Are you looking for ways to stay active, be in nature, and have fun this summer?
Look no further! Whether you live in the Resort Village of Candle Lake (RVCL) full-time, are a seasonal property owner, or just visiting for the weekend, there are tonnes of activities you can participate in this summer in Candle Lake. Recreation opportunities are one reason why our community is such a great place to be!
The popularity of recreation opportunities of the RVCL can be seen in the growing participation in events, programs, and activities such as the Mystical Forest featured on the Candle Lake Trail Exploration Challenge, the Canada Day parade and celebrations, swimming lessons, basketball camp, and scuba lessons. The demand for these opportunities is high with programs continue regularly full and waiting lists created in some cases. Due to this success, the RVCL has expanded its 2024 summer recreation offerings to include a football camp and clinic, canoe certification course, and youth ATV certification. Improvements to existing trails and the development of new trails are also underway to support growing interest in hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. This highlights the value and healthy spirit of volunteerism within the community. Many recreation opportunities would not be possible without the dedication and support of volunteers. Volunteers from the Sport, Culture and Recreation (SCR) Board and Trails Advisory Board not only help make recreation opportunities a reality, but they also monitor, advise, and often support staff on improving the condition of recreation infrastructure.
This article is a short summary of some of the recreation opportunities taking place in the Resort Village this summer.
Other ways to find information:
- Download and print our Summer 2024 Recreation Guide.
- Bookmark our RVCL Events Calendar
- Visit the RVCL Website - click on Recreation and Culture
Mystical Forest: July 1 – September 2
This wonderful adventure hike returns for the fourth year! The Mystical Forest is located on Bay Lake North Trail starting from the Trailhead behind the ball diamond. We hope you enjoy a plethora of community contributed mystical scenes and decorations. Visitors are encouraged to search for all the pieces of the exhibit while staying on the trail. Everyone is welcome to add their own environmentally sensitive creation to the adventure! Items are already popping up…come check them out!
Playground Program
This program will take place on during the months of July and August on Wednesdays from 10:00am to 11:00am, offering a variety of activities including science, sports, arts, crafts, literacy, and more. Each Staff Leader is certified with HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development, Standard First Aid and CPR. The program is open to children ages 6 to 12. Registration is not required (this is a drop-in program). Parents are required to remain within a distance to communicate with their child(ren) during the program. To participate please arrive at the Recreation Ground playground by 10:00am. On rainy days the program will move into the Recreation Hall gym.
- July 3 - Mystical Forest Craft
- July 10 - Mystical Forest Scavenger Hunt
- July 17 - Amazing Race
- July 24 - Bingo
- July 31 - Egg Drop Craft and Science Experiment
- August 7 - Obstacle Course
Youth ATV/UTV Operators Safety Certification Course
ATV/UTV falls under the category of Powered Mobile Equipment. Provincial legislation requires that ATV/UTV operators ages 12+/without a driver’s license receive training and certification.
Date: July 8, 8:00 am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12+
Cost: $250/registrant (payment required at time of registration)
Location: Starts at the Recreation Grounds Parking Lot. Various locations throughout the community (TBD) may be visited throughout the training.
Preparing for the course: Registrants must be familiar with Bylaw 13-2021 To Regulate the Operation of ATVs.
PPE: All participants must wear an approved helmet, safety glasses or face shield, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, full-length pants, and ankle high boots. We also highly recommend a rain jacket and pants; be prepared for rain and shine.
Training Instruction provided by: Saskatchewan Safety Council, 445 Hoffer Drive, Regina, SK, S4N 6E2, Phone: 306-757-3197
Music Bingo – July 10
This event was a huge success last summer so we’re bringing it back! This year’s event features the Twisted Sisters (Music Bingo hosts). Tickets are $20/person and include one bingo card per game. A limited number of tickets are available, so pick yours up at the RVCL Office early. Additional cards will be available for purchase for $5 each. A canteen will be available on-site selling dabbers, chips, chocolate bars, and pop. This is a family friendly event, everyone is welcome!
2024 Swimming Lessons
Swimsafe306 has been contracted to provide swimming lessons on Sandy Bay beach.
Lesson Dates
- Session A: July 29 - August 2
- Session B: August 5 - Aug 9
For more information about cost, schedule, and registration please visit: https://www.swimsafe306.com/
Dog Park
Our furry friends need spaces to play too! A small dog park and a park for larger dogs are located near the Village Office grounds. Both are fully fenced. All dogs are welcome, but please follow the rules outlined on the fence. There is also a dog beach within the Provincial Park, located at Wasketeena Beach.
