5 Romantic Saskatchewan Winter Getaways for 5 Types of Relationships

Elk Ridge Resort   

February is the month of love in North America. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday – right in the middle of the week. But that doesn’t mean you can’t extend the celebration of romance right into the long weekend and throughout the rest of winter.

Here are five romantic Saskatchewan winter getaway destinations to escape to for five different types of relationships.

1. An Outdoor Mecca for the Adventurous

Blue Mountain Adventure Park

Blue Mountain Adventure Park near North Battleford is an outdoor mecca for any adventurous couple. Gear up the SUV with cross-country skis, skates, crazy carpets, snowshoes and even a tent to properly explore the 1300-acre site set in the Thickwood Hills. If camping in the snow is a bit too adventurous, rent out one of seven wood-heated cabins. While in the area, consider visiting the Crooked Bush near Hafford, the lighthouse at Cochin or feed the chickadees and ski the trails on Finlayson Island between the Battlefords.

2. A Weekend Escape for the Budget-Minded

Picture you, your sweetheart and a cozy cabin in the woods. Ness Creek is more than just a summertime festival party site. On the edge of the west side of Prince Albert National Park it’s also a budget-friendly city escape. There are ten winterized cabins, all with a price-point of 100 dollars or less. The cutest is the Cedar Suite but the Delta Nessborough wins for its amusing name and the wide veranda out front. Simply enjoy the peacefulness of nature in the Boreal forest, head out for a ski on the 15 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails or hit the slopes at nearby Ski Timber Ridge.

3. Double Date Road Trip

Tubing at Elk Ridge Resort

Take a double date to a whole new level by planning a road trip getaway with another couple or two. At Elk Ridge Resort, skip the room in the lodge and opt for a cabin, cottage or townhouse depending on the size of your group. A highlight of the resort in winter is they offer free-with-your-stay rentals of skates, snowshoes and cross-country skis. There is a small curling rink with a fire-pit and warm-up shack nearby. They also have a skating oval and four rinks all groomed by their on-site Zamboni. But the best feature is the adrenaline-inducing tubing hill just down the road. Stop in at Walleye’s Pub on the walk back for a few beers to celebrate good friends and great getaways.

4. Day Trip for a “Love”ly Date

If an overnight getaway is out of your budget, plan a sweet day trip to Love, Saskatchewan. The tiny town has less than 60 residents but the drive is worth it to say you’ve been in Love or, at the very least, a cute location to tell that special someone those three little words for the first time. Originally named in honour of CPR conductor Tom Love, the town has embraced the double meaning behind its name. Heart-shaped street signs labelled Cupids Way, Lovers Lane and Honeymoon Avenue dot the village. The post office is also one of only a few Canadian locations with a specialized postal marking: a teddy bear holding a heart.

5. A City-Staycation for the Romantics

Bessborough

If you can’t escape the city, plan a staycation instead. The Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon or Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina are the province’s two landmark grand railway hotels.  With lovely views of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon and Victoria Park in Regina, they’re perfect for a romantic evening dining in and relaxing at the spa. After breakfast-in-bed, head out for a skate in Victoria Park or at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink or try a game of Crokicurl in the Broadway District in Saskatoon.

If all else fails for a romantic getaway, stick with the traditional and take your significant other out to indulge in a decadent dessert. Stop in at Sinfully Sweet Cathedral Bakery in Regina for a sweetheart cupcake bouquet or sample the custard-filled fruit tarts at Little Bird Patisserie in Saskatoon.

Don’t forget to use the Mysask411 app to search for more great Saskatchewan destinations to getaway to in the wintertime.

 – Ashlyn George is a travel blogger extraordinaire and former Saskatchewanderer.