Road map Swift Current city surrounding area (Saskatchewan, Canada)

Acrossroads for southwestern Saskatchewan, Swift Current is an  ideal base for exploring this region's two major attractions. North of  Swift Current, Highway 4 leads to Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park,  on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker. The largest body of water in this  arid region, the man-made lake was an eight-year project, completed in  1967. South of Swift Current, Highway 4 leads to Val Marie and the west  block of Grasslands National Park, a park-in-progress that preserves a  tract of Saskatchewan's pristine short-grass prairie.

Chaplin [c8] More than 30 species of shorebirds find refuge  along the mudflats at the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve on  Chaplin Lake, just west of town. The interpretive center-with viewing  tower and walking trails-is a starting point for tours of nearby  attractions, including bison ranches. (SHwy 19 leads north from Chaplin  to River-hurst (see below) and other sites at the east end of Lake  Diefenbaker.

Duncairn Reservoir Bird Sanctuary [E3-E4] Also known as Reid  Lake, the reservoir is a busy fall staging area for southbound ducks and  geese. Killdeer, Wilson's phala-rope, and other shore-birds nest here  and, in summer, American avo-cet, sanderling, and four species of  sandpiper can be spotted.

Riverhurst [A7] This hamlet is a jumping-off spot for exploring  the end of Lake Diefenbaker. An 18-car ferry-a transportation novelty  on the prairies-provides a regular service across the lake. While at  Riverhurst, visitors can step inside the FT. Hill Museum, which contains  an eclectic mix of native artifacts, antique furniture, and Indian and  pioneer weaponry. The town's 2-m-high war monument incorporates World  War I rifles in its intriguing design.

Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park [B4]      

At the west end of Lake Diefenbaker, this 5,500-hectare park  takes its name from an historic river crossing long used by natives,  explorers, and settlers. During the 1885 Rebellion, government troops  crossed the river here while transporting supplies north to the scenes  of conflict near Batoche. A restored fieldstone house built by Frank  Goodwin of the North West Mounted Police now serves as the park's  visitors center. Tepee rings and native grave sites are found in the  surrounding vicinity. The park offers opportunities to boat, fish, swim,  windsurf, or explore trails, such as the Cactus Coulees Hike, where  prickly pear cacti bloom in early summer.

Swift Current [D5]      

Originally a North West Mounted Police post, Swift Current  started to grow with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which  brought an influx of pioneering farmers and ranchers. Now a major  service center, Swift Current continues to prosper as a base with oil  exploration. Swift Current Museum contains exhibits pertaining to the  region's human and natural history. Kinetic Park is the site of Doc's  Town, and that of the Mennonite Heritage Village, which reflect diverse  frontier lifestyles. The National Exhibition Centre presents local,  national and international artwork.

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Lake Diefenbaker      

This reservoir lake is more than 200 km long, but never more  than 2 to 3 km in width. In effect, it is a widening of the South  Saskatchewan River, created in the 1960s by the construction of the  Gardiner Dam, located farther east near Cut-bank. The name honors John  Diefenbaker, first Saskatchewan resident to become Canadian prime  minister (1957-63). The Diefenbaker government set in motion a much  debated scheme to dam the waters of the South Saskatchewan in 1958. The  project took eight years to complete and, eventually, transformed the  parched landscape of southwestern Saskatchewan. Today, the lake provides  irrigation, electric power, and city water supplies. It has opened up  recreational opportunities for fishing, sailing, and swimming. Along the  banks of its 800-km-long lake-shore, one of its outstanding getaways is  Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park.