Major city · Canada
Meadow Lake
Give Meadow Lake one night as a base for Meadow Lake Provincial Park; skip it as a standalone stop, since the town itself is a two-hour walk.
Meadow Lake is a town of about 5,300 in Northern Saskatchewan, at the junction of Highway 4 and Highway 55. It is the service centre for the surrounding area and the base for Meadow Lake Provincial Park, 60 km northwest, and Makwa Lake Provincial Park, 60 km west. People come for fishing, beaches, camping and winter trails, not for the town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the parks; Jan–Mar for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
- avoid Nov–Mar for road trips unless you are equipped for snow and extreme cold
- Airports
- YXE · YLL · YML
- Nights
- 1–2
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 Meadow Lake911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Meadow Lake Hospital (24 h emergency)+1 306-236-1550
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 Meadow Lake, 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
- SafetyA small town with a low-key feel.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 306-236-1550 Meadow Lake Hospital (24 h emergency)
- 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.
- AirportYXE Saskatoon John G.
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required: the parks are 60 km (37 mi) out on Highway 4 and Highway 304.A car is effectively required: the parks are 37 mi (60 km) out on Highway 4 and Highway 304.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfastC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- Beerdraught in a pubC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across townC$10–18 (≈ US$8–14)
- Budget bedCampsite (unserviced to powered), a night, per roomC$20 (≈ US$15)
- 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$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
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
- YXE Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International (Nearest airport with scheduled flights; about 295 km (183 mi) south, roughly 3.5 h by car) · YLL Lloydminster Airport (Small regional airport; check current service before planning around it) · YML Meadow Lake Airport (Small airfield near town; no scheduled flights)YXE Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International (Nearest airport with scheduled flights; about 183 mi (295 km) south, roughly 3.5 h by car) · YLL Lloydminster Airport (Small regional airport; check current service before planning around it) · YML Meadow Lake Airport (Small airfield near town; no scheduled flights)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
−11°C (13°F)13°F (−11°C)
Feb
Care
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Mar
Care
−1°C (31°F)31°F (−1°C)
Apr
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (47°F)47°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Jan–Mar. Avoid: Nov–Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C) low), wettest Jul (76.2 rain days), driest Feb (9.7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Meadow Lake: 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
−11°C (13°F)13°F (−11°C)
−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C)
16.6 rd
Feb
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−21°C (−6°F)−6°F (−21°C)
9.7 rd
Mar
−1°C (31°F)31°F (−1°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
12.5 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
24.7 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2°C (35°F)35°F (2°C)
37.9 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
75.6 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
76.2 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (47°F)47°F (8°C)
60.9 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
36.8 rd
Oct
9°C (47°F)47°F (9°C)
−3°C (26°F)26°F (−3°C)
22.3 rd
Nov
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
16.8 rd
Dec
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−20°C (−5°F)−5°F (−20°C)
16.7 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
A car is effectively required: the parks are 60 km out on Highway 4 and Highway 304. In town, taxis cover short hops; ask your motel to call one. In winter, check road conditions before leaving the pavement.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Meadow Lake Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Highway 4 northwest about 60 km (37 mi)Drive Highway 4 northwest about 37 mi (60 km)
Over 20 lakes and 800-plus campsites; the reason most people come.
Makwa Lake Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Drive Highway 304 west about 60 km (37 mi) toward Loon LakeDrive Highway 304 west about 37 mi (60 km) toward Loon Lake
Five lakes, sandy beaches and hiking; Steele Narrows is nearby.
St. Cyr Trails
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive Highway 55 east 17 km (11 mi), then 3 km (1.9 mi) north on Island Hill RoadDrive Highway 55 east 11 mi (17 km), then 1.9 mi (3 km) north on Island Hill Road
Year-round loops from 0.5 km (0.3 mi) to 9 km (5.6 mi); dogs on leash.Year-round loops from 0.3 mi (0.5 km) to 5.6 mi (9 km); dogs on leash.
Prince Albert
cautionDoor to door: About 3 h
Drive Highway 55 east via Shellbrook
Long for a return day; check road and fuel stops before committing.
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.
9th Street West hotel area
Several motels and chain hotels sit along this stretch; easiest with a car and trailer.
Centre Street and downtown
Walkable to restaurants and the museum; fewer beds.
Meadow Lake Provincial Park campgrounds
Twelve campgrounds and over 800 campsites; book ahead for July and August.
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$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Fuel, Saskatoon return (about 600 km)1 × C$80 | C$80 |
| Provincial park entry1 × C$0 · Check current Saskatchewan park fees | C$0 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$57 |
| Trip total≈ C$314 per person per day, bed included | C$627≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and park passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Diner breakfast | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Burger or pub main | C$18–28 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer, draught in a pub | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Taxi across town | C$10–18 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Campsite, unserviced to powered | C$20–55 (≈ US$15–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances between services are long: fill the tank and carry water before heading to the parks.
- Cell coverage is patchy in the parks and on secondary roads.
- Winter brings extreme cold and snow; check highway conditions before driving.
- Summer mosquitoes and blackflies are heavy near water: bring repellent.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Meadow Lake Hospital (24 h emergency)
- +1 306-236-1550
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Meadow LakeMeadow Lake
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Meadow Lake Hospital+1 306-236-1550
Embassy
No embassies in Meadow Lake; the US consulate general is in Calgary or Winnipeg, and most countries' missions are in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Saskatoon → Meadow Lake by car: about 295 km (183 mi), roughly 3.5 habout 183 mi (295 km), roughly 3.5 h
- Taxi in town: C$10–18 (≈ US$8–14)
- Meadow Lake → Provincial Park by car: about 60 km (37 mi), 45 minabout 37 mi (60 km), 45 min
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the fuel station? — Where is the fuel station?
- Is there a campsite free tonight? — Is there a campsite free tonight?
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
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 Meadow Lake. 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 for the parks; Jan–Mar for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing · avoid Nov–Mar for road trips unless you are equipped for snow and extreme cold · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YXE: last flight arrivals, shuttle and taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Park pages with verified campground booking windows and boat-launch points.
- Winter fixtures: trail grooming status, highway closures and cold-weather gear checks.
- Fuel, grocery and last-services map between town and the parks.