Saskatchewan

Ah, the peace and quiet of Saskatchewan. The vast and sparsely populated prairie state nestled into the heart of Canada may not have glitzy cities, big-name attractions or legendary natural wonders, but there’s one thing it’s got plenty of: solitude. Fresh air, open skies and swaying grasses seem to stretch to infinity, creating a meditative backdrop for getting back to nature. Deer, moose and gophers dot the vast wilderness, while a sprinkling of small towns serve as low-key refueling spots, and colorful pit stops. The Art Deco buildings of Moose Jaw retain a glimmer of the town’s nefarious history as Al Capone’s hideaway, while Batoche continues to educate visitors about Canada’s unspectacular but politically significant North-West Rebellion War. Indigenous traditions thrive at Wanuskewin National Heritage Park, while Artic wolves run free, wild and protected in Northern parklands. And if all that prairieland gets to be too much, head up to the freshwater lakes North of Prince Albert. It may not take your breath away, but Saskatchewan will make you exhale.