Spring in Saskatchewan is a little window of paddling paradise.  As the snow melts all the creeks swell with meltwater and dry little streambeds temporarily become fast running waterways.  For a paddler, this is like the carnival coming to town.  

Eagle Creek is one of the best spring day paddles close to Saskatoon. When the water level is right it offers class I and sometimes class II rapids as it winds its way north to join the North Saskatchewan River. It is less than an hour west of Saskatoon and easy to get to. You do need to travel on some gravel roads but they are usually in good shape, unless there has been heavy rain.

When to go

The window of opportunity to paddle Eagle Creek is typically a week to ten days. Watch the flow on the Water Security Agency's website. There is a discharge measuring station on the creek near Environ which measures the volume of water running in the creek at cubic metres per second (cms). 

The creek discharge usually rises sharply around mid-April, peaks for a day, and starts to go down quickly. The water level can drop a foot over a 24-hour period. The best paddling is when the creek is running between 5 and 15 cms, so be flexible with your plans and ready to go when the flow hits the sweet spot.

How to get there

To get there, drive west on Highway 14 towards Asquith.  Shortly after passing Asquith, turn north onto SK-376 N.  Follow the pavement - it will eventually swing west.   

As you travel west you will see the creek valley, full of rolling hills and brushy scrubs of trees.  After you cross the creek and start up the other side of the valley you will see a sign for Eagle Creek Regional Park.  Turn left into here and follow the road in until you see buildings.  We usually put in by the little bridge that looks like a train bridge.

Ideally you will have someone to help shuttle vehicles before you launch - that way your vehicles will be waiting for you at the take out so you can go right home after the paddle.  Follow the first grid that heads north parallel to the creek.  This will take you to Highway 784 which crosses the creek at the take out.

What to expect

The paddle itself is a fun downstream run of about four hours.  The water moves steadily and there are a few technical spots, but novices can make it down with little problem if there are experienced people in the group to conduct a water rescue if needed.  There are many places where the current slows down so you can float for a bit and enjoy the scenery. 

If you're hoping to stop for lunch, there are a number of very pleasant places up on the bank in the grass with nice views over the creek. Ticks may be out, although it's early enough there usually aren't many.  It can be difficult to find a place to get out that isn't mucky, so try to find a bank with a bit of gravel or thicker grass to step out on.

The take out is easy to see as it is the bridge on Highway 784. This can be quite muddy so bring a change of clothes for your drive home. 

We highly recommend this trip for all levels of paddlers, although it's always a good idea to have someone experienced in your group.  One tip: watch out for barbed wire. Locals will sometimes build fences across the river which may be underwater at this time of year, so bring some wire cutters and be on the lookout.

Got your gear ready?
If you need anything for your paddle — from kayaks and dry bags to tick spray and quick-dry clothes — check out our paddlesports gear online or swing by the shop in person. We’ve got everything you need to make the most of your spring on the water.

You might get a chance to spot coyotes, pelicans, deer and other wildlife while you paddle. There are often sandhill cranes and snow geese migrating overhead at this time of year too. Enjoy your journey and please remember to pack out anything you bring with you to keep our waterways clean. 

Happy paddling!