# Spiritwood

Spiritwood is a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada with approximately 900 people (2011).

## Understand

Spiritwood is the largest community in the region, and functions as the major supply, service, and administrative headquarters for the trading area population which includes several First Nation (Aboriginal) reserves including Witchekan Lake, Big River and Pelican Lake.
Mixed farming predominates and consists primarily of grain production. A Spiritwood company with global connections that focuses on pig genetics, producing breeding stock and commercial swine, has roughly 50 employees. There is some forestry in the region north of Spiritwood.

### History

The district began to be settled around 1911–12; however, growth in the area was slow until the coming of the railway in the late 1920s. The first settlers primarily engaged in ranching. The Spiritwood post office, which had been established in 1923, was named after Spiritwood Lake, North Dakota, the hometown of the first postmaster, Rupert J. Dumond. After the railway arrived, settlers of diverse origins poured into the district and many businesses were established.
It was the scene of the two deaths of RCMP officers in 2006, where after a 12-day manhunt, the suspect surrendered without incident.

## Get in

It is 125 km west of Prince Albert and about 110 km northeast of North Battleford at the junction of Highway 3, Highway 24 and Highway 376.
There is no bus service available to Spiritwood.

## Get around

The town is small enough to walk around, but you'll need a car for seeing the region.

## See

* Spiritwood & District Museum, Hwy 24 north of Hwy 3, ☏ +1 306-883-8891. A heritage museum with an emphasis on agriculture. Exhibits include a Russian satellite fuel tank, First Nations artifacts, fire truck display, civil service casualty collecting display, 1936 Bissel United Church School display, hospital display, vintage home, sports display, oral history documentary, and veterinarian display. Picnic area on grounds and free parking. Call to confirm hours. (updated Jun 2019)

## Do

Spiritwood is in the centre of an area that features six golf courses (three grass greens and three sand greens), six regional parks and 35 lakes, all within a 60-minute drive. The lakes have excellent fishing for perch, walleye, pike and trout. Its close proximity to an abundance of lakes and parks enhance the quality of life with camping, boating, fishing, golfing, hunting, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and hiking.
* Spiritwood Golf Course. +1 306-883-2731. A par 72 with a slope of 122, Spiritwood has a classic layout with rolling greens guarded by bunkers, 12 water holes and over-hanging foliage. Bar and grill. 9/18 holes: adult $27/45, age 9-18 $14/25. (updated Jun 2019)

## Buy

* Super A, 213 Main St., ☏ +1 306 883-2113.
* Shop Easy, 120 Main St., ☏ +1 306 883-2444.

## Eat

* Papa Rene's Pizzeria, 204 Main Street, ☏ +1 306-883-3306. Daily 11AM-11PM. Pizza, lasagna, outdoor patio. (updated Jun 2019)
* Marion's Family Restaurant, 312 Railway Avenue. M-F 7AM-8PM. Burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips. (updated Jun 2019)
* Jovial Java, 117 Main Street, ☏ +1 306-841-8988. M 6AM-4PM, Tu W 6AM-7:30PM, Th F 6AM-11PM, Sa 8AM-4PM, Su 8AM-2PM. Salads, soups, sandwiches, full meals, Thursday evening jam sessions. (updated Jun 2019)

## Sleep

* Carlton Inn, 308 Railway Street E, ☏ +1 306-883-2112. Motel with 14 rooms with fridges, coffee and microwaves, all air-conditioned (4 have kitchenettes). (updated Jun 2019)
* Inn on the 10th, 1 Emerald Place, ☏ +1 306-841-7090. B&B with 4 rooms, dining room, lounges, outdoor wrap around deck, fire pit, and hammocks. $120-140, including continental breakfast with home baking. (updated Jun 2019)
* Campground facilities are available with 12 sites (electrical hookups, water, and a black water dump) are within walking distance of the community Tourist Booth and downtown shopping.