Melville Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, foods to try, and more in Melville, Saskatchewan. Explore its rich culture and natural attractions. Start planning your trip now!


Introduction to Melville

Melville is a charming town located in East Central Saskatchewan, a region known for its expansive prairies and abundant wildlife. The town is steeped in history, with many cultural and natural attractions to explore. It’s a great destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty of the region.

List of Places to Visit in Melville

Here’s a list of the top attractions to explore while in Melville:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Melville Heritage Museum: Learn about the town’s history and culture through exhibits on agriculture, industry, and community life.
  • Melville Railway Station: This historic railway station was built in 1904 and is now a designated heritage site. It’s a great spot to snap some photos and learn about the town’s transportation history.

Natural Attractions of Melville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Melville Regional Park: This sprawling park offers hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, campsites, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot to spend a day enjoying the outdoors.
  • Crooked Lake Provincial Park: This scenic park offers fishing, camping, and boating opportunities on a beautiful lake in the heart of the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Melville

If you love outdoor adventures, Melville has plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the best include:

  • The Trans-Canada Trail: This trail runs through Melville and offers stunning views of the surrounding prairies. It’s a great spot for hiking or biking.
  • The Prairie Dog Trail: This trail winds through the Melville Regional Park and offers scenic views of the park’s natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Melville: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or history buff, Melville has plenty of activities and tours to keep you entertained. Some of the best include:

  • Gopher Gulch Mini Golf: This fun attraction offers a challenging mini-golf course and a variety of other family-friendly activities.
  • Melville Ghost Walk: Take a spooky tour of Melville’s historic sites with a knowledgeable guide who will share stories of the town’s haunted past.

Week-Long Itinerary for Melville

Day 1: Explore the Melville Heritage Museum and Melville Railway Station. Day 2: Spend the day at the Melville Regional Park and go hiking or biking on the Trans-Canada Trail. Day 3: Visit Crooked Lake Provincial Park and enjoy fishing or boating on the lake. Day 4: Take a guided tour of the town’s historic sites. Day 5: Play a round of mini-golf at Gopher Gulch Mini Golf. Day 6: Take a Melville Ghost Walk and hear spooky tales of the town’s haunted past. Day 7: Relax and explore the town’s local food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Melville

Melville has a variety of restaurants and bars that offer delicious food and local beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages while in town:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Perogies: These Ukrainian dumplings are a local specialty and can be found on many menus in town.
  • Smoked Meat Sandwich: This savory sandwich is made with locally smoked meat and served on rye bread.

Local Beverages

  • Saskatoon Berry Wine: This sweet wine is made from Saskatoon berries, a local fruit that grows abundantly in the region.
  • Melville Honey Ale: This unique beer is made with locally sourced honey and has a sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness.

Where to Stay in Melville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Melville has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget. Here are some top options:

  • Canalta Hotel Melville: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and convenient amenities like a fitness center and indoor pool.
  • Melville Country Inn: This cozy inn offers comfortable rooms and a homey atmosphere.
  • Melville Guest House: For a more intimate experience, this charming guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms and a welcoming host.

What to Buy in Melville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and local products to bring home, Melville has plenty of options. Here are some top picks:

  • Ukrainian Easter Eggs: These intricately decorated eggs are a traditional Ukrainian craft and can be found at local gift shops.
  • Saskatoon Berry Jam: This delicious jam is made from locally grown Saskatoon berries and is a great way to bring a taste of Saskatchewan home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Melville

Melville is a proud Ukrainian community, with many residents of Ukrainian descent. Ukrainian culture is celebrated throughout the town, with festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to learn about and respect the local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Melville

Melville’s climate is characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers, with the best time to visit being between June and September when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are abundant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Melville

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Take time to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • Try the local food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Litter in natural areas.
  • Ignore safety precautions when participating in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Melville

Melville is generally a safe town, with low crime rates. However, visitors should take common-sense precautions to stay safe, such as locking doors and windows when leaving their accommodations and being aware of their surroundings in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Melville

Melville has a local hospital and medical clinic to assist those in need of medical attention. It’s also wise to bring any medication or medical supplies you may need while traveling.

Getting to Melville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Melville is located on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and is easily accessible by car or bus. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Melville

  • Regina International Airport (approx. 160 km)
  • Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (approx. 230 km)

Bus Stations Near Melville

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Yorkton (approx. 45 km)

Other Options

  • Renting a car: There are several car rental options in nearby cities like Yorkton and Regina.

How to Get Around in Melville

Melville is a small town that’s easily navigable on foot or by car. There are also taxi services available for those who need them.

Where to Go Next from Melville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Saskatchewan, here are some nearby destinations worth checking out:

  • Prince Albert National Park: This stunning park offers hiking, camping, and boating opportunities in a beautiful natural setting.
  • Regina: Saskatchewan’s capital city offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks.

Conclusion

Melville is a hidden gem in the heart of Saskatchewan, offering a rich culture and natural beauty that’s waiting to be explored. From hiking and biking trails to historic sites and local food and drink, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Start planning your trip now and get ready to discover the best of Melville.