Moose Jaw and Area Trans Canada Trail

• Posted on June 17, 2009 at 9:36 PM
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“Moose Jaw Trans Canada Trail”

Today I took the opportunity to explore the Moose Jaw and Area section of the Trans Canada Trail. I moved to Moose Jaw in November and this was my first opportunity to hike in Saskatchewan. The Moose Jaw and Area TCT is a hidden gem in my own backyard. Although the section is only a little more than 7km, it was a nice escape from the day to day routine.

The trail starts off of a dirt road on the East side of the city. Two signs mark the trailhead as a narrow gravel trail leaves the road heading into an open field. The trail offered generous views of open farm fields as well as the City of Moose Jaw sitting over the Wakamow Valley. The walk was relaxing with clear blue skies and a warm 29 degrees as the trail was generally flat with the occaisional rolling landscape.

With the exception of one quick dip into a narrow depression, the trail continues to be relatively flat and open until you pass under the Hwy 2 overpass. Once you pass Hwy 2 you will find more inclines and declines, but nothing overly challenging, and the trail passes through some built up forest. A short distance from the Hwy 2 overpass will be a bench overlooking the Moose Jaw River. This is a great spot for a break.

Once you leave the bench you will head downhill towards the river and hit a Y in the trail. Keep left and be prepared for the steepest incline on the trail. Thankfully the ground was dry, but I imagine the incline being fairly challenging if the ground was wet and muddy. At the top of the incline everything levels out again and follows the ridgeline on the South side of the valley.

Closer to 7th Avenue, the Valley View Centre and the old Animal Park the trail descends into forested area and the wide open spaces disappear. The trail winds back and forth through the wooded area until it comes out at 7th Avenue. This is where I wish there had been a sign pointing me in the right direction. From here you actually have to walk along the side of 7th Avenue Northbound towards the city until you cross the river. Once you cross the bridge turn left and follow the river to the West and as it bends to the South. The trail continues in the valley along the river until Connor Park where the trail ends and the Bushell Park (15 Wing Moose Jaw) section of the Trans Canada Trail begins.

The hike took me roughly two hours and was well worth it. It just shows you don't have to go far from home to get away from it all. One word of caution, the Wakamow Valley is known for ticks, especially from May into late June so make sure you take tweezers with you, or else you may end up carrying a new friend with you as I did until I got home to pull him off.