Surrounding Area

A stay at Diamond Willow means gaining access to all that the southwest corner of Saskatchewan has to offer! Whether you'd like to view the world's largest T.rex in Eastend, grab a coffee and cinnamon bun at Manley's Bakery in Consul, tour the Fort Walsh National Historic Site, or enjoy a hike in the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, there is something for everyone to do!

Small Towns, Big Character

Consul, SK

Distance from Diamond Willow Retreat: 45 km

Town Website: http://www.villageofconsul.ca/

The town of Consul is located in the far southwest corner of the province within the R.M. of Reno #51. It is 57 km from the Willow Creek border crossing. The area enjoys views of the Old Man on His Back and the Cypress Hills and gives locals and visitors access to the Cypress Lake.

It is home to the locally owned and operated bakery and restaurant, Manley's Bread and Honey, known especially in the area for their cinnamon buns. If you are planning to pop by for a treat, make sure to call ahead to ensure there are some left when you get there!

Consul proudly hosts the Reno Rodeo and the Reno Rodders Car Show annually.

Eastend, SK

Distance from Diamond Willow Retreat: 82 km

Town Website: https://townofeastend.com/

The town of Eastend is located in basin of the Frenchman River Valley. As you drive toward the town from the Hwy. 13 and 21 junction, the prairie landscape suddenly drops away, opening into the wide valley, a remarkable and beautiful change of scenery.

Perhaps most notably, the small town of Eastend is home to the World's Largest T.rex, Scotty, who was discovered in 1991 and is housed in the T.rex. Discovery Centre. The town proudly hosts a Dino Days Weekend annually.

Aside from its prehistoric attractions, Eastend is home to numerous artists, including potters, visual artists, and writers. The historic and continued vibrancy of the arts in Eastend is aptly displayed by the Eastend Arts Council's maintenance of the Wallace Stegner House Historic Site, the childhood home of the award-winning author.

Maple Creek, SK

Distance from Diamond Willow Retreat: 36 km

Town Website: https://maplecreek.ca/

The historic town of Maple Creek is located just north of the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, and its beginnings can be placed as far back as 1883. For those who would like to learn more about the history of the town, the Jasper Cultural and Historical Centre is the place to go!

The town hosts many community events each year, including the Maple Creek Heritage Festival, rodeo events, and the Antique and Collectibles Show and Sale.

A cloudscape in the Frenchman River Valley

Parks and Recreation in the Southwest

The options for taking in the stunning natural beauty of southwest Saskatchewan are numerous. From the prairie landscapes and treed hills, to the living skies, you won't regret taking the time to explore what the area has to offer!

The Diamond Willow Retreat Quarter

Even if you aren't planning on making any day trips during your stay at Diamond Willow Retreat, you can still experience southwest Saskatchewan in all of its glory by taking a walk around the property. Our 'Wildlife' page offers information about the kinds of animals and plants that can be found on the quarter.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - Saskatchewan

Distance from Diamond Willow Retreat: 12 km

Park Website: https://parks.saskatchewan.ca/

The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - Saskatchewan is a perfect place to go for all kinds of recreational activities, and its close proximity to Diamond Willow makes the Park a must-see destination. Visitors to the Park can enjoy golfing, swimming, paddle boarding, hiking, geocaching, horseback riding, camping, zip-lining, go-carting and more! The Park houses the Conglomerate Cliffs, and the Fort Walsh National Historic Site.

The Cypress Hills is one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in Canada, which means that stargazing is the thing to do when your in the area!

The Fort Walsh National Historic Site

Distance from Diamond Willow Retreat: 89 km via Maple Creek, SK

Site Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/sk/walsh

Fort Walsh was the headquarters of the North West Mounted Police from 1878 until 1882. The Fort is historically connected to relations between Indigenous peoples and early Canadians in the area, including the tragic events of the Cypress Hills Massacre which claimed the lives of numerous Nakoda people.

The Fort is linked to the Battle of Little Big Horn. After the conflict, the Lakota people moved north into Canada in search of security. Those who led them included Spotted Eagle, Lame Brule, Bear's Cap, Four Horns, and Sitting Bull. In 1877, a meeting was held at Fort Walsh between Lakota leaders including Sitting Bull and General Terry of the United States Army.

Activities at the Fort Walsh National Historic Site are numerous, including their Indigenous Culture Camp which runs during July and August. For anyone interested in North American history, the Fort is the place to go.

Old Man on His Back Prairie Heritage and Conservation Area

Distance from Diamond Willow Retreat: 67 km via Robsart, SK

Site Website: https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/listings/2086/old-man-on-his-back-prairie-heritage-and-conservation-area

The Old Man on His Back Prairie Heritage and Conservation Area is a Nocturnal Preserve that boasts an array of wildlife and views of the open prairie. On clear days, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the Bears Paw Mountains across the US-Canada border in Montana from the hill, and visitors may chance to see a herd of plains bison roaming the area. Take care and watch out for cacti as you explore the area!

The Old Man on His Back interpretive centre is open from the middle of May to the end of September.

A cloudscape on the road south of Diamond Willow Retreat

 References

“Canada’s Greatest Western Town.” Town of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://maplecreek.ca/.

“Maple Creek History.” Town of Maple Creek. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://maplecreek.ca/about_maple_creek/history_walking_tours.html.

Media, OH! “Adventure " Cypress Hills - Grasslands Destination Area.” Cypress Hills - Grasslands Destination Area. Accessed June 22, 2023. https://visitcypresshills.ca/things-to-do/category/adventure.