Scuba and Snorkel Lessons
The aim of these lessons is to increase fascination of underwater environments using safe shallow water entry practices and skills under close supervision. Lessons are for participants ages 8+
Dates: July 27 or August 10
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Location: Minowukaw Beach
Cost: $50/person/session
Registration: Participants may register in person or by contacting the Resort Village of Candle Lake office at (306) 929-2236. Payment is required at the time of registration. A waiver for each participant must be signed 3 days prior to session start date. This waiver is found on the Ontario Under Water Council website (OUC) http://underwatercouncil.com/?action=cms&cmspage=about-the-ouc#pso. There are two waivers, adult and minor please ensure you fill out the correct form.
Football Camp and Clinic
New in 2024! All Football camps and clinics are intended for participants between the ages of 9 and 13. The co-ed activities are non-contact and will focus on drills for offensive skills and defensive footwork. All Camps and Clinics are located at the RVCL Recreation Grounds
Camp Dates: August 6, 9:00 - 11:00 am and 6:30 - 8:00 pm
August 7, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Cost: $50/person
Clinic Dates: August 4, 9:30 - 11:30 am
Cost: $20/person
Basketball Camp and Clinic
These are co-ed programs that are intended to be a place to learn, grow and excel both on and off the court. Basketball is a tool to build confidence and success. All Basketball Camps and Clinics are located at the RVCL Recreation Grounds Basketball Court
Hoops Camp
Ages: 9 to 13
Schedule: July 22, 9:00 - 11:00am and 6:30 - 8:00 pm
July 23, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Cost: $50/person
Mini Basketball Clinic
Ages: 6 to 8
Date: July 22, 5:00 - 6:15 pm
Cost: $10/person
Activity Trails
Our well-developed and maintained system of over 16 walking/cycling trails continues to grow. These trails are intended for "human powered" activities; wheelchairs and strollers are welcome where the terrain permits. Our Activity Trails Map provides information on the type of terrain for each trail, as well as what you can expect to find there. The map is available at the Resort Village Office and some local businesses, or you can download and print the map. Please note that the Activity Trails Map will be updated in the near future to include new trails and expansions to existing trails. Please keep an eye out for our new Map!
Returning for a second year, the Trail Exploration Challenge kicked off at Welcome to the Lake on May long weekend. The Challenge: hike 3 out of 5 trails indicated on the Trail Exploration punch card, find the unique punch tool on the trails and punch the corresponding space on your card. Submit your card to the RVCL office to receive a Candle Lake hiking badge and enter the draw for a Yeti cooler. Thank you to our Trails Advisory Board for all their volunteer efforts and support of these types of trail initiatives! As a committee of Council, the mandate of the Candle Lake Trails Advisory Board is to provide recommendations and volunteer support to Staff and Council on matters pertaining to trails within the Municipality. The Board works with the Manager of Recreation and Community Development to plan new routes and maintain existing trails in an effort to ensure residents and visitors have opportunities to enjoy a safe and varied outdoor experience year round.
An active hiking club meets up bi-weekly from spring to fall to hike together. To join the hiking club or learn more about its activities please email candlelakehiking@gmail.com.
Parks & Playgrounds
The Memorial Park and Playground is located on Pine Crescent in the Lakeside Subdivision. The playground is currently undergoing a number of improvements that will enhance enjoyment and safety for users of the park. Watch for signage and please ensure children stay off of the fence and play equipment until repairs are completed.
The Recreation Grounds Playground is located next to the RVCL office. It offers swings, play structures with slides, a fun playhouse and gazebos for families to gather.
Holiday Acres Park is located along Simon Lehne, across from the Waskateena Beach Trailhead. This is a wonderful green space to stop over at on your way to the beach or JD’s for minigolf and ice cream.
Mosher Park is located at the corner of King’s Way and King’s Court in the Lakeside Subdivision. The gazebo at Mosher Park is a great place to gather with friends and family after a long day at the beach.
Other Attractions and Hiking Opportunities
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. Historical pictures and documents are located in the yard and the house. The Forest features a two-story Norwegian style cabin and other buildings. You will find five different trails with boardwalks, 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. Thank you to Communities in Bloom for all of the work done at Aschim and in other places of the Resort Village that keep our community clean and beautiful!
The Resort Village wishes everyone a safe, fun and happy summer!