https://maps.app.goo.gl/tDCKJyjBAGDtqKud7
This link shows the route from Lumsden in the West end of the valley, to St. Nicholas Anglican, aka The Little Church in the Valley. This is a trip everyone should take as it definitely shows the scenic character of the valley, and the little church is a true prairie gem.
The screen shot shows the route going a little past the church to the bridge across the scenic Qu’Appelle River.
Unfortunately to continue Eastward you will need to cross the Qu’Appelle River to the North side, to Highway 99. This road is not always open and the map I’m using will not show that route.
If you are traveling in fair weather than all you need do is take the gravel road that leads North from the crossroads near the church. If you’re lucky the road and bridge will be open and you can quickly pass over and proceed to the East, towards Fairy Hill.
If you are not lucky you will need to do one of two things. Either re-trace your route back to Craven and take the road through town that leads to highway 99, or from the church, take the gravel road that goes South towards Highway 6. You can then take highway 6 directly to Fairy Hill.
The following link shows the route to Fairy Hill from Craven. If you were able to cross the river from The Little Church you are good to go. Just turn right at highway 99 and head East and you will be there in no time.
Don’t forget to check out the abandoned bridges (Old Highway 6 Rainbow Bridge) on your way.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VHLj14YvBs265YEu7
When you arrive at Highway 6 turn left to get to Fairy Hill. This is my preferred route as it shows a lot of the beauty of the Qu’Appelle Valley.
The next link shows the route to LeBret from Fairy Hill. To stay in the valley as much as possible this is the best route I could find. Originally I went too far South and took a zig-zag path that took me through the Piapot Reserve, a nice looking small town.
One word of caution that I have no way of verifying.
In LeBret I met a very friendly indigenous woman and talked with her at length about the church and the history of her people. Without specifying which reserve she did tell me ‘don’t get out of the car’.
So I took her at her word and every time I go through Piapot, which may Not be the reserve she had in mind, I am careful and respectful. And I don’t get out of my car.
If you’ve a mind to visit Fort Qu’Appelle take this opportunity to visit one of only two sizable towns in the valley, Historic Fort Qu’Appelle.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3menLz3j6J9a4rsT6
From LeBret we enter cottage country. It has great views of Mission and Katepwa Lakes and the valley. Touring along we eventually come to the East end of Katepwa Lake and the turn off to Fort Ellis Trail.
You will have to keep a sharp eye out as this gravel road turn off is not well marked.
From the East end of Katepwa Lake to Ellisboro is the next leg of the journey and I believe it is one of the most beautiful sections of this scenic valley.
I had difficulty staying in the valley as I got close to Ellisboro. My GPS, android auto, insisted that I leave it and perform a zig-zag to get to that pretty little village. On my next trip I fully intend to ignore technology and go full on adventurer and explore the possibilities of taking a small road that appeared to me to be heading in the right direction.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DhJcN2s3UDATbonGA
The last leg of the trip through the scenic Qu’Appelle Valley should take us to Tantallon and very close to the Manitoba border. Unfortunately I did not make it there. I was distracted. But.. next time for sure.
In the meantime I believe I have mapped out the best route to get there while remaining in the vally.
I love to hear from visitors. If you have a better route, or comments on any of the routes I have presented please feel free to make a comment.
