WHAT does a trip of thousands of miles overseas hold in store for the excited visitor?

The promise of faraway places always holds the lure of different scenery, culture, food, adventure and the unexpected and, if all of this is combined with people who talk the same language, then so much the better.

For me, the eagerly looked forward to trip to Canada more than fulfilled its promises. Arriving in this North American country, most visitors take the classic trip from Calgary to Vancouver, taking in the Rockies en-route.

They would, however, be missing a trick as Canada has so much more to offer, with Saskatchewan, known as ‘The Land of Living Skies’, being a must-see province.

Saskatchewan is huge at 651,900 square kilometres – the UK is a mere 243,610 square kilometres – but it only has just over 1.1 million people, and it boasts around 100,000 lakes.

Most people live in the south, with around half living in the two cities of Saskatoon and the provincial capital of Regina.

Thankfully, after the long journey of around 12 hours from London with one connecting flight, our group arrived in Saskatoon and we were whisked out to our first stop, dinner at Ayden Kitchen and Bar where I enjoyed some of the best food I’ve ever experienced.

It is run by Chef Dale MacKay, who won ‘Top Chef Canada’, Canada’s equivalent to Masterchef. It was a pleasure to watch him at work and an even greater pleasure to eat his food.

The following morning we were off to Thompson’s Camps Otter Lake Resort in the settlement of Missinipi for a spot of fishing.

On arrival we were treated to a flight in a float plane, after which our group took to a pontoon boat and spent the rest of the day catching a plentiful supply of walleye and northern pike.

Our catch was expertly cooked by our camp guide and we enjoyed an idyllic evening eating the freshest of fish as the sun set on what must be the dream day for any fishing enthusiast.

One of many highlights of the trip was our visit to La Reata Ranch, run by George Gaber. Riding isn’t my strong point, but George has horses for all levels, from my lowly non-existant level right up to the elite galloping-across-the-prairies rider.

Once I had mastered the ‘getting on the horse’ bit, my world widened to the breathtaking views and open trails of the Prairies.

It was magical and 20 minutes into the ride I felt like I was in a cowboy movie!

One unique aspect of Canada that is renowned as a major tourist attraction is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or ‘The Mounties’, as these men – and now women – have been known worldwide for generations.

We had the great and rare pleasure of spending a couple of days at the RCMP Training Academy in Regina, where all cadets are put through a rigorous six months of training prior to, hopefully, beginning their illustrious careers.

I can honestly say that the regimental intensity and sheer workload expected would see me AWOL within the week!

We also took part in fitness training, an Applied Police Sciences class, simulator driving and the very real firearms range training.

Here we were given the same 9mm Smith and Wesson automatic handguns that the Mounties use and we were allowed to fire off a couple of clips down the range.

Much to my – and the firearms officer’s – surprise I got a perfect score at 25 metres but I modestly put my flukey skill down to the many water pistol fights I’ve had with my son!

We also got to learn about the history of the RCMP at the Heritage Centre on the site.

We rounded off the visit with the very enjoyable RCMP Sunset Ceremony. At this, spectators watch an hour-long display of policing skills, marching cadets, cannon firing, band music and the lowering of the Canadian Flag, all performed in the traditional scarlet tunic that the Mounties are famed for.

Time to fly back home came only too soon and my everlasting memories of the call of the wild, plus all the modern amenities that the country has, will bring me back to Canada one day.

The facts

  • Ayden Kitchen & Bar, 265 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M3, Canada
  • Thompson’s Camps Otter Lake Resort & Canadian Fishing Outpost Camps Lodge – email wparsons@adventuredestinations.ca
  • La Reata Ranch, lareata.com
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre, tel: 3060780-8332
  •  For Saskatchewan Province details, contact Tourism Saskatchewan, 189-1621 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4P 2S5 – tourismsask.com