
How to travel across Lake Diefenbaker?
Canada, north-america
2.1 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Wanna cross Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan? You've got options! Most of the year, you can hop on the free Riverhurst Ferry, a cable-operated beast that runs 24/7. But, for a few weeks each winter, things get icy – literally!
That's when the Riverhurst Ice Crossing opens. This 2.1 km (1.3 mi) stretch of frozen highway, part of Highway 42, lets you drive *right across* the lake! It's usually open from early February to the end of March, but ice conditions are key. Seriously, check the Highway Hotline before you go, because driving on it when it's closed is a big no-no.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Most Canadian ice roads are way up north, but Riverhurst is a sweet exception in southern Saskatchewan. Lake Diefenbaker is massive and surrounded by tons of towns and sights. A road trip around it is an adventure you won't forget! The sheer scale of the lake is something you have to see to believe.
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.1 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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