"An interesting glimpse into Saskatchewan's past" Old Wives Lake by Bwana_Brown

Old Wives Lake Travel Guide: 8 reviews and 28 photos

Abandoned dwelling overlooking Old Wives Lake

Earlier in the first week of April 2008, I had returned from a short vacation in Fredericton, New Brunswick where I had to shovel snow off the roof of our house, chop thick ice away in the driveway and climbed snowbanks that were still about 7 feet high! As a result, the sunny and warm (1 C) Saturday weather in Regina, along with practically zero snow, inspired me to jump into my car and take off for few hours to explore Saskatchewan a bit more.

A look at my map of the province revealed the Old Wives Lake National Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located not too far west and south of the city of Moose Jaw, so that was all the encouragement I needed. It turned out to be another interesting drive in rural Saskatchewan - there is a lot more to this province than one is generally led to believe!

Pros and Cons

Pros:You can always find something interesting out there
Cons:The number of large ranches make it difficult to get off the highways
In a nutshell:I always enjoy driving Saskatchewan's 'back-roads'

Last visit to Old Wives Lake: Apr 2008
Intro Updated Apr 6, 2008
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Reviews (8)

Early 1900s threshing machine from Minnesota - Old Wives Lake

Stop for a look at some of the derelict... Things to Do (6)

At the end of my Old Wives Lake drive, after not even seeing the two 'ghost' towns of Lillestrom and Old Wives that were... more travel advice

A skein of Snow Geese pass overhead - Old Wives Lake

Mix a bit of birdwatching with your... Things to Do (6)

When I finally arrived close to the shoreline of Old Wives Lake and stepped out of the car, three skeins of Geese were... more travel advice

Distant view of the eastern part of Old Wives Lake - Old Wives Lake

I finally spot Old Wives Lake itself Things to Do (6)

Although my distant view of the eastern part of the lake is not very impressive, Old Wives Lake is considered to be one... more travel advice

Abandoned Sask School District building - Old Wives Lake

A derelict 'one-room' schoolhouse Things to Do (6)

Just down the highway past the Rosso Ranch, I came across this desolate building sitting alone atop one of the many... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Prime farm land - as far as the eye can...

Transportation (1)
Straight roads & hilly too!

Comments (16)

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Littlerosso Nov 30, 2010 at 3:22 PM

I live at that charolais Bull that Says the rosso
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kokoryko Jun 14, 2010 at 1:31 PM

Rural Saskatchewan! What a nice place and nice page, Glenn! I too like to go out in the countryside and look here and there for “lost” places, looking at old houses, farms and nature; but in the Prairie it has another dimension. :)
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richiecdisc Dec 30, 2009 at 4:58 AM

Now, this is really off the beaten path, Glenn. Great road trip into Canada's Outback. Bird watching, Bits & Bites, and how can you resist a place called Old Wives Lake? Great stuff.
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craic Sep 24, 2009 at 5:16 AM

what a fascinating journey
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PamelaKinnaird Jul 3, 2009 at 3:05 PM

I really enjoyed your photos -- especially the old school building. My great-grandfather was one of the first settlers in the Regina area. He settled in Lumsden. Thanks for sharing your photos. P.S. If I could ever move to SK, I'd move to Avonlea.
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Trekki Nov 21, 2008 at 11:49 PM

I really like your pages about rural Canada! And here the fascinating history, together with the old school building. That giant bull looks funny!
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Luchonda May 11, 2008 at 6:12 AM

Interesting detailed birdwatching. Greetz from Belgium
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toonsarah May 6, 2008 at 12:28 PM

I loved reading the history of this area, especially the evocative tales and images of the one-room schoolhouse. I grew up with the Little House books and although set in the States I imagine life was much the same for immigrants here too
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scottishvisitor Apr 30, 2008 at 8:49 AM

Nice to know the history of the early settlers The farms must go on for miles around these parts it must have been hard work in the past when you think of todays farm machinery
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sachara Apr 28, 2008 at 10:17 AM

Hi Glenn, as usual it's delight to read your entertaining pages. Thanks for sharing your stories about all those lovely places !