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Crooked Lake


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History
   
The Qu’Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan’s best-kept secret is as hauntingly beautiful as the legend from which this unique landform takes its name.

That legend tells the bittersweet story of an Indian brave who was paddling his canoe to a far off village to visit his sweetheart. As he paddled the river he heard a faint voice crying his name. “Who calls?” the brave asked in the Cree language. The brave heard only the echo of his own voice. Again he called but got another echo in response. The brave continued his journey throughout the night and as he entered the encampment of his sweetheart he learned his loved one had died the precious evening.

But before she went to “The Land of the Souls” she called his name and it was her voice the brave had heard.

“Who calls” or “kahtapwao” was translated into French, the commonly spoken language of the fur trade, and became “Qu’Appelle”, the name that remains to this day.

Crooked Lake is one of the many beautiful lakes that are connected by the Qu'Appelle River nestled in the breathtaking Qu'Appelle Valley. Some of the best fishing, boating and swimming can be found within the lake. As well, the abundance of wildlife will give animal lovers a definite delight. Crooked lake is also home to floating fens, a mass of grassy land, which floats in the water. The floating fens on Crooked Lake are quite typical within Ireland; however, they are the only one of their kind in Saskatchewan
Business/Industry
   
Sunset Beach

Phone: (306) 696-2948

Sunset Beach located at the east end of the lake boasts a history that spans more than 100 years. The resort offers a full service convenience store and gas bar, stocked with goodies to fill your every vacation need. Also, be sure to take advantage of the bountiful fishing, as there is a boat launch available. If camping is your pleasure, Sunset Beach has 22 campsites and 3 - two-bedroom house kept cabins.

For the active individuals don’t forget about the beach volleyball courts. Also, every Sunday from the May Long weekend to the September long weekend, from 9:30a.m. - 1:30p.m. Market.
   

Cedar Cove
Phone: (306) 794-4926

Just up the lake is Cedar Cove. Throughout the season, May long weekend to the September long weekend, there is plenty of action.

Cedar Cove boasts fully serviced camping spots along the cottages, and five shower houses. Enjoy the swimming or catch some rays on the beautiful sand beach. The youngsters can enjoy the playground and the water equipment. There’s a miniature golf course for a change of pace. There is a convenience store that includes an extensive selection of hard ice cream, a gas bar, laundromat and propane fills.

Visitors to Cedar Cove this summer will find an added attraction that adds to the serenity of the holiday experience.
   

Cowessess First Nation Shopping Mall
Phone: (306) 696-2593

The mall has seven leased outlets including:

  • Bank of Montreal 
  • Cowessess Gas and Grocery 
  • Cowessess Post Office 
  • Clean Valley Laundromat
  • Treaty Land Entitlement Office 
  • Legends Restaurant 
        

Rocky Shore Bed & Breakfast
Phone: (306) 794-2183

Hidden on the north-shore of Crooked Lake, it is the holiday that you have always wanted. Enjoy the wondrous Qu’Appelle Valley with its glorious waters and hills.

Accommodations available are two guestrooms in our walkout lower level facing the lake, with large south windows. Also available is a one-bedroom suite with kitchen, living room (sofa bed) and bathroom. It is furnished with antiques and has a private entrance and deck.

We offer a 10% discount to guests staying longer than 3 days.

All rates include a full breakfast.
   

Lodged in the Valley - Bed & Breakfast
Phone: (306) 794-2111

The beauty and tranquility of the Qu’Appelle Valley are legendary. The lakes, the changes of the seasons and the natural splendour have been instrumental in – and the inspiration behind – the valley’s newest bed and breakfast.

Betty Parely and Vic Greeenlaw are your hosts at “Lodged in the Valley” Bed and Breakfast located at Indian Point on the shores of Crooked Lake. “I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to have a place (for artists) to work on their projects like painting or writing. If they wanted a quiet spot, the valley is so quiet and serene, and inspiring to watch daily changes,”

Lodged in the Valley features self-contained accommodations for up to six boasting a kitchenette, sitting room, private bathroom and bedrooms, and a private entrance. 

Meal packages are also available.
   

Crooked Lake Provincial Park
Phone: (306) 696-6253 (summer) or (306) 577-2600 (winter)
Website: www.saskparks.net

Situated in a scenic portion of the Qu’Appelle Valley featuring mixed prairie grass, groves of trembling aspen and patches of Manitoba maple and green ash lies Crooked Lake Provincial Park.

A lakeside campsite is the perfect base from which to explore and  experience the breathtaking natural beauty, history and many activities in the Qu’Appelle Valley.

The park offers a mini service centre, which includes a basin and hot water, as well as shower facilities in the day area. As well, the day use area has a large irrigated lawn, picnic area, pole barbeques and a creative playground. If boating is part of your plans, there’s an excellent boat launch facility with a fish filleting building for successful anglers. Boat docking is available by the campground.

Crooked Lake Provincial Park features more than 75 campsites, Electric and non-electric.  Seasonal sites are available. Park entry is $7 daily, $17 for a three-day pass, $25 for a seven-day pass, and $50 for a transferable annual pass. The transferable annual pass is good for admission to any provincial park. An electrified campsite is $22 with non-electrified $17.

Come and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Crooked Lake Provincial Park, your Qu’Appelle Valley playground.
   

