Last Mountain Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Last Mountain Lake |
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Last Mountain Lake
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 Last Mountain Lake
Location in Saskatchewan
Last Mountain Lake
Location in Canada
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| Location |  Saskatchewan |
| Coordinates | 51°10′N 105°15′W / 51.167°N 105.250°W |
| Lake type | Prairie lake |
| Primary inflows | Lanigan Creek, Lewis Creek, Arm River |
| Primary outflows | Last Mountain Creek |
| Basin countries |  Canada |
| Max. length | 93 km (58 mi) |
| Max. width | 3 km (1.9 mi) |
| Surface area | 215 km2 (83 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 35 m (115 ft) |
| Max. depth | 40 m (130 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 490 m (1,610 ft) |
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| Settlements | Regina Beach, Saskatchewan Beach, Wee Too Beach, Buena Vista |
| Designated: | 24 May 1982 |
| Reference #: | 239 |
Last Mountain Lake, also called Long Lake, is a large natural lake in south-central Saskatchewan, Canada. It was formed about 11,000 years ago by melting glaciers. The lake is located about 40 kilometres (25 mi) north-west of Regina.
It is about 93 km (58 mi) long and 3 km (1.9 mi) wide at its widest point. Last Mountain Lake is the biggest natural lake in southern Saskatchewan. Only Lake Diefenbaker, which is man-made, is larger. Many people from south-eastern Saskatchewan enjoy visiting the lake for fun and relaxation.
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Discovering Last Mountain Lake's Past
In the late 1800s, a railway and steamboat company helped people reach the area. This made it easier for farmers to settle and grow crops. The company also ran steamships on the lake.
Last Mountain Lake got its name from an old Plains Cree legend. The story says that the Great Spirit scooped dirt from the valley where the lake now sits. This dirt then formed the Last Mountain Hills.
Last Mountain House: A Trading Post
"Last Mountain House" was a trading post built by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC). It operated from 1869 to 1871. This post was a branch of Fort Qu'Appelle, located about 75 kilometres (47 mi) to the east.
The HBC built it to compete with other traders and because buffalo had moved south. The trading post was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. Today, the area is part of Last Mountain House Provincial Park. It is also recognized as a historic place in Canada.
Exploring Last Mountain Lake's Geography
Several creeks and rivers flow into Last Mountain Lake. These include the Arm River, Lewis Creek, and Lanigan Creek. Water flows out of the lake from its southern end through Last Mountain Creek. This creek then joins the Qu'Appelle River.
Sometimes, if the Qu'Appelle River is very high, water can flow backwards into Last Mountain Lake. This happens when gates at the Craven Dam are closed to control water levels.
Islands and Bays of the Lake
At the northern end of Last Mountain Lake, you can find a few named islands. These include Royal Island, Bird Island, and Coney Island.
Near the southern end, on the west side, is Little Arm Bay. The Arm River flows into this bay. Right across from the bay is Pelican Point, where the community of Pelican Pointe is located.
Understanding the Lake's Water System
The Qu'Appelle River watershed is divided into two main parts. The Last Mountain Lake area is part of the upper watershed. This upper watershed is made up of several smaller areas called sub-basins.
The Last Mountain Lake Sub-basin includes all the land that drains water into the lake. This means water from the east and west sides, including the Arm River and Lewis Creek, flows into the lake.
Communities Around Last Mountain Lake
Many communities are located along the shores of Last Mountain Lake. These are often resort communities, popular places for people to visit and relax.
Some of these resort towns include Kannata Valley, Regina Beach, Saskatchewan Beach, Buena Vista, and Glen Harbour. There are many other smaller communities too, offering places to stay and enjoy the lake.
Near Regina Beach, around Little Arm Bay, is a special area called Last Mountain Lake 80A Indian reserve.
Parks and Fun Activities at the Lake
There are several great parks around Last Mountain Lake where you can have fun.
Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park
Located on the eastern shore, about 25 kilometres (16 mi) south-west of Strasbourg, is Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park. This park has a marina for boats, a campground, a restaurant, and mini-golf. It also has one of Saskatchewan's longest natural sand beaches.
Many boaters use the marina as a stop. A big fishing contest called the Last Mountain Fall Walleye Classic happens here every September.
Last Mountain House Provincial Park
On the south-east shore, you'll find Last Mountain House Provincial Park. Here, you can take tours of the historic Last Mountain House. This building was built by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1869.
Last Mountain Regional Park
At the northern end of the lake, on the eastern shore, is Last Mountain Regional Park. This park offers camping, swimming, and a golf course. It's about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) west of Govan.
Valeport Recreation Site and Marsh
At the southern end of the lake, where Last Mountain Creek begins, is the Valeport Recreation Site and Valeport Marsh. This area is protected to help wildlife. It's part of a larger conservation project called Valeport Wildlife Management Area Trails.
This area is important for birds and is part of a special bird area in Canada. A nearby property called Big Valley is also protected for bird and wildlife habitat.
Lumsden Beach Camp
The United Church of Canada runs the Lumsden Beach Camp. It is located on the south shore of Last Mountain Lake. Founded in 1905, it is the oldest summer camp in Western Canada.
Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary
The Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary is a very special place. It was the first federal bird sanctuary in North America, created in 1887. Because it was the first of its kind, it was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1987.
More than 280 different kinds of birds have been seen here. The lake provides a perfect home for many birds, including some that are rare or endangered. These include the peregrine falcon, piping plover, burrowing owl, and whooping crane.
The northern part of the lake is very shallow and has many wetlands. This area is part of the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area. It is an important site for shorebirds across North and South America.
Fish Species in the Lake
Last Mountain Lake is home to many different kinds of fish. Some of the fish you might find here include walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, and burbot. You can also find lake whitefish, cisco, bigmouth buffalo, white sucker, and common carp.
See also
- List of lakes of Saskatchewan
- List of protected areas of Saskatchewan
- Tourism in Saskatchewan
- List of historic places in Saskatchewan
- Ramsar site
