The Souris River begins north of Weyburn and travels south through the city, wandering as south as North Dakota and back north into Manitoba.
The river provides a scenic environment throughout the community and our Tatagwa Trails runs adjacent to the river for about 2 km (along Red Coat Trail).
Water Safety
In the summer, the City of Weyburn facilitates a floating portable dock in River Park used for launching canoes and kayaks.
Ownership of the river does not lie with the City of Weyburn; the Souris River is considered the Crown’s jurisdiction. The City of Weyburn does not accept responsibility for any related risks or injuries on Souris River.
Many Canadians participate in activities on open water in the summer and the City of Weyburn encourages anyone using the Souris River to practice safe water usage. You can find safety tips and information on the Canadian Red Cross website.
Ice Safety
In the winter, the Souris River begins to freeze in most areas. Although the river may appear frozen, please use caution as conditions can vary, making the surface unstable and the thickness deceiving.
The City of Weyburn considers all frozen bodies of water within our community to be unsafe for recreation activities and anyone who uses the river needs to consider the ice safety and thickness.
Users assume all risk and maintenance responsibilities for the ice. Vehicles are not permitted on the ice. The City of Weyburn does not accept responsibility for any related risks or injuries on Souris River.
Weyburn City Council, in accordance with The Snowmobile Act, enacted Bylaw 2017-3396 which outlines the operation of snowmobile use within city limits. In 2017, the bylaw was amended to remove the provision of access to the Souris River as the local snowmobile club preferred to remove it from their route. The City of Weyburn reminds the public to be mindful of snowmobile warnings signs and to check their surroundings when on ice surfaces as users assume all risk and liability when on the river.
The Canadian Red Cross provides ice safety tips and highlights dangers of ice on its website.
As a guideline, you need at least 10 cm (four inches) of ice to walk on, 20 cm (eight inches) to drive a snowmobile or ATV on, 30 cm (12 inches) to drive a car or light truck on and more than 30 cm (12 inches) to support a heavy truck (Source: Government of Saskatchewan).
