Wadena, Saskatchewan is a charming town nestled on the eastern shore of the Quill Lakes in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. This picturesque town, located east of Saskatoon, north of Fort Qu'Appelle, and northwest of Yorkton, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Wadena is renowned for its birdwatching and hunting opportunities, thanks to its location on a major flight path of the Quill Lakes. This makes it a perfect destination for those who enjoy observing nature in its purest form.
Just south of Wadena on Highway 35, you'll find the Wadena and District Museum. This local treasure hosts an annual Vintage Day in July, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the rich history of the region.
Wadena serves as the administrative centre of the Rural Municipality of Lakeview. It is also the administrative headquarters of the Fishing Lake First Nation band government. The town's name traces back to Wadena, Minnesota, the origin of some early settlers of Scandinavian American descent. The Minnesota town was named after a Chippewa/Saulteaux Chief, linking Wadena, Saskatchewan to a rich tapestry of cultural history.
In the 2011 Canada Census conducted by Statistics Canada, Wadena's population was 1,306, living within 2.91 square kilometers (1.12 square miles), resulting in a population density of 449.5/sq km (1,166.8/sq mi). The 2021 Census of Population showed a slight decrease in population to 1,269, living in 606 of its 677 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -1.5% from its 2016 population of 1,288. With a land area of 2.99 km2 (1.15 sq mi), Wadena had a population density of 424.4/km2 (1,099.2/sq mi) in 2021.
