This hike is the full Nicole Flats experience. At approx 11km in total with lots of time for photos and exploring it is a great way to get to know this diverse area.

We will leave Regina and head north to join the valley near Lumsden, taking a combination of highway and grid roads we will arrive at the Nicole Flats Homestead parking lot.

From the parking lot and washroom area we will take an easy hike into the trees along a trail leading to the old homestead site. There are a couple of nice view points along this short section of trail as well as a bench with an amazing view of the valley and marshlands.

Once we arrive at the homestead site there will be plenty of time to take photos of the stone house and other interesting spots around the yard. There are picnic tables here for a quick rest.

From here we take the trail into the woods and follow the side of the valley through some open areas, hills with perfect viewpoints and dense treed spots. The trail comes out of the trees and the scenery opens up, after a short distance we will reach the small warm up hut. It is not heated but offers some shelter from the elements and has some nice benches and a picnic table inside which make a perfect spot for a rest and a snack/lunch.

From the hut the trail continues back into the trees until we arrive at the Bison sanctuary and marsh viewing board walk. There are quite often bison on the safe side of the fence to photograph and the long boardwalk into the marsh is amazing year round.

Crossing the dam at the south end of the lake we follow the dike trail along side the river. This side of the loop is much more open with cool views of the marsh, valley and river.

As the dike trail ends we turn onto a beautiful wooded trail that follows along side the river. Birds, chipmunks, porcupine and other creatures that call the woods home can often be spotted along this trail. Bring some nuts or seeds and the chickadees may even eat from your hand…..maybe don’t tempt the porcupines.

The trail brings us back to the parking lot where we will get back in the car and start heading back to Regina. The drive home is different than the route we took to get there. We head out an a grid road and climb out of the valley joining the highway and heading south to meet highway one. Just because we are heading home does not mean we have to rush, keep your eyes open for cool shots along the way. We often see snowy owls, hawks, deer and antilope along the smaller roads on this route.