Eastend Travel Guide

Discover the natural attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures in Eastend, Saskatchewan with our comprehensive travel guide. Find top things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more!


Introduction to Eastend

Nestled in the beautiful Southwest Saskatchewan in Canada, Eastend is a small town that is sure to surprise you. This charming town is home to natural wonders, cultural attractions, and a rich history that you won’t find anywhere else. Here you will find the perfect blend of outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences. So pack your sunscreen, hiking boots, and camera because Eastend is waiting to be explored.

List of Places to Visit in Eastend

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

T.rex Discovery Centre

The T.rex Discovery Centre in Eastend is a must-visit destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This world-renowned museum houses the most significant Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil discovery. The fossil is named “Scotty,” which is now the largest T. Rex ever found in the world. Here you can witness the fascinating story of the T.Rex and learn about the land practices of Southwestern Saskatchewan.

Pioneer Threshermans Association Museum

This museum is located in the heart of Eastend and offers visitors a glimpse of farming practices during the early 1900s. Here you will find all sorts of antique machinery and tools from threshing machines to vintage tractors and antique cars.

Natural Attractions of Eastend: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, located about an hour away from Eastend, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This vast natural area offers numerous hiking trails, fishing locations along streams and lakes, and photographic opportunities with the diverse wildlife. Cypress Hills is the highest area between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador, making it an ideal location for stunning panoramic views.

Eastend Sand Hills

Located east of the town, Eastend Sandhills is a unique geographical location with sand dunes and prairies, and T-rex fossils. The sand dunes offer hiking trails, as well as sandboarding and skiing in the winter months, while the prairie is ideal for birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastend

T-REX Trail

T-REX trail is a hiking and biking trail that allows visitors to explore the unique sandhills terrain of Eastend. The trail runs along the Frenchman River, leading up to the T-Rex Discovery Centre. Along the way visitors are treated to stunning views of the sand dunes, cliffs and the surrounding prairie landscape.

Best Things to Do in Eastend: Activities and Tours

Guided tours of T.Rex Discovery Center

Guided tours to the T.Rex Discovery Center provide visitors with interactive experience displays, hands-on demonstrations and paleontological discoveries that explore Southwestern Saskatchewan’s landscape and land use practices. A tour of this museum provides an in-depth look into the scientific process used to discover and understand the ancient world of dinosaurs.

Horseback riding

Experience the natural beauty of Eastend with a horseback riding trip. This activity is available year-round and offers visitors a chance to explore Cypress Hills and the surrounding area on horseback. The trails take visitors through thick forests, rolling hills, and serene streams.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastend

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the T.Rex Discovery Center
Day 2 Visit the Pioneer Threshermans Association Museum
Day 3 Hike the T-REX Trail
Day 4 Visit Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Day 5 Horseback riding through the forest
Day 6 Sandboarding and skiing in Eastend Sand Hills
Day 7 Relax and unwind in Eastend’s landscape

Food and Drink Scene of Eastend

Must-Try Dishes

Bison Burgers

Saskatchewan is known for its mouth-wateringly delicious bison burgers, and Eastend is no exception. Visit one of the many local cafes or restaurants in the area to try this Saskatchewanian classic.

Saskatoon Berries

These mouth-watering berries are a Saskatchewanian favourite and are served in various desserts from pies to ice cream and even jams. Keep an eye out for these delicious treats while visiting Eastend.

Local Beverages

Malty National Brewing Corp.

Located in nearby Regina, Malty National Brewing Corp. is a must-visit brewery for anyone visiting Eastend. This craft brewery is known for its unique blends and flavours that cannot be found anywhere else.

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

Remington Carriage Museum Guesthouse

Located next to the Pioneer Threshermans Association Museum, this restored guesthouse is perfect for visitors who want to immerse themselves in history. The guesthouse has rooms that have antique furnishings with many features such as private bathrooms, air conditioning and wireless internet.

Ponderosa Lodge

If you are looking to get the full ranch experience, try staying at Ponderosa Lodge. Located in the Cypress Hills, this lodge offers activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and hiking. The rooms are a comfortable and relaxing retreat after a busy day out exploring.

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

T.Rex Souvenirs

A trip to the T.Rex Discovery Center is not complete without taking home some T.Rex souvenirs. The gift shop at the center has great gift options, including t-shirts, mugs, fossils and dinosaur-themed toys.

Saskatoon Berries

These berries are a perfect gift option for friends and family back home who like to explore unique delicacies. Visitors can buy fresh berries from local stores or purchase treats made from the delicious fruit.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastend

Eastend has a rich history that is celebrated year-round with numerous events and festivals. Visitors should always take the time to appreciate the importance of Indigenous cultures, the Metis, and agriculture traditions from this community.

Best Time to Visit Eastend

The best time to visit Eastend is in the summer months between June to late August when most of the outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and sandboarding are available. The temperatures are warm, making it comfortable for tourists to spend all day outdoors. Autumn, which runs from late September to early November, is also a great time to explore the town, as the leaves change colour and the foliage becomes more colourful to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastend

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Visit museums and galleries.
  • Take time to explore natural attractions.
  • Hike the T-Rex trail.
  • Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Engage in inappropriate conduct or behaviours.
  • Ignore local rules and regulations.
  • Damaging the natural attractions.
  • Interfere with any types of wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastend

Eastend is a safe place to visit as it has a low crime rate. Visitors should always observe standard safety practices, such as locking the car, keeping valuables out of sight and following the correct procedures when visiting the local farms and ranches.

Health in Eastend

Visitors should be mindful of the risks associated with outdoor activities. Always wear proper clothing and bring bug spray to prevent insect bites and wear sunscreen to protect from UV radiation. It is also advised to carry a medical kit with them to ensure they are prepared for any emergency.

Getting to Eastend: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eastend

The Regina International Airport and Saskatoon International Airport are the closest airports to Eastend and are approximately 330 km and 450 km away, respectively. Visitors can hire a car or use a shuttle service to travel from the airports to Eastend.

Bus Stations Near Eastend

Buses to Eastend are available from Regina and Saskatoon via Saskatchewan Transit. Visitors can book tickets online or by phone.

Other Options

Eastend is small enough to explore on foot or by bike. Visitors who are staying less than a week may want to opt for this mode of transportation.

How to Get Around in Eastend

Visitors can explore most of Eastend on foot or by bike. A car is the best option for those planning to explore the surrounding area, while horseback riding offers an exciting way to discover the local terrain.

Where to Go Next from Eastend: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Eastend can continue their adventure by exploring other Saskatchewan destinations such as Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Moose Jaw, and Prince Albert National Park.

Conclusion

Eastend offers an unforgettable experience of history, culture, and natural beauty. From visiting museums to hiking trails, horseback riding, and stunning panoramic views in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, there is something for everyone here. So why not pack up your bags and come to explore this beautiful town on your next visit to Canada?