Village of Elbow Tourist Attractions
The first settlers appear to have been ranchers. By 1903, settlers were taking up homesteads near Elbow and by the end of the decade, lands in the elbow were extensively occupied. The Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), which arrived in 1908, has accounted for the continued existence of the village.
The level of activity in the community increased with the long-anticipated South Saskatchewan River Dam Project in 1958. The completion of Gardiner Dam and Qu'Appelle Dam a decade later, created Lake Diefenbaker, which provides irrigation and recreation in the area, making Elbow a popular tourist destination.
Elbow, Sask, incorporated as a village in 1909, population 341 (2021c), 314 (2011c), (294 (2006c). The Village of Elbow is situated midway between Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. It received its name because of a configuration of the South Saskatchewan River, on which it sits. While the Village of Elbow dates only from the early years of this century, the general location has been so designated for more than 100 years. The first known use of the term "elbow" is found in the journal of John Macdonald of Garth, a fur trader of the North West Company, who wrote, "There is an elbow in the river parallel to that of the north branch, a most beautiful place".
Elbow Arena - while no longer being rented out - if the winter weather cooperates, ice is still put in.
Winter 2024/2025 - the ICE is IN! Click here for details!
The Elbow & District Museum is situated at 229 Saskatchewan Street. In the early 1900's wood was so scarce on the prairies that many homesteaders built their first homes out of the sod. In 1965, the first replica of an authentic sod house was constructed as part of the celebrations for Saskatchewan's 60th anniversary as a province. In the summer of 2000, the house was rebuilt from native prairie sod and furnished with period pieces. Operated as part of our museum, the "Sod Shack" is a symbol of the past, giving visitors a glimpse of how thousands or settlers lived when they homesteaded to the Canadian prairies in the early 1900's. The Museum also contains an original "buffalo chair" as well as a number of First Nations artifacts from the area. Find us at 1000towns.ca
The Museum and Sod Shack operate from June - August. Open weekdays 1-5 pm.
The Urban Orchard & Playground
Elbow's Community Park & Urban Orchard are situated between Aaro Avenue and Elevator Road just south of the old Elevator. Stop by to play on the playground, pick a few Saskatoon Berries, or take in the Peace Tower.
The Peace Tower is located in Elbow's Urban Orchard, between Aaro Avenue and Elevator Road. Spend a moment admiring Fafard's stunning works and read about the history of those before us.
A group Elbow residents, business owners and vacationers have come together to build a public trail along the shoreline of Lake Diefenbaker. Walk, jog, or bike, but definitely don't miss exploring the shoreline via the trail!
A great place for a stop along the Elbow Trail or a lookout over the lake. Come check out a little piece of the local indigenous and settler history.
Elbow Harbor Marina is a great place to launch and/or moore your boat. Stop by for the iconic #elbowsask picture overlooking the marina in July when it is full of majestic saleboats, cabin cruisers, and home to the Wendebee II.
Danielson Provincial Park www.saskparks.com
Danielson Provincial Park is the perfect place to enjoy summer. Situated on Lake Diefenbaker, the sandy beaches, excellent fishing opportunities and large campsites provide a variety of opportunities to fill the days with outdoor adventures. Hike the Trans Canada Trail, or learn more about one of the world's largest earth-filled dams by visiting the Gardiner Dam Visitor Centre.
The Gardiner Dam, Spillway & Interpretive Centre
The third largest embankment dam in Canada and an impressive 1.5kms at its base, the Gardiner Dam and Spillway are definitely worth an afternoon trip! Check out the Interpretive Centre (open year-round) for interactive facts, and an ice cream cone at Beachside Burgers (open seasonally).
Douglas Provincial Park www.saskparks.com
Named after the late Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas, this provincial park is situated on the southeast end of Lake Diefenbaker. Featuring a sandy shoreline, large wooded campsites and massive inland sand dunes (accessed via hiking trail), the park offers unique opportunities for visitors of all ages. With interpretive hiking trails, great fishing, and water opportunities, Douglas is the perfect destination for memorable outdoor adventures.