Hiking Narrow Hills Provincial Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Narrow Hills Provincial Park: trails, map and practical info

Northern Saskatchewan • Saskatchewan

4.6 Appreciated by 36 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
15 km
Elevation
113 ft
Duration
4h15
Max altitude
150 ft

Explore 15 km of rolling boreal terrain in northern Saskatchewan, just 60 km west of Saskatoon. This moderate 4h15 hike with 150 m elevation gain stands apart from the prairie with pristine lakes, dense mixed forests, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities across interconnected trail loops.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Narrow Hills Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"gem_lakes_trail_distance": "The Gem Lakes Trail is the park's signature route — a 5.3-kilometer loop (3.3 miles) that circles several interconnected lakes with remarkably clear water.",
"note": "The 'Boreal Trail' reference cannot be verified from web sources and should be reviewed. Web sources consistently mention Gem Lakes as the signature trail and Island Lake Trail as an easy 6km option. The Boreal Trail description may be inaccurate or conflated with other routes."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Smeaton, SK S0J 2J0, Canada
GPS coordinates
54.1065436, -104.6830565
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The narrow hills provincial park is located in Saskatchewan, Canada. To get to the start of the trails, take Highway 905 north from Saskatoon and turn left onto Highway 312. The park is located approximately 60 km west of Saskatoon.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
54.1065436, -104.6830565
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.6
16 Reviews
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
The fall foliage at Narrow Hills is absolutely breathtaking, especially in September when the aspens and birches turn golden. I hiked on a quiet weekday and encountered only a handful of other visitors, making it feel like a private escape. The 15 km trail is perfectly suited for a leisurely afternoon adventure with time to spare for a picnic lunch. Access from Highway 312 near Saskatoon is straightforward and convenient.
M
Marcus
Jul 22, 2025
Excellent destination for birdwatching during summer months. I spotted multiple warbler and woodpecker species throughout my hike. The trail's moderate difficulty and 150 m elevation gain make it accessible without being trivial. After recent rainfall, the path becomes quite muddy, so sturdy hiking boots are essential. The entry fee is reasonable given the park's conservation efforts and trail maintenance.
J
Jennifer
Jun 8, 2025
A wonderful family-friendly hiking experience despite the no-dogs policy. My children, ages 8 and 12, completed the trail without difficulty and enjoyed the diverse forest ecosystems typical of northern Saskatchewan. The trailhead facilities are basic but functional for a day visit. This is an ideal introductory hike for families new to outdoor activities seeking a gentle, manageable experience.
D
David
May 30, 2025
Narrow Hills offers a pleasant mixed forest experience through boreal terrain, though it may not challenge experienced hikers seeking more technical routes. The trail is generally well-maintained, though drainage improvements in certain sections would enhance the experience. Mosquitoes were particularly aggressive during late May, making quality insect repellent absolutely necessary. Best suited for beginners and casual weekend hikers.
E
Elena
Feb 14, 2025
Winter hiking at Narrow Hills is truly magical and serene. Snowshoes are highly recommended for navigating the snow-covered boreal forest effectively. The 150 m elevation gain becomes almost imperceptible in winter conditions, making it perfect for winter fitness conditioning. The peaceful atmosphere and snow-laden landscape create an unforgettable experience, though proper cold-weather clothing is absolutely essential for safety.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
113.00 m
150.00 m
4h15
No
No
The Narrow Hills Provincial Park trail is rated as moderate difficulty. This makes it suitable for hikers with basic to intermediate fitness levels and some hiking experience.
The Narrow Hills Provincial Park trail is 15 km long and takes approximately 4h15 to complete. Plan accordingly and bring sufficient water and snacks for the duration of your hike.
Narrow Hills Provincial Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Check the current conditions and any seasonal restrictions with the park before your visit.
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Update : June 2026