In an article written in 2017 by Heather Persson, “Lake life: 25 fun facts about Saskatchewan's summer obsession,” Persson shares some interesting facts about Saskatchewan residents and their passion for spending summers at the lake. Here are some fun and important facts about this obsession.
- People around the country think Saskatchewan is made up of nothing but flat grain fields. In reality, it’s got about 100,000 lakes.
- According to the Atlas of Canada, the total area of freshwater in Saskatchewan is 59,366 square kilometres.
- At one point in the development of Saskatchewan’s topography, these bodies of water left by glaciers nearly covered the whole province.
- Little Manitou Lake has a mineral density three times greater than the ocean, so visitors are able to float easily and peacefully. The resort town of Manitou Beach has a mineral spa and resort.
- Saskatchewan is a haven for shorebirds; more than 30 varieties can be found here. Birdwatchers can get a thrill from catching a glimpse of endangered species like Piping Plovers and even Whooping Cranes. Chaplin Lake, the Quill Lakes and Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary are hotbeds of birding activity — especially during spring and fall migration seasons.
- The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation estimates more than 200,000 anglers take to our waters every year. That accounts for 20 to 25 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population.
- Tourism Saskatchewan lists 149 fly-in camps and outfitters offering world-class fishing.
- Some popular Saskatchewan lakes are in fact reservoirs created by dams. These include Tobin Lake, Blackstrap Lake, Buffalo Pound Lake, Lake Diefenbaker and the Rafferty Dam Reservoir.
- We’ve got the weather to enjoy our lake time. Environment Canada lists Regina as the third sunniest city in Canada with 2,338 hours per year, right behind Calgary (2,405) and Winnipeg (2,372). Saskatoon is in fourth position at 2,329 hours.
- Technically, it’s illegal to skinny dip. Section 174 of the Criminal Code of Canada disallows nudity in public places or on private property that is exposed to public view “without a lawful excuse.” But as FindLawCanada points out, a Saskatchewan court threw out a 1978 skinny dipping conviction involving three men in a remote lake. The judge said it was not illegal to strip and dip in an isolated place, even if the swimmers “misjudged the loneliness of the place.
- While people are free to enjoy the public beaches at provincial parks, their pets are not. Fido and Kitty are not allowed in public swimming areas.
- Mosquitos are the bane of the lake-dweller’s existence. In addition to creating itchy welts, mosquitos in Saskatchewan can also bear West Nile Virus. Although the transmission rate to humans was considered minimal to low in late June, the risk was expected to rise in July and reach a peak during August. Provincial health officials encourage people to use repellents and stay inside during times of high activity — warm evenings and between dusk and dawn.
- According to the provincial government, only two things cause of wildfires: people and lightning. Every year, wildfires cause intense stress for firefighters and people displaced by evacuations. Campers must always check for campfire bans, and even when they are not prohibited, take great care to ensure fires are out. Keeping fires small, using fire pits and stands, building fires on rock or sand, and keeping a pail of water and a shovel nearby are all important tips.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
