Sometimes, you just need to get away and spoil yourself. That’s how I felt on my latest glamping experience here in Saskatchewan.
Prairie Ridge Resort is the perfect place to choose-your-own-glamping adventure. You can sleep under the stars in a Stargazer tent, hang out in a geodesic dome next to the North Saskatchewan River, or pitch your own tent.
The resort has family domes that sleep up to five, couple’s domes for two (which I stayed in), a tiny cabin that sleeps four, and both stargazer and bell tents.
Travel Tip: The resort is pet-friendly. For a $30 per pet, per stay fee, you can bring your pup along with you.
Where is Prairie Ridge Resort Located?
Prairie Ridge’s location truly makes this place so special. Set on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River near the Petrofka Bridge, 70 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, there’s a lot to explore and enjoy here.
The accommodations are set back from the parking lot so you’ll truly feel “away from it all” in the forest along the river valley. Depending on which site you’ve booked, you’ll have access to wagons and golf carts to help transport your gear.
I recommend packing light and walking in to get the full experience. The furthest site from the parking lot is 800 metres away.
READ MORE: The Best Locations to Go Glamping in Saskatchewan
What to Do at Prairie Ridge Orchard & Resort
Firstly, you’ll want to intentionally plan to spend time relaxing at the resort. The point of a getaway at a destination like this is to hang out and enjoy the amenities.
Sauna: One of my favourite experiences was heating up the barrel sauna for a bit of R&R. We waited until later in the evening when the night had cooled off. But if you go early in the morning, you can catch the sun rising over the river.
*Outdoor Shower: If you’ve booked into a dome, take advantage of the outdoor shower. It’s very Bali-esque and extra lovely on a sunny day.
Campfire: While each accommodation has its own firepit, the public firepit near the river is a personal favourite. Alain has crafted a gorgeous globe firepit that is unlike any I’ve seen before. It’s made from two ends of an old propane tank welded together. He cut out all 7 continents to create a stunning depiction of the earth which lights up when the wood is burning.
Hiking: 3km of hiking trails take you along little creeks, across footbridges, and through a grove of maples and cottonwoods. If you’re a birder, this is also a great spot to check out all the different species that call the forest home.
Reading: Did you find the little Library? It’s a surprising “Easter Egg” to discover “somewhere” on the property. (I won’t tell you exactly where so you can have the joy of stumbling across it like I did.) I recommend choosing a book (or bringing your own) and setting up in the nearby hammocks to enjoy watching the light filter through the trees.
Horseback Riding: Throughout June and part of July, you can book in a trail riding experience with Alaine from Misty River Trail Rides. Rides are perfect for all ages and any level of riding.
Fishing: The North Saskatchewan River is famous for its prehistoric Sturgeon which you can catch and release here. But you’ll also find walleye, pike, sauger, and burbot. Park beneath the Petrofka Bridge and find a spot along the banks to toss a line in. There are always a few locals out here, too.
Paddling: For those who want to add a bit of adventure to their stay, you can arrive by boat on the North Saskatchewan. Always carry a map and be sure to check river levels before you put in.
*Not to Miss: Saskatchewan’s famed Popoff Tree is the largest in the province. It’s about 160 years old and is nearly 21 metres tall and 5 metres wide. (It was struck by lightning so it isn’t as tall as it once was). The tree is located only a 20-minute drive from the resort.
Where to Eat Near Prairie Ridge Resort
There are several cooking options at Prairie Ridge. BBQs are available for guests to use. There’s also a cooking grate over the firepit but also the option of cooking hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire. Coffee pots inside the tent or dome mean you don’t have to go without your morning cup of joe. While staying in the dome, we brought ingredients to make our own charcuterie board and enjoyed it on the bistro table provided.
But you don’t have to bring your own food with you. The Rivers of Life Cafe near the entrance to the resort sells homemade Douhkobor bread and crispy-to-perfection paninis. You can pick up a variety of salads and enjoy a hot bowl or borscht on the colder days. There are also baked goods and ice cream you can take back to your dome or tent to enjoy.
Not to Miss: On Highway 12 past Martensville, Bas and Martha Froese-Kooijenga opened the first dairy farm in the province to have a creamery where you can BYO bottle to fill with pasteurized milk on tap. You can stop in to visit the pigs, see the cows, and pick up a Saskatchewan-made treat or two at the on-site Farmyard Market at Sunnyside Creamery.
READ MORE: 5 Best Getaways & Glamping Experiences Near Saskatoon
About Prairie Ridge Orchard & Resort in Saskatchewan
Owners Hilary and Alain Lavoie purchased Prairie Ridge Orchard & Resort in 2023. They were looking for a change but also wanted to be closer to their home community of Spiritwood.
Since October 2023, they’ve invested countless hours in adding upgrades and more camping and glamping sites. This is their first full season in operation and already they’ve created such an incredible space to get away and enjoy nature.