Lumsden, Saskatchewan

Less than an hour’s drive via Saskatchewan’s Hwy of Heroes/Trans-Canada Hwy/Sk 1 E and Sk-641 N, Lumsden is a town in the Qu’Appelle Valley in south central Saskatchewan that functions as both a farming community and a suburb of Regina with a population of approximately 2000. For the size of the community, it boasts a number of special things to do according to trip advisor. Of special mention is Last Mountain Distillery that is family-owned and operated. They have received numerous awards for their high quality handcrafted spirits. The signature products include Saskatchewan’s best-selling naturally infused dill pickle vodka, naturally infused organic cherry whisky, apple pie moonshine and many others. Due to pandemic restrictions, distillery tours and tastings are currently not available, although the business is available for private functions by calling for details to 306.731.3930.

Fenek Farms is open year round and hosts small farms tours, educational outings and birthday parties, as well as large events such as weddings or special events. They also offer camping with opportunities to enjoy “endless prairie skies, starry nights, and breathtaking sunsets, moon rises, and sunrises.” Call in advance for an appointment at 306.209.7205. Group bookings are in effect as well as of March 28th, 2021 with guidelines establishing limited group sizes. Bookings need to be made in advance and all venues are outdoors with no use of washroom facilities allowed on site. The Wascana Valley Nature Recreation Site boasts 15 km of trails for all kinds of abilities and activities. Bird-watching is also something that is featured, as well as the opportunity to possibly encounter local wildlife on the trails. All trails are marked and washrooms are also available at the site’s trailhead. No motorized vehicles allowed. Call 306.725.5200 or 1.800.205.7070 for more information or visit their website at rowanravine@gov.sk.ca Although Lumsden Historical Museum is not opening this year because of COVID-19, it is of interest to those looking for past history in Saskatchewan. The museum itself consists of numerous building that have been relocated to this site for visitation and would make a noteworthy adventure to experience going down memory lane. There is also a special exhibition of antique John Deere tractors on site. Admission is by donation. The Lumsden Historical Society can be contacted at 306.731.2905. For those that love dining, Over the Hill Orchards offers dinner events with guest chefs from Regina, as well as enjoying a glass of their wine. Owners Dean and Sylvia Kreutzer endeavour to grow delectable fruits, suited for the climate here on the prairies. The same principles as Okanagan growers have embraced have been applied to this special orchard offering, linking fruit growing with tourism. They say it is “very gratifying to be able to offer customers products created with so much passion and common sense principles behind them such as using Certified Organic fruit, low sugar recipes, and even Gluten Free alternatives. Partnering with local chefs throughout the season, from April 30th to Thanksgiving, different local chefs will create a multi-course supper using mainly ingredients from local farms and the orchard.

Current COVID rules require that customers must wear masks until seated, in groups of 4, with individual groups seated apart from other groups. The reduced seating capacity is at 32 presently. For group sizes not a multiple of 4, Over the Hill Orchards will endeavor to do everything in their power to help accommodate. Please call Sylvia at (306)535-1278. Doors open at 5:30, and supper begins at 6:30, starting off on the outdoor patio (weather permitting) where you can enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage, and enjoy the outdoors and beautiful view of the valley. 20 minutes prior to supper, you are brought into the winery and assigned seating. Once everyone is seated, Dean and Sylvia introduce themselves, briefly discussing the history of the orchard, as well as an introduction to the chef(s) for the evening. The chef(s) discuss what is on the menu, and proceed with serving the 1st course. After finishing the 2nd course, weather permitting, a 30 minute

Last Mountain Distillery has evolved into an award-winning distillery in less than a decade.

tour of the orchard is facilitated showing the fruit varieties and methods of growing. Typically the evening ends around 8:30-9:00pm. Supper costs $70/person. Individual glasses of wine (5 oz glass) is $7, and non-alcoholic beverages (Cherry Spritzer/ Coffee) are available for $3.50. There is also a winepairing option (Each course is paired with 2oz of one of our wines) with a cost of $25/pp.

Private suppers for friends or colleagues can also be booked by calling Sylvia. The lineup for upcoming dinner chefs for the season is available for review online at www.overthehillorchards.ca/supper-inthe-orchard/. Paintball Paradise, located by Lumsden, north of Regina off of Hwy 6 is open all winter for bookings, weather permitting. It’s a great way to spend a day! You can contact them at 306.775.2022. www.paintballparadise.ca. Deer Valley Golf Club is located 15 minutes northwest of Regina, nestled in the scenic Qu’Appelle Valley and is recognized as one of the finest golf courses in Saskatchewan. With 5 sets of tees available, players of all skill levels can enjoy golf on a course that is consistently maintained in championship condition.” Call 306.731.1445 for more information or bookings.

Beaver Creek Ranch & Horse Centre is a working cattle ranch and training facility in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley, 25 minutes from Regina. They offer Leadership Development programs including Equine Assisted Learning (Harness Your Horsepower) as well as riding lessons and horse training with a large range of products and services available. For more information contact Barry and Brenda Clemens at 306.731.7100 or beavercreekranch.ca@ gmail.com