The Redberry Lake Biosphere Region, centered around the Redberry Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary and extending throughout the Rural Municipalities of Douglas, Great Bend, Mayfair, Meeting Lake, Blaine Lake, Leask and Redberry Lake has a long history of firsts. After two failed attempts in other areas of the province, Redberry Lake became the first UNESCO designated Biosphere in Saskatchewan in 2000. Typically, Biosphere Designation up until then had been led by National Parks or Federal and Provincial governments. Redberry Lake’s designation, however, was among the first in the world to be led entirely by the community.
Today, Redberry Lake Biosphere is the first tourism destination in the province to offer Bird Banding Experiences at their new Interpretive Centre and Bird Observatory. Guests from around the world will be welcomed to get up close to songbirds, raptors and Northern Saw-Whet Owls learning about the importance of banding for conservation, sustainable development and authentically experience rural Saskatchewan. These experiences will be a cornerstone for diversifying the regional economy, creating new jobs and inspiring our rural communities to see the beauty in their backyard and take pride in showing it off.
PrairiesCan is providing $250,000 under the Tourism Growth Program to help complete the construction of the new Interpretive Centre and Glamping Domes. This funding is in addition to $500,000 previously awarded to the Redberry Lake Biosphere under the Tourism Relief Fund to begin construction of the Interpretive Centre. This new anchor destination for the region allows the Biosphere to attract tourists from around the world to participate and invest in authentic Saskatchewan experiences.
“Sites like the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve offer visitors a unique experience that spotlights the natural beauty of Saskatchewan’s landscape and wildlife,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan. “Investing in attractions like this helps rural communities by creating jobs and attracting visitors, while helping to preserve natural habitats.”
“With its wide-open spaces and unique Indigenous experiences, Canada’s Prairies have what tourists want,” said the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “That’s why we’re helping local tourism grow and thrive through the Tourism Growth Program. I look forward to seeing the difference this project makes in the years to come!”
Previous support from Tourism Saskatchewan has also helped the Biosphere develop this regional tourism initiative designed to give visitors complete customization of authentic and unique experiences throughout the region, supporting independent operators in a range of experiences from basket-making to fishing trips. Visitors will be able to build their own experience and book everything on one website led by the Biosphere, another Saskatchewan first made possible with support of Tourism Saskatchewan and PrairiesCan.
A grand opening of the Interpretive Centre will take place in 2025 to mark the Biosphere’s 25th Anniversary.