Boreal Trail

Boreal Trail is a 135 km, east–west destination backpacking route in Meadow Lake Provincial Park, Saskatchewan, with the trail managed as an all-season option (year-round destination route in the provincial parks system). It’s also set up for doing the route in smaller section hikes rather than as one continuous trek.

Route difficulty is dominated by distance rather than steep climbing: typical elevation gain is listed as minimal (about 7,749 ft / 2,362 m), so expect a long, steady effort more than aggressive grade changes.

On the ground, the route follows the boreal landscape through dense stands of poplar/jack pine and along clear northern lakes, with the GPX route spanning the park end-to-end for backcountry multi-day travel.

Planning focuses on backcountry overnight logistics. There are 13 designated Leave No Trace backcountry campsites, and they’re described as having pit toilets, fire pits/barbecue areas, and bear-proof food lockers; backcountry camping is listed at $18/night with advance booking/purchase options.

The trailhead is described as being about 800 m south of Cold River Campground on Hwy 919 at the west end of Meadow Lake Provincial Park, giving a straightforward start location for the park-spanning route.

Marker spacing is called out: trail markers are placed about every kilometre and at key intersections, supporting navigation along the length of the route.

More information: Boreal Trail Information & Review - Explore Magazine, Route: Boreal Trail (SK, Canada) - Fastest Known Time, Meadow Lake Provincial Park Boreal Trail