Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a charming town nestled in the Assinibone River Valley, where the Whitesand River meets the Assiniboine River. Located 56 km northeast of Yorkton, Kamsack is conveniently situated at the intersection of Highway 8 and Highway 5. The town is in close proximity to the Coté First Nation, located 8 km north, and the Keeseekoose First Nation, 18 km north on Highway 8.
The history of Kamsack, Saskatchewan, dates back to 1904 when land was surrendered from the Coté First Nation for the Canadian Northern Railway station and the town site of Kamsack. Between 1905 and 1907, additional land was allocated, with the northern sections later returned to Indian reserve status.
The lands around Kamsack were settled in the 1880s by a handful of agricultural settlers. By 1905, the farming area around Kamsack was well settled by a variety of ethnic groups, including Doukhobors, Ukrainians, Europeans, Americans, and Eastern Canadians.
In 1903, the Canadian National Railway and Kamsack railway station were built, marking the birth of Kamsack. The town continues to be served by Via Rail passenger service today. The name "Kamsack" originated from a native word meaning "something vast and large".
The first buildings in Kamsack were constructed in 1904 along the north side of the Canadian National Railway right-of-way. The village grew rapidly, and by 1911, it had a population of over 500 people and was declared a town. Despite facing adversity during the depression years and a devastating tornado in 1944, Kamsack persevered and experienced a significant building boom post World War II.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Kamsack had a population of 1,779 living in 792 of its 903 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -6.3% from its 2016 population of 1,898. With a land area of 5.67 km2, Kamsack had a population density of 313.8/km2 in 2021.
Kamsack, Saskatchewan, offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The town hosts Kamsack Culture Days, a celebration of the town's diverse cultural heritage. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Kamsack Powerhouse Museum and the National Doukhobor Heritage Village, located 10 km west of Kamsack at Veregin.
For nature lovers, Kamsack is a gateway to the great outdoors. The town is close to Duck Mountain Provincial Park, Shellmouth Reservoir, and Madge Lake. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventure, Kamsack, Saskatchewan, has something for everyone.
