Major city · Canada
Maple Creek
One night is enough for the town; add a second night only if you are using it as a bed for Cypress Hills or Fort Walsh.
Maple Creek is a town of about 2,100 people on the Trans-Canada Highway, 8 km north of the highway turnoff and 40 km north of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. It is the service centre and the practical bed for the Saskatchewan side of the hills. The town itself is a two-hour walk: one main street, a handful of museums, a bakery and a bar. Almost everyone who stays longer than a night is here for the park, Fort Walsh or the ranching country around it.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, many seasonal businesses closed)
- Airports
- YXH · YYC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Maple Creek911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- RCMP Maple Creek (non-emergency)306-662-2470
- Health advice (HealthLine 811, 24 h)811
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Maple Creek, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetySmall-town Saskatchewan is low-crime and the main risks are driving ones: wildlife at dawn and dusk, long empty stretches of Highway 1 and 21…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 306-662-2470 RCMP Maple Creek (non-emergency) · 811 Health advice (HealthLine 811, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYXH Medicine Hat Airport (Nearest scheduled airport, about 103 km (64 mi) northwest by road; small regional service, check current routes.).YXH Medicine Hat Airport (Nearest scheduled airport, about 64 mi (103 km) northwest by road; small regional service, check current routes.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$6–12 (≈ US$5–9)
- Sit-down mealSteak dinner in a cookhouse barC$28–45 (≈ US$25–35)
- BeerDraught beerC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–30 (≈ US$11–25)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YXH Medicine Hat Airport (Nearest scheduled airport, about 103 km (64 mi) northwest by road; small regional service, check current routes.) · YYC Calgary International (Main gateway, about 380 km (236 mi) west on Highway 1; roughly 4 h by car.)YXH Medicine Hat Airport (Nearest scheduled airport, about 64 mi (103 km) northwest by road; small regional service, check current routes.) · YYC Calgary International (Main gateway, about 236 mi (380 km) west on Highway 1; roughly 4 h by car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest Jun (10 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Maple Creek: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
7 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
6 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
7 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
7 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
6 rd
Nov
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
7 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town core is walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end, but Cypress Hills, Fort Walsh, the golf course and Grotto Gardens are all outside town and have no useful public transport. Fuel up in town before heading south; services thin out quickly.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Saskatchewan side)
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive Highway 21 south, about 40 km (25 mi)Drive Highway 21 south, about 25 mi (40 km)
The reason most people come. Hiking, viewpoints and dark skies; a park entry pass is required.
Fort Walsh National Historic Site
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive Highway 21 south then park roads, roughly 55 km (34 mi)Drive Highway 21 south then park roads, roughly 34 mi (55 km)
Seasonal opening and a winding access road: check hours and road status before setting out.
Grotto Gardens Country Market
goDoor to door: About 5 min
Drive 1.6 km (1 mi) south of town on Highway 21Drive 1 mi (1.6 km) south of town on Highway 21
Saskatoon berry orchard, bakery and lunch café; seasonal.
Great Sandhills near Leader
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Drive Highway 21 north, about 130 km (81 mi)Drive Highway 21 north, about 81 mi (130 km)
Sand dunes on gravel roads; go with a full tank and daylight to spare.
Medicine Hat, Alberta
goDoor to door: About 1 h 10 min
Drive Highway 1 west, about 103 km (64 mi)Drive Highway 1 west, about 64 mi (103 km)
Biggest town for supplies, hospital and chain hotels.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Jasper Street and the Old Cowtown Heritage District
The walkable core: museums, bakery, gallery and the information centre within a few blocks. Best if you want to park once.
Highway 21 and Highway 1 junctions
Motels and lodges on the edge of town with easy parking and a fast exit toward the park; a 10–15 min walk from the main street.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Fuel, Calgary to Maple Creek and back1 × C$160 · check | C$160 |
| Cypress Hills park entry, one vehicle, one day1 × C$12 · check | C$12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$68 |
| Trip total≈ C$375 per person per day, bed included | C$750≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and park passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery item | C$6–12 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Burger and fries at a drive-in | C$15–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Steak dinner in a cookhouse bar | C$28–45 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Draught beer | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Motel double room, summer weekend | C$130–220 (≈ US$95–160) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | C$1.50–1.80 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long and cell coverage is patchy in the hills: carry water and tell someone your plan.
- Deer and moose on Highway 1 and Highway 21 at dawn and dusk.
- Summer thunderstorms and hail arrive fast; winter driving on Highway 1 can close without much warning.
- Many seasonal businesses shut from October to May: check before you drive out for a specific shop or café.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- RCMP Maple Creek (non-emergency)
- 306-662-2470
- Health advice (HealthLine 811, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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Maple CreekMaple Creek
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- RCMP Maple Creek (non-emergency)306-662-2470
- HealthLine 811 (24 h, nurse advice)811
Embassy
No consulates in town. US consulate-general in Calgary; most other countries: embassies in Ottawa or consulates in Calgary and Vancouver.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Calgary → Maple Creek (about 380 km): roughly C$60–80 (≈ US$45–60) one way (check)
- Cypress Hills park entry, one vehicle, one day: about C$12 (≈ US$9) (check)
- Taxi within town: short hops only; confirm the fare before you get in (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the information centre? — Where is the information centre?
- Is this open today? — Is this open today?
- How far is Cypress Hills? — How far is Cypress Hills?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- I need help — I need help
Rural Saskatchewan: card payment is common but a little cash is useful for small seasonal stands.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Maple Creek. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, many seasonal businesses closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YXH and YYC: last sensible arrival, taxi and shuttle fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Jasper Street core, Highway 21 motel strip, golf course and Grotto Gardens.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Jasper Cultural and Historical Centre, SW Sask Old-Timer's Museum, Fort Walsh, Cypress Hills) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.