Great Sandhills

Great Sandhills

The Great Sandhills is a protected ecological reserve and an activity destination located northwest of the community of Swift Current and southeast of the village of Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The Great Sandhills Ecological Reserve measures over 1,900+ square kilometres (1,000 sq. mi.) and is recorded as the largest collection of sand dunes in Canada. The active sand dunes are always changing because of winds and weather. At times, the weather is moody creating sand dunes which measure over 35+ metres (50+ feet).

The other dominant feature in the reserve is the mighty South Saskatchewan River. The river travels through the reserve and provides the nutrients for much of the flora and fauna like sagebrush and chokecherry bushes. Besides the sand dunes and river the landscape is decorated with wetlands, lakes, coulees, prairie grasslands and groves of aspen, birch and cottonwood trees.

The sandhills attract people who enjoy activities like hiking, photography, birding and wildlife. Some of the wildlife viewed in the reserve include pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, mule deer, coyote, porcupine, badger, weasel and fox. The reserve is home to one of the largest mule deer populations in Saskatchewan, Canada

Birding in the Great Sandhills Ecological Reserve is a popular activity. There are local and migrating birds visiting in the region. Some of the birds viewed include the white pelican, sharp-tailed grouse, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, sandhill crane, burrowing owl and short-eared owl.

To learn more about the sandhills visit the Great Sandhills Museum in Sceptre, Saskatchewan.