CBC’s online seriesLand of Living Stories explores the lesser-known attractions in Saskatchewan. Journalist Janani Whitfield embarked on a journey to Gravelbourg to uncover tales of community unity. This marks the beginning of a multipart narrative from that locality.
Although Canadian Thanksgiving passed a week ago, visitors at La Maison B&B in Gravelbourg were greeted with the familiar accents of American guests partaking in the festive feast.
Despite recent tensions between Canada and the U.S., statistics reveal that Americans have continued their tradition of traveling to Saskatchewan for fishing and hunting this season. In Gravelbourg, Toos Giesen-Stefiuk, owner of the B&B, expresses gratitude for the ongoing patronage of American visitors.
“Their presence significantly benefits the community. They contribute to local businesses through spending on fuel, vehicle maintenance, accommodations, dining, and groceries,” she remarked.
She approximates that these hunters inject $100,000 annually into the town, which is home to just under 1,000 residents according to the 2021 census. Every week, a group flies into Regina before making the two-hour drive southwest to Gravelbourg, while others journey from states as distant as Michigan or Arkansas.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for bird hunting that we don’t have access to in our region,” remarked tourist Joe Dunbar.
In Gravelbourg, Dunbar enjoys hunting mallards and geese in open fields, an experience he cannot replicate back in Texas due to shifting bird migration patterns and urban development.
Many of these hunters have established long-standing traditions, with some returning annually for decades, forming personal connections with the local community.
Boost for Saskatchewan’s Economy
Each year, tens of thousands of American anglers and hunters travel to Saskatchewan. The vast majority of outfitters reveal that 90% of their clientele hails from the U.S., contributing $150 million annually to the revenue and capital expenditures in the outfitting industry, as reported by Tourism Saskatchewan.
In April, the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters surveyed its members, with a third expressing concerns about potential client losses due to international tensions stemming from issues such as retaliatory tariffs, border uncertainties, or apprehensions about their reception in Canada.
Contrary to expectations, while overall American tourism to Canada has declined, Saskatchewan has maintained steady numbers, with 12,394 hunting and fishing licenses sold to Americans this year, mirroring last year’s figures.
Tourism Saskatchewan conveyed optimism that Americans will continue to visit the province despite geopolitical tensions, citing positive perceptions of Canada, a robust U.S. dollar, and Saskatchewan’s exceptional outdoor offerings.