Lake Diefenbaker: Yours to Discover

Lake Diefenbaker: Yours to Discover
by Michael and Anna Clancy
Published by Canadian Plains Research Center
Review by Keith Foster
$19.95 ISBN 978-0-88977-229-8

Looking for the ultimate guide to the many enjoyable features of the Lake Diefenbaker area? Then Lake Diefenbaker: Yours to Discover is just the ticket.

As the name suggests, this book revolves around what the authors call “Saskatchewan’s Great Lake” – Lake Diefenbaker, located in the heart of southern Saskatchewan. If stretched end to end, the lake’s shoreline would reach from Regina to Calgary.

Authors Michael and Anna Clancy visited more than thirty communities, plus seven regional and four provincial parks, as they researched this extensive resource.

They obviously enjoyed their travels, and their positive attitude is reflected in their descriptions. They talk affectionately about the Eye Candy Shop in Eyebrow and the Sweet Treats Ice Cream Shop and The Jelly Bean candy store in Elbow.

From fishing, camping, swimming, boating, hiking, or bird watching, to rodeos, golf, tennis, auctions, craft and garage sales, dances, and the Tugaske Turkey Shoot, the area has something for everyone.

Winter enthusiasts can enjoy curling, skating, sleigh rides, and tobogganing. For a slower pace, there are museums, art galleries, and historic sites, as well as local theatres such as the Snakebite Players at Beechy.

One landmark that is now marked only by a cairn is the Hanley Opera House, where silent movie star Mary Pickford and actor Boris Karloff reportedly performed.

The authors ventured to various roadside attractions such as the woolly mammoth at Kyle and the giant coffee pot at Davidson. Recently appearing on a Canadian postage stamp, the coffee pot, if full, would hold 150,000 cups of coffee.

The book is chock full of ideas and has everything one needs to plan an enjoyable vacation. It lists the various amenities available at each location and provides mini-maps, web addresses, and an index. It also provides helpful contacts to outfitters with names such as Honker Heaven and fishing guides like the Fishing Geeks.

With more than 150 duotone photos liberally distributed throughout its 139 pages, this book may coax a few armchair travellers out of their armchairs.

Just small enough to fit in a purse or jacket pocket, this guide makes a handy travelling companion. If you’re planning a trip to this area, don’t leave home without it!

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM