Last Mountain Lake is 80 km long and drains southeast into the Qu'Appelle Valley. The south end is deep with a steeply sloping shoreline, but the lake becomes shallower toward the north, and the slope of the shoreline more gradual. The north end is extremely shallow with numerous islands and several deep bays known locally as "fingers." Last Mountain Lake lies within the "Aspen Parkland" ecological zone, which is characterized by scattered groves of trembling aspen. The area around the north end of the lake and along a corridor extending northeast to the Quill Lakes is, however, treeless grassland, a vegetation type that is otherwise found in the southwest of the province. It is the presence of this prairie expanse and Last Mountain Lake, which concentrates forest dwelling migrants into the few treed areas around the lake. http://www.bsc-c.org/national/lastmtbwc.html

Birding

Many species of shorebirds are highly migratory, undertaking long journeys from northerly breeding areas to more southerly wintering grounds. For instance, some 27 (64%) of the 42 species of shorebirds that occur regularly in Canada are long-distance migrants, many wintering in areas that are located in the southern U.S.A., Mexico, Central America and South America, some as far south as Tierra del Fuego. International cooperation in preserving the key habitats that the birds use during their impressive migrations is clearly required if conservation is to be successful. http://www.mb.ec.gc.ca/nature/whp/whsrn/index.en.html

Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary

The north end of Last Mountain Lake is one of the Prairie Provinces' most important waterfowl staging areas and is a crucial "refueling stop" for waterfowl and other water and land birds.

In 1887, eighteen years before the province of Saskatchewan was formed, the Canadian Government created the Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary. In addition to being the first officially protected wildlife area in what was to become Saskatchewan, it was the first designation of a bird sanctuary in North America.

Protection of the site proved to be highly significant for the conservation of wildfowl, since it remains an important stopover place for many species of migratory birds. In the fall, up to 50,000 Sandhill Cranes, 450,000 geese, and several hundred thousand ducks may be observed-often in flocks numbering in the tens of thousands.

The north end of Last Mountain is one of the Prairie Provinces' most important waterfowl staging areas and is a crucial "refueling stop" for waterfowl and other water and land birds on their way from the Arctic to the southern United States. Over 280 species of birds have been recorded and over 100 of these species have been documented to breed in the area.

Graduallythe sanctuary’s significance has been recognized with a number of important designations. In 1987 it became a National Wildlife Area (NWA). Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area

It is a "Wetland of International Importance", along with 30 other sites in Canada and over 700 locations worldwide. The sanctuary is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is part of a network of 94 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries scattered throughout Canada. It is also part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and it is recognized as a National Historic Site.

Last Mountain Lake offers habitat for nine of Canada's 36 species of vulnerable, threatened and endangered birds. They include the Peregrine Falcon, the Piping Plover, the Whooping Crane, the Burrowing Owl, the Ferruginous Hawk, the Loggerhead Shrike, the Baird's Sparrow, the Caspian Tern and the Cooper's Hawk. Colonial nesters such as pelicans, cormorants, gulls, terns and grebes are also particularly dependent upon the statutory protection afforded by the NWA. The north end of the lake is also a major walleye-spawning site and 12 provincially rare and one nationally rare plant species are found in the area.

Over 280 species have been recorded at Last Mountain Lake during migration.  There can be up to 50,000 cranes, 450,000 geese, and several hundred thousand ducks.  Many shorebirds, songbirds, and birds of prey spend from a few days to weeks here every year.

The Canadian Wildlife Service protects and manages the area in cooperation with the Province of Saskatchewan and while much of the area is set aside to safeguard wildlife, it also provides many opportunities for outdoor education. Groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to climb the observation tower, hike the self-guided nature trails, take driving tours, and visit the information center.

In 1997, 1025 hectares were protected, today over 15,600 hectares are protected.   The lake is protected by the Wildlife Area Regulations set by the Canada Wildlife Act. 

A frequent visitor at Last Mountain Lake: The endangered hooping cranes. At nearly 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, whooping cranes are the tallest birds in North America. They have a wingspan of 7.5 feet (2.3 m).

Fishing

"In past years, I have spent a heck of a lot of time pursuing the walleye of Last Mountain Lake in south central Saskatchewan. This large lake has held a particular fascination for me because of both its size and the numbers of truly large walleye that swim in its fertile water. But it does not end there. In recent years I have come to appreciate both the massive carp and pike that also share this resource with the walleye, not to mention some pretty good perch fishing."

Water sports

Last Mountain Lake is southern Saskatchewan’s largest natural lake. This temperate body of water is a favourite destination for families in search of a little R and R. With the average July temperature a balmy 27°C, the lake’s numerous beaches are in high demand, while constant west winds keep sailboat enthusiasts and windsurfers happy.

The Last Mountain Lake Sailing Center offers a friendly, family atmosphere.  A number of sailing and related social activities are organized throughout the season, including a racing regatta which attracts sailors from all over the province. And you can invite your friends out for a picnic or a barbecue any time! 

http://www.sasksail.com/lmlsc.htm

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(Updated September 27, 2006)