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Wakamow Valley has activities for every season
Wakamow Valley stretches out along a considerable length of the Moose Jaw River. It’s nearly 500-acre area is filled with parks, walking trails, campgrounds, and activities that can be enjoyed yearround.
Trails
There are over 20 km of trails in Wakamow Valley, including a 6.4 km section of the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) beginning at the TCT Moose Jaw Pavilion on the corner of Coteau Street E and 8 Avenue SE.
The TCT section of the park features the Saulteaux Bridge, a suspension bridge erected by Canadian Army engineers and blessed by Cree Elder Margaret Rockthunder from the Piapot First Nation. Other trails to hike, bike, or snowshoe in Wakamow include: • Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Canada Trail (greenway, 1.7 km) • Maryland & Kinsmen (mixed terrain, 1.6 km) • River Park (asphalt and
greenway, 2.4 km) • Plaxton’s Lake & Lion’s Park (asphalt and greenway, 2.1 km) • Connor Park (asphalt and greenway, 2.2 km) • Kingsway Eco Zone (mixed terrain, 2.2 km) • Paashkwow Trail (greenway, 1.8 km) • Devonian Trail (mixed terrain, 1.6 km)
Trails are open year-round. Snowshoes are available free of charge from the Wakamow Valley Authority office. The Moose Jaw XC Ski Club was formed in Feb. 2022 to bring fresh life to the cross-country ski trails in the valley. The hobby has renewed with the help of sign and equipment supplied by the city and operated by volunteers from the club.
Campground
River Park Campground was recently renamed Lorne Calvert Campground after Saskatchewan’s 13th premier, who began his political career as the MLA for what was then Moose Jaw South.
The Lorne Calvert Campground is open May to September/October and boasts 56 sites at the edge of the Moose Jaw River. Amenities include picnic tables, free on-site showers, flush toilets, concessions at the campground office, and more.
Disc Golf
The Wakamow Valley Disc Golf course is popular all year, with some golfers braving even the coldest winter temperatures to get a round in – it remains accessible even in the snow. The course is located in one of the prettiest parts of the valley and features a full 18 holes at a variety of distances, weaving in and out of the trees. Discs are available from the Wakamow Valley Authority office.
Skating Oval
The skating oval at Kiwanis River
The Trans Canada Trail runs over 6 klm long through Wakamow Valley. Bridge across Souris River, part of Trans Canada Trail in Wakamow Valley Wakamow Valley campground is a great place for camping.
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Park tends to be packed as long as it’s open during the winter. The City of Moose Jaw maintains the 400-metre speed skating oval, scraping and flooding it twice a week due to the amount of use it gets. There is a skate changing room and the oval is free to use.
Playgrounds, canoeing, kayaking, bird-watching, and facilities
There are four playgrounds in Wakamow Valley, including the Kinsmen-Wellesley inclusive children’s playground and Rotary Park playground, which were designed for full accessibility. The Connor Park challenge play structure is for ages 13 and up and includes agility and climbing activities. Canoes and kayaks for plying the Moose Jaw River are available to rent during the summer. Birdwatching is another yearround attraction. About 190 species are known to frequent the park, so bring your binoculars. Some of the braver birds such as chickadees and nuthatches can be hand-fed. Make sure you’re choosing nutritious foods for them, especially during the winter. There are a variety of facilities available to rent, from pavilions that can shelter up to 250 people, to the Sportman’s Centre Event Hall, which can accommodate up to 200 people indoors and has a dance floor, full kitchen, air conditioning, bar area, and more.
Community Food Farm
The Mosaic Community Food Farm uses an acre of land in Wakamow Valley to grow thousands of pounds of produce each year. The fresh vegetables are donated to the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank and Riverside Mission.
Events
Seasonal events in Wakamow Valley include the Valley of Lights, which began in December, 2021 and featured a winter wonderland-style drive-thru light display with over 100,000 LED lights. Horse-drawn wagon rides are usually on offer as well for a fun holiday outing in Kiwanis River Park. The Wakamow Farmers Market begins in the last week of May and will continue until October. It will be held every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 301 River Drive. The market started summer 2021 and was an immediate success, with 45 vendors offering everything from a local distillery to plants, honey, bird houses, locally grown produce, handcrafted textiles, art, and much more. Following the Wakamow Valley Facebook page is a good way to stay updated throughout the year with announcements on events and activities. The Wakamow Valley Authority office is open Mon. – Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 276 Home Street East. Call 306-692-2717 or email wakamow@sasktel.net with any questions or to make a donation to the park.
presented by Friends of the Forces Fellowship and Moose Jaw Exhibition Company Saturday, July 16, 2022
on the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds 250 Thatcher Drive East
All vehicles of interest Welcome! Show car gates open at 8:30am • Spectator gates open at 10:00am • Food Concessions • Prizes • Silent Auction • 50/50 Draw
