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Landscapes
Photographer: Brenda Flood |
Leader, Saskatchewan is a thriving community located at the
cross-roads of Highways 21 and 32 in Southwest Saskatchewan.
It's an oasis of individuality and a gateway to the unexpected.
Leader is your home base for
exploring sights throughout the area. We call it the "Leader
Loop," and it begins with a visit to the old CNR Caboose,
where you'll find maps, brochures and souvenirs.
Leader Tourism is
open from the May long weekend to Labour Day from 10:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. Visit the Caboose, or call (306) 628-3995.
From September through May, you may also contact the Recreation
Coordinator at (306) 628-3860, or the Town Administration
Office at (306) 628-3868.
The Great Sandhills
Photographer: Kerry Wrishko |
The Great Sandhills encompass 1900 sq. km of Southwest Saskatchewan
and are one of the largest in the country. The view from the
top of the hills is breathtaking, and visitors to the area consider
it a once in a lifetime experience. The largest sand dunes are
25 meters in height and cover several hectares of land.
Only a fraction of the Sandhills are actually exposed sand dunes.
The remainder of the area is covered with native grass which
help bind the sand together. The dunes are fringed by small clumps
of trees which include aspen, birch and willow, and by rose bushes,
sagebrush and chokecherry. As they are subject to strong winds
from the northwest, the sand dunes move east at a rate of almost
four meters per year.
To visit the Great Sandhills, travel 12 miles/19.3 km east of
Leader to Sceptre. Take the grid road on the east side of Sceptre.
Follow
the road south 6 miles/9.6 km from Highway 21, then follow
the curve west for 1 mile/1.6 km before turning south again
for 6 miles/9.6 km. This road is an all season access, and
is privately leased by local ranchers who use the land as summer
pasture for their cattle. All fires and camping are prohibited
in the Sandhills. Parking is allowed only in designated areas.
Please remember to respect the environment; take only pictures,
leave only footprints.
Checkerboard Hill
Photographer: Dean Francis |
Checkerboard Hill is one of the most scenic locations in the
province of Saskatchewan. The imagery changes with the season,
and it's also the vantage point for many of the historical
sites that
you will find in the Leader area.
From the top of Checkerboard Hill there is an unforgettable
view of the river and the land that surrounds it. There are markers
located at the top which provide visitors with a background to
the area. This includes the history of Leader, and the historical
Smith Barn.
To visit Checkerboard Hill, drive 4 miles/6.4 km west of
Leader on Highway 741. Turn north for 4 miles/6.4 km, then
turn west
again. Here you will see "The Checkerboard".
Estuary Hutterite Colony
Photographer: Patti Trautwein |
The Estuary Hutterite Colony has been settled beside
the Saskatchewan River since 1958. Entering the Colony
is comparable to visiting another world. The Hutterites have
preserved
their
culture,
their
language,
their way of life, and their religion.
The Estuary Colony is up by 7 in the morning and always
hard at work. They are very active people, yet they will always
make time for visitors. They love to share their culture,
and visitors are always impressed by their quietness and friendliness.
To arrange a visit to the Colony, please call (306) 628-4116.
You will be provided with a tour guide who will show you the
area and answer all your questions. The Estuary Colony is 10
miles/16 km west of Leader on Highway 741. Turn right on 635
for 3 miles/4.8 km and then left for 1 mile/1.6 km.
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