Whitewood Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Whitewood in Saskatchewan, Canada with this complete travel guide that covers places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Whitewood

Whitewood is a small town located in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. It is situated at the crossroads of two major highways, the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 9. While it may not be a well-known tourist destination, Whitewood offers its visitors a unique taste of rural prairie life. From the vibrant local culture to stunning natural attractions, Whitewood has plenty to offer to its visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Whitewood

Below is a list of some of the top destinations you should visit on your trip to Whitewood:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Whitewood Interpretive Centre and Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Whitewood and its surrounding communities. You can learn about the local Indigenous peoples, settlers, and the town’s industries through interactive exhibits.
  • 105-year-old McPherson Church: A historic church building constructed in 1915 which is open for visitors to explore and see its beautiful interior.

Natural Attractions of Whitewood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Echo Lake Provincial Park: A beautiful park which is situated just 30 minutes away from Whitewood. The park offers visitors a chance to swim, fish, hike, and camp in the great outdoors.
  • Whitewood Creek: A stream running through the heart of Whitewood, providing visitors with a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic or take a leisurely stroll along the banks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Whitewood

Whitewood offers incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many scenic bike routes and hiking trails around town. Here are some popular options:

  • Trans Canada Trail: A beautiful trail that stretches across all provinces of Canada. In Whitewood, you can explore the section that passes through Prairie Train or go on a day hike on any of the nearby routes.

Best Things to Do in Whitewood: Activities and Tours

  • Whitewood Rodeo: One of the oldest rodeo events in the country that combines various rodeo-style events such as barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, and more.
  • Whitewood Homestead Days: A festival that celebrates the town’s heritage, including live music, farmer’s markets, and a parade.

Week-Long Itinerary for Whitewood

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers all the essential destinations of Whitewood:

Day Destination
1 Explore the Whitewood Interpretive Centre and Museum
2 Visit the McPherson Church
3 Go for a hike on the Trans Canada Trail
4 Spend a day fishing at Echo Lake Provincial Park
5 Attend a rodeo event in town
6 Check out a local farmer’s market, shop for local products, and souvenirs
7 Day trip to neighbouring towns like Melville or Broadview

Food and Drink Scene of Whitewood

Must-Try Dishes

  • Perogies: A popular dish in Eastern European cuisine that consists of dough filled with mashed potatoes, onions, and bacon. You can try them at the local restaurants and cafes in town.
  • Bison Burgers: A classic dish in Canadian cuisine, you can savor the local version in Whitewood’s restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Saskatchewan Berry Smoothies: The perfect drink to quench your thirst during summers. Made from local berries, you can relish them in various cafes and restaurants.

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

There are limited accommodation options in Whitewood, but the town has some excellent choices for guests at reasonable prices:

  • Flamingo Hotel: A beautiful hotel located in the centre of the town, offering a comfortable stay with modern amenities.
  • Whitewood Inn: A cozy and economical inn located just off the Trans-Canada Highway.

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

Whitewood has some great options for buying local souvenirs and products. Some recommended items are:

  • Wooden Crafts: Whitewood has a history of woodworking, and you can buy beautifully handcrafted items like cutting boards, pens, frames, and more.
  • Saskatchewan Berries: You can purchase locally grown berries that you can take home or savour throughout your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Whitewood

  • The town has a history of strong community bonds and a welcoming attitude towards visitors.
  • The country and western culture dominates the town’s social life, and you can experience it first-hand by attending local events.

Best Time to Visit Whitewood

Summer is the best time to visit Whitewood, Saskatchewan, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The warm weather offers visitors the perfect conditions to explore the town’s outdoor activities and attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Whitewood

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and culture.
  • Spend time exploring the outdoors and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disrespect the environment.
  • Assume that everyone in Whitewood has the same beliefs or ideologies.

Safety and Health

Safety in Whitewood

Whitewood is a relatively safe town, but like everywhere else, it’s important to take some basic precautions such as keeping your belongings with you at all times and not venturing alone into unexplored areas.

Health in Whitewood

Whitewood has a hospital and a medical clinic. However, it’s essential to have health insurance for unforeseen medical emergencies.

Getting to Whitewood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Whitewood is located approximately 160km east of Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan.

Airports Near Whitewood

  • Regina International Airport: The closest airport, located just two hours away from Whitewood.

Bus Stations Near Whitewood

  • STC Bus Depot in Regina: You can take a bus to Whitewood from the STC depot in Regina.

Other Options

  • Self-Drive: You can rent a car from Regina airport and drive to Whitewood.

How to Get Around in Whitewood

Whitewood is a small town, and you can easily bike or walk to reach most destinations. However, renting a car is a good option if you plan on exploring the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Whitewood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions you can explore from Whitewood, such as:

  • Melville: A town famous for its agricultural heritage and a gateway to the east Saskatchewan’s rich prairie country.
  • Fort Qu’Appelle: A charming town known for its beautiful lakes and outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping.

Conclusion

Whitewood may not be a well-known travel destination yet, but it has much to offer for the visitors who love to experience the charm of rural prairie life. From the rustic elegance and quaint, friendly hometown atmosphere to striking natural beauty, Whitewood is an ideal destination to spend some peaceful yet adventurous days. Plan your trip today to explore this hidden gem of Saskatchewan.

Whitewood Church Whitewood Church