 

Melville Beach
Phone: (306) 748-2370

The Village of Melville Beach is a quiet resort village that is home to cottages and campers alike. The Cottage Owners Association takes care of the grounds, making sure that the grass is always cut, the bathrooms are always clean, the park equipment is safe for children to play on, and the beach is full of soft sand. Melville Beach also has a small picnic area, a huge open lot to play sports in, a campground, a store, a boat launch, and cabins for rent. For the outdoors enthusiast, there is a hiking hill located just across the highway from Melville Beach. Atop the hill, you will be witness to a spectacular view of Crooked Lake.
   

Recreation
   
Crooked Lake provides much to do for the outdoor enthusiasts. Boating is certainly a popular pastime as the warm, crystal-like water provides perfect conditions for water-skiing, tubing, knee boarding and wake boarding. Fishing is also a very popular leisure activity as the calmness of the lake allows for a peacefulness that cannot be matched. Also, the lake has been known to produce some of the best walleye, trout and jack in the region.

Off of the lake, individuals enjoy their time using the Trans Canada Trail for biking and hiking, as the scenery alongside the trail is unmatched within the province. Furthermore, during the winter, the trail is used as a cross-country ski path.

Other popular pastimes include: golfing at the majestic Last Oak Golf Course, utilizing the snowmobile trails that wind throughout the region and ice-fishing in the wintertime.
   

Clubs/Organizations
   
Cowessess First Nation Snowmobile Club
The Cowessess First Nation Snowmobile Club offers some of the most scenic snowmobile adventures in Saskatchewan. The 200 kilometres of trails provide great views as they overlook the entire valley and the Last Oak Golf Course
   
Education
Cowessess Community Educational Centre
Religion
Sacred Heart of Mary Marieval

Weekly masses are held.

Transportation

No immediate bus or taxi service is available; however, both are available in nearby communities. 
   

Tourist Attractions
   
Last Oak Golf Course

Phone: (306) 696-2507

Nestled in the Qu’Appelle Valley 35 miles southeast of Melville, 100 miles east of Regina, and 24 miles north east of Grenfell. The Last Oak Golf and Country Club offers a wonderful course that challenges all levels of golfers. With the beautiful scenery and the hills around you can have a relaxing round of golf and enjoy the day with friends or family. After a round of golf you can relax in the air-conditioned country club and have a drink or a bite to eat.

Green Fees:
  • 9 Holes: $12.00 to $15.00
  • 18 Holes: $20.00 to $23.00
  • Jr./Special Rates Available.
  • Rates Subject to Change. 
Hang Gliding

Leisure time activities characterize vacation fun in the Qu’Appelle Valley. In the last several years there has been a new recreation pursuit that has literally taken off, hang-gliding.

Long known for its colourful tapestry of lakes, beautiful prairie wildflowers and abundant wildlife, the Qu’Appelle Valley has become a Mecca for those who thrill in taking to the air.

In fact, the Qu’Appelle Valley is recognized as providing the best hang-gliding conditions in Saskatchewan and many say it is the best spot between Ontario and the Rockies. That’s the reason the Qu’Appelle attracts many sports’ enthusiast from across Canada and the United States.

The unique landform that makes the valley such an appealing place is the reason for its suitability for hang-gliding. An abundance of steep hill-faces provide ideal launch areas. Also, there’s a 120-metre drop from the top of the hills and the air currents heated on the Valley floor spiral upward allowing the gliders to stay aloft for long periods of time.

As one glides out over the valley, the beautiful landscape of lakes and rivers alongside the shimmering fields of golden wheat and grass provide a tranquil and peaceful, yet very exciting break from the stressful world.
   

Trans Canada Trail

Throughout Crooked Lake runs the Trans Canada Trail, which is a path that utilizes established trails, old railway beds and other paths to allow sightseers a walking tour of Canada. Initially the trail was supposed to go directly from Melville to Regina; however, it was later decided to make a detour through Crooked Lake to allow for its breathtaking scenery. 

Currently, there is about seven kilometres of trail and plans in the works to upgrade three to four kilometres more of trail. Also, last year trees were planted, benches and flowerpots were installed.
   

Spotted Medicine Horse Outfitters
Phone: (306)-696-3520 or (306) 697-7222 or (306) 697-7232

Located on the south side of Crooked Lake and west from the Cowessess First Nations mall, Spotted Medicine Horse Outfitters provides trail rides and tee-pee camping for the first timer or the experienced rider alike.

The camp features a comfortable site, just right for relaxing after a day in the saddle. After working up an appetite riders can enjoy delicious, hearty meals cooked over a fireplace or BBQ.

A nearby trailer boasts an electric stove and fridge for added convenience. In the evening you can relax around a roaring campfire and listen to the lonesome wail of a coyote, and hear stories of the Legend of the Qu’Appelle Valley. Later you can retire for the night in a tee-pee and experience what First Nations people experienced a hundred generations before you.

During the day, you can use the Spotted Medicine Horse Canoes, or fish for the plentiful walleye, northern pike and perch that inhabit Crooked Lake.

With its sixth year underway Spotted Medicine Horse Outfitters is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those with the spirit of adventure who yearn to experience a oneness with nature away from the increasing complexity of the everyday busy world.

Emergency Contacts

Cowesses Fire Alarm
Phone: (306) 696-2879

Grayson Fire Department
Phone: 911

Royal Canadian Mounted Police 
515 Main St. (Melville) 
Phone: (306) 728-1700

Saskpower
Phone: 310-2220

Demographics

Not Available 

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Home  About us  Contact us  Board Members  Projects  Services 
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Press Releases  Privacy Statement  Terms of Use  Links  Newsletters  Corporate Sponsors 

Last Update January 28, 2010 by Becquet's Custom Programming