Escape to the Cypress Hills

A Space for Ideas to Grow,
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Saskatchewan, Canada

The Johnson Cultural Centre – Artists’ Retreat offers a place to unwind in an idyllic setting where artists can pursue their work, cultivate their creativity in direct contact with nature in a restful and beautiful setting. The Cypress Hills have been the focus for many photographers, painters and sketch artists over the years. The tranquility and unspoiled rugged landscape fosters creativity and enthusiasm.

Whether seeking inspiration or just time to work in a rural and peaceful environment, this retreat offers all of these possibilities.

artists retreat

The Johnson Cultural Centre – Artists’ Retreat is a multi-disciplinary program that provides professional and emerging artists with time and a facility in which to focus on their work. The artist’s retreat can include musicians, poets, song writers, choreographers, filmmakers, arts administrators, writers, photographers, playwrights, visual artists, documentary makers, dancers, theatre artists, and composers.

lookout point

cypresshills view

The Johnson Cultural Centre – Artists’ Retreat is open May 1 to Oct 31.

Minimum project duration is one week. Maximum project duration is one month.

For more Information, Contact:

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Box 850
Maple Creek, SK S0N 1N0

Email: cypresshills@gov.sk.ca
Phone: 1 (306) 662-5411

The Cypress Hills are the perfect outdoor setting to enhance classroom learning. Our education programs are designed to meet the outcomes and indicators identified in the new Saskatchewan and Alberta curriculum. Park interpreters use the inquiry-based approach to assist students to connect with the unique systems and cultural diversity of the Cypress Hills.

Take part in guided hikes or paddles, astronomy programs, and stories or pond dipping for aquatic creatures. A great variety of interactive programs introduce adults and children alike to the unique features of each park. The students reward will be understanding, appreciation and greater enjoyment of the environment you are visiting.

May and June are the popular months to take part in conducted group learning, but don't forget that the park is open year round and available for your class to explore. Check out the Education flyer below.

Winter Activities

Winter is especially exhilarating in the Cypress Hills as the snow nestles in the lush lodgepole pine and white spruce forests. The higher elevation of the hills brings more precipitation and in winter this means fun cross-county skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and wildlife viewing experiences.

Ski trails are groomed regularly providing 17 km of hills, turns and gently rolling tracks for novice to intermediate skiers. Cross-country ski rentals and scheduled lessons are available from the resort. The resort also offers a hockey rink and outdoor fire pits.

A designated snowmobile area is available in the Centre Block and opens when the snow depth reaches a minimum of 12 inches. Call ahead for snow conditions for this and all winter activities. (No snowmobiling permitted in the West Block).

Links:
Resort: http://resortatcypresshills.ca/

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - Saskatchewan offers most necessary services, including food, gas and a full service convention hotel. For park specific information, Visitor Centre (306) 662-5437 summer, Administration office (306) 662-5411 year round.

The near-by community of Maple Creek offers a complete array of services. Maple Creek Visitor Centre - Park information is available at this location. Phone: (306) 662-4005.

In the park, the following businesses offer excellent services and amenities:

The Resort at Cypress Hills - Offering a wide range of fixed roof accommodations and services, the Resort is the centre of activity for many of the park’s non camping visitors. As well as the hotel complex, there are rental cabins and condos available. A restaurant, lounge, fitness center, and conference rooms make the Resort at Cypress Hills the ideal location for family getaways or large gatherings. The Resort is a great place for a winter stay and offers a hockey pond rink to compliment the parks’ cross-country ski trails and toboggan hill. Phone: (306) 662-4477.
Cypress Hills General Store - Full service store, with groceries, camping supplies, souvenirs, and confectionary. Phone: (306) 662-4336.
Lodgepole Grill - An assortment of light meals with a scenic view of the lake. Phone: (306) 662-3033 or 662-4381.
Dar’s Little Dipper - Stop by for a quick bite to eat at this fast food outlet. Phone: (306) 662-3982.
Currah’s Moose Gas Bar - Fill up on your gasoline, diesel and propane needs at this full-service gas bar and snack shop. Phone: (306) 662-2134
Loch Leven Marina - Rentals of canoes, paddleboats and bicycles along with camping and fishing equipment, DVD equipment and movies are also available. Phone: (306) 662-2992.
Lone Pine Pizza & More – Stop by for a quick bite or take out. Phone: (306) 662-2500.
Mini-golf – a fun and challenging course. Phone 9306) 662-2012.
Eco-Adventures Ltd. Zipline - Take in a scenic and thrilling view of the hills through the treetops. Phone (306) 662-4466.
Riding Academy – Try an adventure on horseback. Hourly trail rides. Phone (306) 662 3512.
Cypress Hills Golf Course – Beautiful manicured fairways situated on the high Cypress Hills Plateau. Phone: (306) 662-4422