Historical Project
The Aschim Homestead Heritage Forest is 32 acres of beautiful land located in the boreal forest approximately 7 km from the Village and 2 km from the junction of highways 120 and 265. The Forest is a popular spot for local residents and tourists alike.
In 2007, Communities in Bloom and the Resort Village of Candle Lake assumed responsibility for the area from the RM of Paddockwood. Communities in Bloom volunteers made improvements for the area and maintain the home, yard and trails.
Aschim TrailBackground
In 1932, Ansgar and Christina Aschim bought 130 hectares of land and built a two-story Norwegian style cabin from fire killed spruce harvested on the east side of Torch Lake. A barn, pig house, garage, smokehouse and warm-up shack were also built on the property. Other reminders of farming days long past are the horse drawn seeder, hay wagon wheels still on the property. In 1942, the Aschims left the property, returning in the summer to log and make forest improvements. In 1965, the provincial government acquired the property, and in 1977 responsibility was given to the Saskatchewan Forestry Association and it was named the Homestead Heritage Forest.
There are five different trails featuring signs (a very large sign illustrating the area and trails is just inside the entry) boardwalks, stands of beautiful white spruce trees, marshes with black spruce, wildflowers, berry bushes and beautiful grasses. Moose, elk deer red squirrels and songbirds are special attractions of the area.
Historical pictures and documents are located in the yard and the house.
Historic Note:
"A Wagon trail ran through the property long before the Aschims arrived. During the Northwest Resistance of 1885 the trail was used to haul fish from Torch Lake to feed General Frederick Middleton's troops. In 1919 this same trail was used for logging. You can see the ruts worn over time by the wagon wheels."
Heritage Recognition Award for Aschim Homestead Heritage Forest
In October 2020, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association recognized the ongoing efforts of Communities to Bloom in maintaining and expanding this beautiful, peaceful historic area with a Heritage Recognition Award.
 Aschim Homestead |  Aschim Homestead |
 Aschim Homestead Interior |  Original Equipment |
 Original Stove |  Original Cabinets |
Visit our Photo Gallery for more images of the Aschim Homestead Heritage Forest.
Aschim Homestead Report 2024
What a fantastic year it has been for the Aschim Homestead! 🎉 We are thrilled to share that the number of visitors has grown, and our fourth guestbook is almost filled! 📚 We’ve made great strides with maintenance, including repairs to the boardwalks and prompt grass cutting and tree removal along the pathways 🌳. Plus, our Wordle contest brought enjoyment and cash prizes 💰 to many participants, and we’re excited to bring this feature back again in the future!
In the summer, we experienced damage to the old signage along Highway 120. 🚧 We're in the process of upgrading and replacing it to better identify the entrance to Aschim Homestead. However, we're waiting on further instructions from the Highways department before new signage can be installed. Rest assured, the entrance remains the same, though it may not be signed for the time being.
This winter, the trails are perfect for snowshoeing with the recent snowfall ❄️. There are plenty of tracks on all the main trails, and we’re excited for you to enjoy the winter wonderland 🌨️. Just a friendly reminder, Aschim Homestead is a designated snowshoeing and walking area 🚶♂️❄️. Recently, three snowmobiles bypassed the yellow service road barrier into the yard. To ensure everyone's safety, that entrance has been blocked. 🚫 Snowmobilers are still welcome to use the privately owned service road around the yard to reach Cranberry Creek cottages, but please avoid the yard itself.
The parking lot is plowed, the house is open 🏡, the mini-museum is ready for your visit 🖼️, and the winter scenery is nothing short of breathtaking 🌄. We invite you to come enjoy Aschim in winter – it's a great time to explore! ❄️✨
Contributed by The Aschim Wanderer