What Are the Best Lakes in Saskatchewan? (Top 10 for Swimming, Fishing & Beaches)

Saskatchewan's lakes invite you to jump right in: warm summers, sandy beaches, and 100,000 freshwater options make this prairie province an unexpected lakeside paradise. Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan/Greg Huszar

Quick Summary

Saskatchewan’s standouts range from float-friendly Little Manitou Lake and tranquil Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park to record-class fishing on Lake Diefenbaker and fly-in adventures on Reindeer Lake. Add big-dune beach days at Good Spirit Lake and wild shorelines on Lake Athabasca. With 100,000+ lakes, you can match easy family beaches to hardcore angling.

Quick Facts: 
 

• Total lakes: 100,000+
• Best season: May-Sept for warm water; Dec-Mar for ice fishing
• Records: Multiple world-class catches (burbot, rainbow trout, walleye)
• Top activities: Swimming, fishing, paddling, camping
• Typical visit cost: $20-$150 CAD/day

Little Manitou Lake - Canada's "Dead Sea"

Type: Mineral lake · Best for: Effortless floating, spa weekend

Three-times-ocean salinity makes floating a novelty and a relief for tired limbs. Lakeside pools at Manitou Springs complement dips in the lake; sandy areas suit families on calm days. Summer is swim season; shoulder months can be breezy and cool. Rinse after swims to shed salt. Nearby small-town diners and live-music halls add charm.

Reindeer Lake - Fly-in Fishing Paradise

Type: Remote sportfishing · Access: Floatplane/charter only

Vast, island-speckled waters yield northern pike, lake trout, and walleye, with guides dialed to seasonal movements. Classic log-lodge stays include meals and gear; expect catch-and-release ethics. Weather shifts quickly—pack layers. Peak action June–August; shoulder weeks for fewer boats. Aurora sightings possible late season. Many lake regions are within or adjacent to Indigenous territories; consider booking Indigenous-led experiences and follow local guidance on respectful land and water use.

Good Spirit Lake - Dunes & Family Beach

Type: Provincial park beach · Best for: Warm, shallow swims

Kilometres of fine sand and rolling dunes set up easy wading for kids and golden-hour photos for everyone. Trails thread jack pine and aspen; campgrounds and cabins keep you close. Add volleyball, mini golf, and rentable water toys. Evenings bring prairie-big sunsets.

Lake Athabasca - Big Water, Bigger Dunes

Type: Wilderness lake · Highlights: Athabasca Sand Dunes

Saskatchewan’s largest, deepest lake touches sub-arctic ecosystems and rare plant communities near the dune fields—often called the world’s most northerly active dunes. Cold, clear water favors trout; boating requires experience and prep. Access is remote; guided trips recommended. Rewards: silence, stars, and shorelines that feel primordial.

Waskesiu Lake - Prince Albert National Park Classic

Type: National park beach/lake · Best for: Quiet days + amenities

Trippes Beach and neighboring coves offer picnic-friendly sand, swimming, and easy trailheads under boreal forest. The adjacent townsite adds cafés, rentals, and rainy-day options. Canoe or SUP across calm mornings; watch for elk at dusk. Summer fills fast—book accommodation early.

Orientation Sentence

These picks run south at Little Manitou and Diefenbaker, central around Waskesiu, Candle and Lac La Ronge, and north to Lake Athabasca and Reindeer Lake near the provincial boundary.

Follow-Up Questions

• Best time to visit Saskatchewan lakes?
• Can you swim in Little Manitou year-round?
• How do I book Reindeer Lake fly-ins?
• Which lakes suit young families?
• Typical summer water temps?
• Is winter ice fishing widely available?

Sources & Registry

• Tourism Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Parks
• Parks Canada - Prince Albert National Park