The 120 ft bridge spanning Wascana Creek along the Trans-Canada Trail
-BY TERRI YOUNG
October 25th, 2022
The Trans-Canada Trail extending from Lumsden to Deer Valley, Saskatchewan, is part of the 22,000 Km National Trans-Canada Trail with three sections, including Lumsden Trail, Deer Valley Trail, and the Saw-Whet Trail.
Planning for Saw-Whet trail upgrades began in 2020. It has been a collaboration between Trans-Canada Trail, the Town of Lumsden and the RM of Lumsden. There were a huge volume of volunteers, both monetary and in-kind. As you walk the Saw-Whet Trail, you will find a plaque dedicated to the people and groups who took on such a massive project, completed in 2022.
Bridge Project - Recognition Plaque
The Saw-Whet trail is located on the 641 Grid, approximately 3km west of Lumsden. There is a parking lot on the north side of the road, and the trailhead is on the south side with a red-roofed kiosk that includes a map of the trail and other information. Designed primarily for hiking, it would also be a great place to take in winter snowshoeing. On the map, there are bluewater put-in & take-out points marked for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.
A 20-minute walk from the trailhead brings you to the new 120-foot pedestrian bridge that crosses Wascana Creek. The trail takes you to scenic lookouts with a spectacular view of the Qu’Appelle Valley. Along the way, benches are placed for resting, giving the viewer a chance to take in the many species of wildflowers, various birds and wildlife.
Ashlyn George
When I asked Chris Exner about future maintenance for the three trails, he replied, “Trans-Canada Trail has a spring and fall trail maintenance grant, on behalf of the Town of Lumsden and the RM of Lumsden, I apply for the funds. I then hire local youth and/or contractors to do the work. They also provide funds for food/drink when we have volunteer work B’s on the trail.”
Ashlyn George, The Lostgirlsguide did a piece on the trail recent upgrade
A trail brochure along with a map and photos is available on the Town of Lumsden website: www.Lumsden.ca
