Last Mountain Lake, SK

Last Mountain Lake, also known as Long Lake, is part of the Upper Qu'Appelle River system in south-central Saskatchewan, 150 km southeast of Saskatoon and 100 km north-west of Regina.  Scientists say it formed c. 11,000 years ago from meltwaters of the continental ice sheet draining south into the Qu’Appelle glacial spillway.

It is approximately 93 km long, and only 3 km wide at its widest point. It is the largest naturally occurring body of water in southern Saskatchewan, although Lake Diefenbaker (created by damming) is larger. The Lake was named for a Plains Cree legend about the Great Spirit shoveling dirt from the valley the lake now occupies and forming Last Mountain Hills east of Duval.

Canada’s first federal bird sanctuary was designated on the lake in 1887. Initially covering 1,000 ha, Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area now covers 15,600 ha, protecting nesting and migratory birds. Proximity to Regina makes Last Mountain Lake an important recreation area. It provides some of the best fishing in southern Saskatchewan, as well as bird watching, sailing, boating, and camping from two provincial parks and other recreation areas.

The lake is a popular resort area for residents of southeastern Saskatchewan. Several resort communities such as Arlington Beach, Grandview Beach, Eldora Beach, Regina Beach, Saskatchewan Beach, Buena Vista, Glen Harbour, Alice and Wee Too Beach, Colesdale Park, Spring Bay, Pelican Pointe, Sunset Cove, Island View, Etter's Beach, and Mohr's Beach are on the shores of the lake. Access to the area was opened up by the Qu'Appelle, Long Lake and Saskatchewan Railroad and Steamboat Company who also operated steamships on the lake.