Chief Whitecap Trail Tourism Cooridor

Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Lake Diefenbaker Tourism Association, Midsask Enterprise Region and Tourism Saskatchewan have partnered to implement a Lake Diefenbaker Tourism Destination Area Plan. As part of the plan and in cooperation with the Department of Highways, the partners are pleased to announce the naming of Highway #219 from Saskatoon to Lake Diefenbaker as Chief Whitecap Trail.

Dakota people have occupied areas of Saskatchewan for centuries. Chief Whitecap (Wapahaska) led his people to the Saskatchewan area from Minnesota in the early 1860s, hunting and camping in a territory that reached west to the Cypress Hills and north to the North Saskatchewan River. Wapahaska was accustomed to spending much of the year with his people along the Saskatchewan River and in 1878 the current Whitecap community was established. In 1882 Chief Whitecap showed John Lake a suitable spot along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River for the establishment of his temperance colony and what has today become Saskatoon.

The vibrant and multicultural city of Saskatoon establishes the northern end of the newly established Chief Whitecap Trail tourism corridor. As Saskatchewan’s largest city it provides convenient amenities in a natural inviting setting. Heading south of Saskatoon on Highway #219 you are following approximately where the original Whitecap Trail was located. The Whitecap community just 26 kilometers south of Saskatoon is developing one of Saskatchewan’s premier destination resorts. Dakota Dunes Golf Links is Saskatchewan’s top ranked course and home to the Saskatchewan Open professional golf event. Dakota Dunes Casino offers over 600 slot machines, 15 table games and great live entertainment in its 600 seat show lounge. The development of the Dakota Dunes Hotel is the next exciting phase of this four season attraction.

At the southern end of Chief Whitecap Trail is Lake Diefenbaker and all it has to offer. With over 800 kilometers of shore line the lake is becoming a premier destination for relaxation and fun. Lake Diefenbaker boasts 3 full service marinas, numerous golf courses, campgrounds, accommodations and dining options. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, sailing, water skiing and jet skiing. Fishing is excellent with the world record rainbow trout being caught here in 2007.

All along the Trail there is interesting history and unique things to discover such as Outlook’s SkyTrial, Canada’s longest pedestrian bridge. Highway #219 is being upgraded to make travel more comfortable and planning is underway for further tourism product for you to enjoy. Travel the Chief Whitecap Trail and discover the offerings experienced by Wapahaska and his people.