Checking off the bucket list: Five things to do this summer in Saskatchewan

Big Muddy Badlands (Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E. Walker)

If you’re looking to escape the house this summer but want to stay close to home, international travel writer Robin Esrock has you covered.

Esrock rolled through Saskatoon on Tuesday promoting his new book, The Great Canadian Prairies Bucket List, and he took the time to share with CTV News a few of his bucket list items for Saskatchewan.

His book includes dozens of recommendations for things to do in the province, but when asked to pick five of his favourite Saskatchewan bucket list items, he came up with a pretty unique list.

“Saskatchewan is so terribly underrated. There’s so much fun stuff,” he said.

Here they are, in no particular order:

Big Muddy Badlands

These southern Saskatchewan badlands — which span into northern Montana — were once the stomping grounds of Sitting Bull, Sam Kelly and the North West Mounted Police, according to Tourism Saskatchewan, and their amazing geography is highlighted by rolling hills, steep cliffs, canyons and ravines.

“The Big Muddy Badlands absolutely blew me away. The topography was amazing. The history was really fascinating,” Esrock said.

Little Manitou Lake

Little Manitou Lake, located along Manitou Beach near Watrous, is a saltwater lake that keeps you afloat.

“Canada’s Dead Sea,” said Esrock. “Float on your back. It’s just beautiful.”

Crooked Bush

A winding boardwalk on this three-acre land, located near Hafford, takes tourists through a grove of twisted and bent aspen trees.

Saskatchewan Roughriders game

“That was awesome — craziest fans in Canada, who totally lived up to their reputation,” Esrock recalled.

The atmosphere at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium during a Saskatchewan Roughriders game is something that can’t be beat.

If you’ve yet to catch a game, 2016 is your year. The historic stadium is set to host its final season as a new stadium preps to open for the 2017 CFL year.

RCMP Heritage Centre

The RCMP Heritage Centre, located in Regina right next to the RCMP Academy, tells the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“I thought that was an incredible experience,” Esrock said.

--- based on a report by CTV Saskatoon's Angelina Irinici