Lake Diefenbaker

Lake Diefenbaker is a reservoir and sparsely populated rural area in the transition area between southern and central Saskatchewan.

Understand


Named after John G. Diefenbaker, former Prime Minister of Canada, Lake Diefenbaker was formed by the construction of Gardiner Dam and the Qu'Appelle River Dam across the South Saskatchewan and Qu'Appelle Rivers respectively. Construction began in 1959 and the lake was filled in 1967. The lake is long with approximately  of shoreline. It has a maximum depth of, while the water levels regularly fluctuate 3–9 metres (9–27 feet) each year. There are three provincial parks and various regional parks on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker. Recreational activities include fishing, boating and camping. The Town of Elbow contains a marina for boat storage and house boat rental.

Towns and communities

 * : a small village along Hwy 342
 * : a small village at the junctions of Hwys 45 & 373
 * : a small village along Hwy 15
 * : a small town at the junctions of Hwys 19 & 42
 * : on the northeastern shore of Lake Diefenbaker on Hwy 19, near the Qu'Appelle Valley Dam
 * : a small village at the junctions of Hwys 19 & 44
 * : northwest of Lake Diefenbaker at the junction of Hwys 42 & 45
 * : north of Lake Diefenbaker on Hwy 44, near the Gardiner Dam
 * : downstream from Lake Diefenbaker on Hwy 15
 * : on the eastern shore of Lake Diefenbaker on Hwy 42, home of the Riverhurst ferry
 * : within the Whitecap Dakota First Nation on Hwy 219; south of Saskatoon

Get in
The best way to access the area is by car. Lake Diefenbaker is 1 hour south of Saskatoon and 2 hours northwest of Regina, the locations of the two nearest airports. The area can be accessed from Highway 11 via Highway 44 at Davidson or Highway 15 at Kenaston. Highway 219 provides an alternative access from Saskatoon, while Highway 42 links to Highway 2 near Moose Jaw.

Get around
Car is essential because the large, sparsely populated area. Lake crossings are minimal, with bridges at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park (Highway 4 north of Swift Current), the Gardiner Dam (Highway 44), and Outlook (Highway 15); a free ferry crosses the lake at Riverhurst.

Central Butte




Sleep
Camping is the recommended form of accommodation, with facilities available at the provincial parks (Danielson, Douglas, and Saskatchewan Landing), regional parks, as well as privately own campgrounds. There are also a few cabin rentals and B&B options.