Be weary! There be outlaws in them hills! Or at least there were. Weathered buttes, steep cliffs, and eroded sandstone caves greet visitors in Saskatchewan’s Big Muddy badlands. Bad because nothing grows out here, and bad because the caves served as hideouts for legendary outlaws like Dutch Henry, Sam Kelly and the Sundance Kid. You can still visit these caves, learning about horse thieven’ and their battles with the Northwest Mounted Police. Discover ancient aboriginal effigies, and hike up the imposing Castle Butte for a great view over the Big Muddy badlands.
Length of Trip : The nearby Town of Coronach run guided bus, van or private Big Muddy tours. The Long Tour is a 180km roundtrip visiting 9 different sites, and takes 6-7 hours. The three options of Short Tours last 4 hours.
Cost : Long Tour (Van): $45/adults, $20/student Long Tour (Bus): $25 Short Tour (Bus): $15 Private Tours: $100 for Long Tour, $75 for short tours.
Best time to go : Van tours go out everyday in the months of July and August. Tours leave at 9:30am from the tourist booth which is located on the highway at the edge of town. Flexible private tours run from the May long weekend until the end of September.
Wheelchair friendly : Not recommended
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat : Deb’s Country Kitchen is open 7 days a week (6am to 9pm), located next to the Country Boy Motel. RC’s Chinese Restaurant (341 Railway Ave E) in Coronach is a western-Chinese landmark that also serves great pizzas. Meat lovers should head to the 121 Motel in the town of Assiniboia for a regional highlight – the steak pit. Click here for more restaurant options.
Official Site : Town of Coronach Website
Where to Stay : The Country Flavour B&B and Country Boy Motel are good options in Coronach. In Assiniboia, try the 121 Motel or the new Canalta Hotel.
Getting There : Coronach is about a 2 and a half hour drive from Regina.