Wakaw, Saskatchewan, is a charming town nestled 90 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon and 66 kilometres south of Prince Albert. This quaint town is conveniently located halfway between these two cities, making it an ideal stopover for travellers. The town is easily accessible via Highway 2, Highway 41, and Highway 312.
Wakaw is situated in a hilly, partially forested region east of the South Saskatchewan River, within the aspen parkland biome. The town's name, Wakaw, is a Cree word meaning "crooked", a name borrowed from the nearby Wakaw Lake.
Wakaw, Saskatchewan, has a rich history primarily shaped by settlers of Eastern European origin. The town was once home to Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and his first wife, Edna Brower. Diefenbaker opened his first law office in Wakaw, where he practiced law from 1919 to 1925.
The town was officially founded on December 26, 1911, after 21 residents petitioned the Department of Municipal Affairs for the incorporation of the Village of Wakaw. The town was initially located on land donated by Anthony Goller, an immigrant who moved to Canada in 1902. However, with the construction of the railroad, the town was relocated to its current location. Wakaw was incorporated as a town on August 1, 1953. The community celebrated its 100th anniversary with grand Centennial Celebrations from July 21 to 31, 2011.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Wakaw, Saskatchewan, had a population of 978 living in 421 of its 496 total private dwellings. This represented a 6.1% increase from its 2016 population of 922. With a land area of 3.09 km2, the town had a population density of 316.5/km2 in 2021.
Wakaw, Saskatchewan, offers a variety of amenities to its residents and visitors. The town boasts grocery stores, a pharmacy, restaurants, insurance agencies, and six places of worship. Just outside the town limits, at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 41, travellers can find two gas stations and additional dining options.
Education is a priority in Wakaw, with the Wakaw School providing education from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. The town is also home to about 800 cabins at nearby Wakaw Lake, some of which are occupied year-round, offering a serene getaway for nature lovers.
