This is one section of the route through the Qu’Appelle Valley that I believe you have to leave the valley briefly. It is usually overlooked by other seekers but in the interest of completion, I have included my errors and thoughts on how to improve the route.
Previously I took route 729 to 624 to 727, a round about route that did take me to LeBret but I’m sure there is a better less chaotic route.
Next time I attempt this I will head North to Fairy Hill and take the gravel road directly East.
I cannot find a route name or number for that road but it follows the Qu’Appelle River on the North side and will also lead you to the Piapot Reserve, home of Buffy St. Marie.
Route 727 takes you along Pasqua Lake and eventually to Fort Qu’Appelle. From Fort Qu’Appelle it is a short drive to LeBret, Mission Lake, and Sacred Heart Church.
This view is from the centre of LeBret looking up the hill and stations of the cross, leading to a small chapel near the top.
And this view shows Sacred Heart Church on Mission Lake.
From LeBret go to the West end of town and to the North side of Mission Lake. Once on the right road, route 56. This will take you to Cottage Country with lots of beautifully built cottages on the lake.
Continuing on you will go by Katepwa Beach to Katepwa South. Just before Katepwa South is the turn off for the Fort Ellis route. A fair weather small gravel road that is one of the prettiest sections of the route through The Qu’Appelle Valley.
Following the Fort Ellis Trail will eventually take you to the historic village of Ellisboro, but not without being forced to leave the valley once more.
The next time I attempt this I will do more exploring as the departure point from the valley did have a road continuing East from it.
