Ross.
Located at the site of the old chalet building at White Track, Buffalo Pound has a new Visitor’s Centre.
The building features an interpretive centre in the lower level with entertainment for the kids, and upstairs you’ll find a new restaurant worth checking out.
Buffalo Pound’s new bistro
The Travelling Bakery is new to the park, and was founded by Michael Huehn and his wife, Nancy.
“Nancy and I, over the last two seasons, had been running the restaurant at Long Creek Golf Course.”
Together, they’ve always wanted to do something like this.
“She had always wanted to have her own restaurant, and when she saw that Buffalo Pound was looking for either a business or private individuals to do food service... she said, 'why don’t we throw our hat into the ring and see what happens'.
“We've had prior experience with this... when we were a lot younger. We’re in our 50s now.”
They may have started the Travelling Bakery later than they would have hoped to, but this only added to the experience. Now they could call on their culinary experiences to craft the perfect dishes.
Their menu includes baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee. “It’s more of a bistro. All of the baked goods that I have here are homemade.”
And at the Travelling Bakery, innovation is always featured.
“For the summer we are going to be adding bratwurst and peameal bacon on a bun to the menu. And once a week I am planning to do a special as well.” He mentioned that some planned options include a half rack of ribs with baked potato, pork Souvlaki with rice and a Greek salad, butter chicken, and more. For options such as brisket, the restaurant has two smokers and a barbecue on site.
Sadly, Nancy recently passed away, but her dream is kept alive by Michael, who runs the business in her memory.
Before her passing, Nancy was able to spend the first month working at the bistro, and only learned about her cancer diagnosis the following month.
“She was able to see that dream come true, which I am very grateful for.”
The Travelling Bakery has a seating capacity of 42 inside, and an additional 38 outside.
The restaurant operates on seasonal hours, but remains open year-round.
For the long weekend, he is open Friday through Monday. Throughout the rest of the summer, they are open Thursday through Monday 10-6 p.m. He is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Over the winter months he is open on weekends only.
“I just hope that I make her proud,” said Huehn.
Improvements across the province
New park accommodations include:
- Fully furnished cabin rentals at Meadow Lake and Good Spirit
New park entertainment includes:
- Inflatable water park at Moose Mountain
- Specialized water and First Aid training courses at Echo Valley
- E-bike rentals at Moose Mountain, Pike Lake, and Blackstrap
- Youth swimming lessons at Makwa Lake and Katepwa Point
- Markets at Good Spirit Lake, Greenwater Lake, and Buffalo Pound
New park food options include:
- Perras Carnival Treats offer burgers, mini donuts, and more at Echo Valley
- La Fenice Pizzeria offers handmade pizza at Candle Lake
- Travelling Bakery offers baked treats and specialty coffee at Buffalo Pound
These new business ventures are just the latest step, as Saskatchewan’s provincial parks are seeing additional improvements and more steps taken toward greater inclusivity this season.
Everyone is invited to explore, experience the outdoors, and spend quality time with your family at one of our great provincial parks.
For more information, or to make a booking, visit SaskParks.com.
