If you have a warm summer day or weekend (or week) near Yorkton, Saskatchewan, you’ll want to spend it at Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park. Its wide sandy beaches look like they belong on a tropical island, not in the middle of the Canadian prairie. Plus, the park has thought of everything for a fun family vacation at the lake: playgrounds, beach volleyball, mini golf, kayak and paddle board rentals, a little library at the beach and even a free air hose to fill up your inflatable lake toys!
This lake is called manitow, which means “good spirit” in Cree and Salteaux. Good Spirit Lake is in Treaty 4, the traditional territory for the Nehiyaw/Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota and formerly Blackfoot peoples.
This place has a great vibe. You can tell there’s a community here, and regulars know how to have fun and make the most of their time at the lake.
Beach days are the best days.
I’ve been to many provincial parks and lakes in the prairies. I have something good to report about all beaches, but this one really takes the cake. This provincial park has provided visitors with thoughtful amenities that make Good Spirit Provincial Park a hot spot for a family holiday.
Thatched palapas – where am I?
The first thing that caught my eye when entering the beach area was the permanent thatched palapa umbrellas and bar stands throughout the main beach area. They were a nice touch that really contributed to that tropical vacation vibe while also providing beachgoers with shade from the hot prairie sun.
Visitors will also find large hammocks were also in the shady areas above the beach, free for public use. After a long walk, paddle, or swim, you could pull up a hammock and take a nap on the beach.
Forget something? This beach likely has what you need.
The Good Spirit Provincial Park beach offers free amenities you didn’t realize you needed until seeing they’re available. For example, they have an adorable self-serve library and a section for long abandoned sand toys visitors can use. They also have life jackets you can borrow and a free air compressor hose to fill up your floaty water toys and beach balls.
Wish you remembered to bring snacks? No problem. Check out the Mistik Resort store and concession, which is located right off the main beach.
More fun things to do at the beach
The water here is pleasant and stays shallow for quite a ways off the main beach. This makes it an excellent spot for kids to swim and play safely. Kids will also enjoy the nearby playground, and families can take a break from the sun and have a picnic lunch in the shelter. There is also a boat launch for motorboats, paddle rentals nearby and a beach volleyball court.
Enjoy an active family vacation.
Lazy days on the beach are great, but if you’re looking for more activities at Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park, there are plenty of things to do here.
Sports equipment rentals and mini golf: Right between the campsites and the beach is the Par-tici-Putt Minigolf and Rentals. Here, you can enjoy a round of mini golf and rent a canoe, standup paddle board or bike for a more active holiday. They also serve ice cream, which is a bonus. This place is also a hub for community events, barbeques and gatherings. When we were there, they had events advertised on community boards and sandwich board signs.
Dune Discovery Interpretive Trail: Walk through this unique ecosystem of wild beach grasses and sand dunes. Some dunes along this trail are nearly five stories high! Signage provides interesting information about the landscape and preservation efforts made to keep it natural. This trail offers views of the natural shoreline and bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Dune Discovery Interpretive Trail is considered an easy trail, about 3 km long and has wheelchair access to the water control structure.
Hike or cycle the Trans Canada Trail: If you want a longer hike or bike ride, about 18 km of the Trans Canada Trail runs through the park. In the winter, the park grooms this trail for cross-country skiing. There are also groomed snowmobile trails through the park that connect to nearby communities.
Sports and recreation: Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park offers beach volleyball courts, tennis courts and a full disc golf course. A short drive south of the park gates will take you to the Good Spirit Golf Resort, which offers an 18-hole course, pro shop and accommodations. There is a lot to keep you busy and active here!
Where to stay?
Campground: Most visitors to Good Spirit Provincial Park stay at the campground. The park offers shady and private campsites, including fully-serviced and accessible barrier-free sites. If you’re more into glamping, you can book one of their Camp-Easy Yurts. The campground also has modern washrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, barrier-free washrooms, firewood, ice, nearby concession, playgrounds and walking trails to the beach. Learn more about staying in the Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park Campground.
Cabin rentals: If camping isn’t your thing, you can still stay in the Mistik Resort. This resort is located off the main beach in the park and offers modern 2-bedroom, lakeview cabin rentals. It also has a small store that stocks locally produced food, handmade items, apparel, and beverages.
Good Spirit Golf Resort: As mentioned, the golf course up the road offers cabin-style, inn and suite rentals. It is not in the park, but only 5 minutes away by car.
