Nestled in the picturesque Qu’Appelle Valley, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is a hidden gem in Saskatchewan, Canada, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Vadera Photography had the privilege of capturing the park’s splendor and its visitors’ joy through a professional photoshoot. Let’s get into what makes Buffalo Pound Provincial Park a must-visit destination and a photographer’s dream.
A Glimpse into History
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park gets its name from the ingenious buffalo pounds that Indigenous peoples once used to trap bison for hunting. This historical significance adds a layer of depth to the park’s already rich tapestry of natural wonders.
Activities To Do in Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
1. Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Camping
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Buffalo Pound offers a variety of camping options. There are seven different camping areas in the park, with a total of about 270 campsites. Many of the individual sites have electric, water, and sewer services. The seven campgrounds are Lake Side, Elm View, Valley, Maple Vale, Shady Lane, Trail Ends, Lower Chalet, and Rankins Campgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned camper with an RV or a novice looking to pitch a tent, the park caters to all.
2. Trails
Buffalo Pound boasts an extensive network of trails that cater to both hikers and mountain bikers. There are over 30 kilometers (19 miles) of mountain biking trails of varying difficulty levels and multiple hiking and walking trails totaling over 16 kilometers (9.9 miles). These trails wind through diverse landscapes, offering stunning views of the valley and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk or an adrenaline-pumping bike ride, there’s a trail for you.
3. Water Activities
The park’s reservoir is a hub of activity, perfect for fishing and boating enthusiasts. The lake is stocked with fish like walleye and perch, making it a popular spot for anglers. Opportunities are available for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and boating at the beach areas along the lake.
4. Swimming
Completed in 2020, the park features a 4,000-square-foot heated swimming pool called Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Pool. This pool replaced the original one, which was built in 1972. The beach area is perfect for families, offering a safe environment for children to play and swim.
5. Golf
Buffalo Pound has two disc golf courses. One is a 9-hole course for beginners, and the other is a professional 18-hole course, providing fun and challenging options for players of all skill levels.
6. Wildlife
One of the park’s unique attractions is its bison viewing area. These majestic creatures, once nearly extinct, now roam freely within a designated area of the park. In addition to bison, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, mallards, American white pelicans, Franklin’s gulls, willow flycatchers, yellow-breasted chats, black-crowned night herons, great blue herons, black terns and numerous bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
7. Other Activities
The park also offers mini-golf and numerous picnicking sites, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.
Best Time to Visit Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is a year-round destination, each season offering its unique charm:
- Spring: Ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing as the flora and fauna come to life.
- Summer: Perfect for camping, swimming, fishing, and boating. The warm weather and long days make it the busiest season.
- Autumn: A great time for hiking and photography, with the fall colors providing a stunning backdrop.
- Winter: Best for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying the tranquil snowy landscape.
How to Reach Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is located approximately 30 km northeast of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Here are some travel options:
- By Car: From Moose Jaw, take Highway 2 North to Tuxford, then follow Highway 202 East to the park. It’s about a 30-minute drive.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Regina International Airport, about 90 kilometers southeast of the park. From the airport, you can rent a car and drive to the park, which takes about an hour and a half.
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Charges
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping available at Meadow Lake and Narrow Hills Provincial Parks.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Backcountry Camping (economy) | $18 per night per tent/camping unit |
Camp-Easy and Mongolian Yurts
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Camp-Easy Tent or Yurt | $85 per night |
| Mongolian Yurt | $116 per night |
| Refundable damage deposit | $100 per reservation* |
Day-Use Facility Rentals
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Small non-electric picnic shelters | $30 per day |
| Large electric picnic shelters | $80 per day |
| Pavilion | $125 per day |
Group Camping Fees
| Service | Fee | Fee | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small
(Up to seven sites) |
Medium
(8-12 sites) |
Large
(13 or more sites) |
|
| Electric | $120 per night | $180 per night | $240 per night |
| Non-Electric | $80 per night | $120 per night | $160 per night |
| Economy | $72 per night | $108 per night | $144 per night |
Nightly Camping
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Service Camping | $44 per night |
| Electric Camping | $33 per night |
| Non-Electric Camping | $20 per night |
| Equestrian Camping | $20 per night |
| Economy Camping | $18 per night |
Park Entry Permit
A valid Park Entry Permit is required in all Saskatchewan Provincial Parks.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Day Park Entry Permit | $11 |
| Weekly Park Entry Permit | $42 |
| Annual Park Entry Permit | $82 |
Recreation Halls
Small recreation halls available at Echo Valley, Good Spirit and The Battlefords Provincial Parks. Large recreation halls available at Greenwater Lake, Duck Mountain, Moose Mountain, and Pike Lake Provincial Parks.
| Service | Half Day Fee | Full Day Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Halls (small; less than 200 square metres) | $100 | $200 |
| Recreation Halls (large, more than 200 square metres) | $150 | $300 |
| Refundable damage deposit | $100 | $100 |
Reservation Transaction Fees
Reservation, change and cancellation fees are non-refundable.
| Service | Online and In-park Fee | Call Center |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation Fee | $12* | $14* |
| Change Fee | $15* | $17* |
| Cancellation Fee | $15 | $17* |
Seasonal Camping Fees
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Service Seasonal Camping | $3,400 |
| Electric Seasonal Camping | $2,600 |
| Non-Electric Seasonal Camping | $1,400 |
| Economy Seasonal Camping | $1,100 |
Special Event Permits
| Service | Minor | Moderate | Considerable | Business Vendor Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Special Event Permit | $0 | $100 | $200 | $500 |
Swimming Lessons
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Swimming Lessons | $35 |
Hammock Camping
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Nightly Hammock | $50 |
| Refundable Damage Deposit | $50 |
Swimming Pools
Swimming pools available at Pike Lake, Cypress Hills, Buffalo Pound Provincial Parks.
| Service | Daily Fee | Weekly Fee | Full Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $5 | $26 | $79 |
| Youth | $2 | $11 | $32 |
| Family | $15 | $74 | $222 |
| Institutional Camp | $2 | N/A | N/A |
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Booking
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on park fees, you can contact the park office directly at 1-306-694-3229 or visit the Saskatchewan Provincial Parks website.
Vadera Photography at Buffalo Pound
Our recent photoshoot at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park captured the essence of this natural paradise. Visitors enjoyed the park’s offerings while our professional photographers immortalized their experiences. From candid shots of families picnicking by the lake to stunning portraits against the backdrop of the valley, every moment was a testament to the park’s beauty and the joy it brings to its visitors.
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Map
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Reviews
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, has garnered a range of reviews. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained campgrounds, scenic hiking and biking trails, and dog-friendly environment. However, some have noted that the beach area can be small with less appealing water color at times. The park offers a mix of nature and recreational activities, making it a popular spot for camping and outdoor adventures. There are occasional issues such as water main breaks, but these are typically resolved quickly. Overall, the park is a good destination for a nature getaway (ParkAdvisor).
Conclusion
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that brings you closer to nature and offers endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Whether you’re a camper, a hiker, an angler, or simply someone looking to unwind, the park has something for everyone. And for photographers, it’s a canvas waiting to be captured in all its glory.
Plan your visit to Buffalo Pound Provincial Park and let Vadera Photography help you preserve those precious memories. From the first click of the camera to the final photograph, we’ll ensure your visit is as memorable as the park itself.
For more information on booking a photoshoot with Vadera Photography at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, visit our website or contact us directly. Let’s create beautiful memories together!