Escape the busy highway for Lumsden and the peaceful QuAppelle Valley just a short drive northwest of Regina.

Listen! The valley is beckoning you to leave the bustle behind and descend into the quiet, picturesque environs of Lumsden, just a 30 minute drive from Regina. Lumsden was named one of the prettiest towns in Canada by a popular national magazine, and it’s easy to see why. Tree-lined streets, unique galleries and shops, stately homes, and country accommodations hug the valley of the Qu’Appelle River, which winds a path through farmland, cattle ranches, and market gardens. Fall foliage in the valley is spectacular.

Whether you enjoy a solitary moment with nature or a lively community festival (or both!) this is the place. The Valeport Marsh, on Last Mountain Lake, sits on a busy migratory fl yway: see pelicans, sandpipers, and the rare burrowing owl among the wildlife. To the north is Last Mountain House, a reconstructed fur trade post circa 1869. The nearby community of Craven swells to a small city in July with the famous Craven Country Jamboree. In September, the ducks are “migrating” at the annual Lumsden Duck Derby and, later in the fall, it’s the Great Pumpkin and Scarecrow Festival.

Lumsden offers a self-guided walking tour of historic shops and homes dating to the building boom of 1900-1910, which you can learn about in the Lumsden and District Historical Society Museum. Visit the ever popular market gardens on Highway 20, or take a scenic meander down Seven Bridges Road or old Highway 11. Pack a picnic and relax. It’s easy to see why the first settlers to this peaceful and pretty valley called it Happy Hollow. It still is!

Area Map

Special Events

Duck Derby

This annual event takes place in Lumsden along the QuAppelle River each September long weekend (the first weekend of that month). Hundreds of interested visitors attend the fundraising event which offers tickets to purchase a numbered duck, which in turn provides an opportunity to win many prizes (including a chance for $1 million).

The Great Pumpkin and Scarecrow Festival

The Saturday of the last weekend in September offers an opportunity to celebrate the autumn season with scarecrows, pumpkin carving, entertainment and tours (to see the scarecrows around town, of course). Events and celebrations take place throughout the day.

The Craven Country Jamboree

Lumsdens neighbour, Craven, hosts this annual country music extravaganza. Big name country artists perform at the multi-day event which takes place in July. Camping sites are available, but if you are interested, inquire early because tickets (and spots) sell out quickly.

Lumsden Summer Street Market

Special Saturdays during summer when merchants will display, offer for sale and demonstrate a wide variety of products, services, crafts and art in booths on Lumsden’s streets. Dates will vary and will be advertised.

Unique to this Area

Parks/Camping in and around Lumsden

A selection of parks and camping areas are yours to visit, relax in and stay awhile, including the camp grounds within the Lumsden town limits.

Town Bell

The historic bell is situated in front of the current Town and Municipal Office (once the site of the Fire Hall). It was used in the past to sound fi re alarms and was rung to signal specific times - 7am, 12 noon, 1pm and 6pm.

Lumsden Historical Museum

Established to preserve the history and buildings of the community, the Museum has gathered and maintained many buildings from the surrounding area and filled them with historic equipment, photos and memorabilia. Hours limited. Donations welcomed.

Seven Bridges Road

A quaint, relaxing country drive down a gravel road providing insights to country living, valley scenery and farming activity. Follow QuAppelle Drive west of Lumsden until you see the sign (approximately 1 km from the edge of town).

Sawhet Trail

2 km west of Lumsden, along the same stretch leading to Seven Bridges Road, hikers will be pleased to find an opportunity to explore and examine the natural prairie environment. Simply stop and park at the parking sign on the north side of the road, cross where the pedestrian sign is located and begin. The first stretch ends at Griffiths Petting Farm. Proper hiking shoes are recommended.

Valeport

A bird sanctuary and picnic area located along Highway 20, approximately 8 km past Craven on the way toward Strasbourg (check for the picnic table sign). An excellent location to take a break, relax and birdwatch. Open seasonally.

Last Mountain House Historic Park

Located on Highway 20, approximately 9 km past Craven. The rebuilt log cabins and site will take you back to the time when the early fur-traders fi rst established themselves in the area. Open seasonally.

St. Nicholas Anglican Church (at Kennel)

East of Craven, along another scenic valley drive, you will notice a small grey church with a red roof. This site has been photographed and visited by many locals and tourist over the years. Why? Because it is worth visiting.

Beach (at Regina Beach)

Situated on Last Mountain Lake, the beach provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy swimming, boating and beach activities. Follow Highway 11 toward Saskatoon, turn north on Highway 54 until you reach Regina Beach. Enjoy the water.

Canoeing the QuAppelle

Avid canoeists should not miss this opportunity. Simply bring your canoe, dip it into the river and enjoy the scenery. Permission to access through private property may be required, but there are plenty of places and options.