This recreational park located an hour south of Saskatoon sits on the north end of Lake Diefenbaker, a premier locale for all variety of water craft users and the most popular angling lake in Saskatchewan. Diefenbaker is home to more than two-dozen species of fish and it’s one of the top spots in North America for walleye.

Water Recreation

For water recreation at its finest, Lake Diefenbaker has it all!  With sparkling crystal waters and bright western skies, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing are a thrill.  With over 500 miles of unspoiled beach, there is plenty of room and opportunity to satisfy any water sport enthusiast!

Swimming:  Catch some rays on our delightful sandy beaches just in front of the Visitor Centre.  A dip in the shimmering waters of Lake Diefenbaker will make your day complete.  Changing facilities, picnic area, and a creative playground are provided.  The main beach is located just a short 5 minute drive to the top of the Gardiner Dam.  Other secluded spots along the lakeshore are waiting for you to claim as your own for the afternoon.  Our beaches are unsupervised.

Fishing:  Lake Diefenbaker is the most popular angling body of water in Saskatchewan (1995 Sport Fishing Survey, SERM) with some of the highest concentrations of game fish in the province.  The lake is also among the top Walleye lakes in North America.  The lake is home to 10 species of game fish including: Walleye, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Sauger, Burbot, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, Atlantic salmon, Lake Whitefish, and Goldeye.  The Walleye are so big and plentiful, in fact, that a spawning camp is conducted by our department every spring at Coteau Bay.  Boat launches and fish filleting stations are located at both the eastern and western sections of the park.  Bait can be purchased at the Visitor Centre. 

Boat Launch:  Two excellent boat launches are located in the park.  One is at the end of the main road past the campgrounds, on the east side of the lake.  The other is located on the west side of the lake at Coteau Bay.  Filleting and toilet facilities are situated at each launch.  Park entry permits are required to use these facilities, and are available at the self registration stations beside the launches.

Cycling and mountain biking are both popular activities within the Park.  Bicycles are allowed on hiking trails although some sections are sandy and quite challenging. Please exercise caution, watch for pedestrians and obey the rules of the road.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side:  the Trans Canada Trail passes through the eastern portion of the park.  It features panoramic views of Lake Diefenbaker, large coulees, native prairie vistas, wetlands, and strolls through wooded plantations.  Wildlife such as Mule Deer, White-tail Deer, Sharp-tail Grouse, White-tail Jackrabbit, Nuttails Cottontail, Coyote, Western Meadowlark, and other prairie bird species are abundant.  Another looped nature trail has recently been established, with easy access to the campground.