The fort the town is named after was built in 1864 as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post for the area’s natives. The town’s name comes from the French translation (Who calls?) of the Cree name “ca-ta-buy-se-ou” which means the river that calls. In 1974, the local Cree and Saulteax Indians gave up their legal rights to vast areas of southern Saskatchewan, opening the region to European settlement. The area has become known for its lush farmland, particularly suited for berry crops on the north-facing slopes. Close to the town, the river widens into a chain of lakes.
Each September, the town hosts the Qu’Appelle Valley Walleye Cup.
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Attractions
Fort Qu’Appelle Museum
Bay Ave at 3rd Street
306-332-6443
A small log cabin, remaining from the original Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and an adjoining
modern structure contain displays and historical relics, including Indian crafts and a model of the
original fort. Open daily July 1 – Labour Day, 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission $2 adults, $0.50 children, $5 for a family.
Saskatchewan Fish Culture Station
6 km north on highway 210(east of Echo Valley Provincial Park)
306-332-3200
This facility raises fish from eggs right to the adult stage, which are then distributed to various
fish and lakes in the region. This station raises 3/4 of a million trout and 50 million walleye annually.
Guided tours are given on the hour and take 30 minutes. Open weekdays 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm from
May to September, with free admission.
Echo Valley Centre
12 km north of town, on the north shore of Echo Lake
This facility is home to the Saskatchewan Summer School of the Arts, which sponsors Sunday outdoor concerts during July and August.
Katepwa Point Provincial Park
on Katepwa Lake
306-332-3215
This 8 hectare park is open from may to September and has a great beach an picnic area.
In the summer there is a boat launch, watercraft rentals, with camping, an 18 hole golf
course and a mini-golf course nearby. There is also year-round accommodation, gas and store.