Plenty of shopping, eating and touring adventures available in Outlook

The town of Outlook. (supplied) Outlook, Sask. is a bustling village with the moniker of “Irrigation Capital of Saskatchewan,” but there’s far more going on in town than just that. Located on the south banks of the Saskatchewan River and about a two-hour drive from Moose Jaw, Outlook is home to plenty of opportunities for a fun weekend trip for the whole family.

Accommodation options include a number of options from Inns, Beds & Breakfasts to Motels and Hotels. For those going a little more rustic, booking a campsite is easy with Outlook & District Regional Park and Danielson Provincial Park also in the area. There’s no shortage of places to grab a bite either, with restaurants offering varied cuisine. Nearby is also the Terrace Dining Room, a steakhouse in Broderick located inside a character building originally used as an army barrack and then as a theatre. Outlook has a great shopping scene, with unique local spots to stop and spend an afternoon perusing for giftware, local artisan creations, natural health products and general shopping. . Or, for those seeking more adventure than shopping, visit the Outlook Reel Theatre to catch a movie or head over to Spring Creek Greenhouse to enjoy some greenery. Other interesting stops include the Outlook & District Heritage Museum, the Outlook Art Gallery, and local artist Susan Robertson’s Gallery and Gift. The rec board also operates the Van Raay and Community outdoor swimming pool, as well as the Jim Kook RecPlex, which offers activities including hockey, curling and bowling. The bowling alley is currently open to the public, with pre-booking required and safety regulations in place. This summer, activities are being planned at the pool for National Drowning Prevention week from July 18-24, and the town recreation department will be offering its free-of-charge Kinsmen Park day program for kids. Outdoor sports courts are painted for basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, pickleball, soccer and shuffleboard, with plans to offer a skill development basketball camp later in the summer. The Outlook Stock Car Association is also planning a busy summer, with a schedule of stock car races given the green light to go ahead on the weekends from May to October. Outlook also has plenty to do outside of town limits. Outdoorsy types can take a hike down the Outlook & District Regional Park Trails, or visit the big orange bridge. The Gardiner Dam spillway is a popular tourist stop, especially in the spring when the dam is open and flowing. The dam is one of the world’s largest earthfilled dams and is approximately 40 kilometres south of Outlook. The Gardiner Dam Interpretive Centre, located inside Danielson Provincial Park, offers more information on the structure and is open from May long weekend until Labour Day in September. Visitors can also hit the greens at Riverview Golf Club, open May 1, or take a relaxing tour of the new Wolf Willow Winery. Located north of Outlook, the winery offers a restaurant and camping options for guests to enjoy. The inaugural River & Rail Art Trail is also taking place on June 26-27, featuring a multi-community art tour throughout Outlook and the nearby area that is free of charge. For more information on the town of Outlook, visit townofoutlook.ca or contact recreation director Megan Anthony at outlookrec@sasktel.net to learn more about rec opportunities.

Elbow hosts a big Canada Day celebration each year, including fireworks and family activities.