Smartphone Driving Tour between Moose Jaw and Alberta

If you’re after a leisurely way to explore the vast Canadian Prairies, this Smartphone Driving Tour from Moose Jaw to Alberta might just be worth considering. Designed for those who enjoy customizing their journey and soaking in local sights at their own pace, this tour combines audio commentary with the freedom of your own vehicle. While it’s not a guided group tour with a live guide, it offers an engaging way to learn about the region’s history, geology, and quirky attractions without the hassle of organized bus tours.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its affordability and flexibility. For just $6.65 per group (up to 15 people), you get a comprehensive tour that can be enjoyed anytime you choose. Plus, the fact that it’s a self-guided experience means you’re not tied to a strict schedule — you can stop, explore, or skip sights as you see fit. Another aspect we love is the audio guide with trivia and fun facts, which keeps the drive both informative and entertaining.

However, a key consideration is that this tour relies heavily on your own vehicle and doesn’t include attraction tickets or physical guides. You’ll need a good mobile connection initially to download the tour, but once you’re underway, no data is required. If you prefer guided group experiences or want to avoid driving, this might not be the best fit. Still, for independent travelers or road-trippers eager to make the most of their time on the Prairies, it offers a unique blend of education and freedom.

All in all, this tour suits travelers who are comfortable navigating their own route, enjoy learning through narration, and want an affordable way to discover the diverse sights between Moose Jaw and Alberta. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in history, geology, and quirky Canadian stories, and don’t mind a laid-back pace.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a full-day experience, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Flexible timing and stops allow you to tailor the day to your interests.
• No data or signal needed during the tour once downloaded, reducing worries about connectivity.
• A wide array of stops including natural landmarks, historical sites, and fun trivia.
• Self-guided format means you’re in control of your journey.
• Good for independent explorers who enjoy learning while driving.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This smartphone-guided trip is built around an easy-to-use GPS map that plays audio commentary as you drive along the Trans-Canada highway. It’s designed to be straightforward — you just connect your phone to your vehicle’s audio system, follow the suggested route, and listen as the guide explains what you’re passing. You can start anywhere along the route between Moose Jaw and the Alberta border, which is perfect for customizing your trip based on where you’re staying or exploring that day.

What’s Included and How It Works

For a mere $6.65 per group, you gain access to a tour that covers a broad stretch of the prairies. The platform boasts over 75 tours and a massive group of more than 25,000 happy customers, which indicates a certain level of reliability and experience. Once you purchase, you download the mobile ticket, and that’s all you need — the tour is yours to keep, with no time constraints. You can pause, resume, or skip any stops, making this highly flexible.

The tour’s highlight features include commentary on attractions such as the T-Rex Discovery Centre, home to one of the world’s most complete T-Rex skeletons, and Fort Walsh, a historic site linked to the North-West Mounted Police. It also covers towns and cities, explaining their origins and local stories, like the connection with famous figures such as Tommy Douglas, Canada’s father of Medicare.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Encounter

The tour doesn’t just list landmarks; it offers a storytelling experience. Some stops are physical, like Gravelbourg or the Big Muddy Badlands, and others are more about learning the history or geology of the region. For example:

• Fort Walsh: Expect to learn about its role in the North-West Mounted Police’s history and why it’s worth the detour.
• Gravelbourg: A charming town with ties to francophone culture, highlighted as a point of interest.
• Big Muddy Badlands: You’ll hear about the land formations, their origins, and why they stand out in the prairie landscape.
• Scotty, the T-Rex: A must-see for dinosaur enthusiasts, with detailed commentary about the skeleton’s significance.
• Saskatchewan’s towns: From Herbert, known for its rodeo, to Gainer, the hometown of Gainer the Gopher — yes, there’s even a fun mascot to learn about.

Stops with a Story

Every stop is paired with interesting facts and trivia questions, which adds a playful element to the journey. For example, you’ll learn about the Great Plains Epidemic and its impact on healthcare, or guess which Johnny Cash song features a prairie town. The stories aim to make the drive more engaging rather than just a sightseeing checklist.

Natural Landmarks and Wildlife

You’ll pass alongside massive lakes and salt flats like Old Wives Lake, where you might spot shorebirds and learn about the habitat. The guide also shares insights into wildlife like bald eagles, lynx, and wild boars that thrive in the region, which is delightful for nature lovers.

The Landscape and Geology

Driving through the prairie desert, the tour explains how these formations developed over millions of years, giving context to the landscape that many travelers might just see as flat fields. The wind turbines of the Sun Bridge Wind Farm are also pointed out, with explanations of their power generation, making it an educational moment about renewable energy.

Historical Trails and Cultural Insights

Part of the tour’s charm is the stories about key historic routes like the Red Coat Trail or the Outlaw Trail. These stories weave a narrative of the region’s past, from indigenous history to the days of outlaws like Billy the Kid, who’s connected to a small prairie town.

Limitations and Practicalities

While the tour’s price and content are impressive, it’s important to note that attraction tickets are not included. If you want to visit specific sites, you’ll need to buy tickets separately. Plus, the tour relies on your vehicle and your own transportation, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with driving or road-tripping.

It’s also worth mentioning that the tour length is flexible, typically lasting about 3 to 4 hours, but you could easily extend this if you decide to explore more stops or spend extra time at places of interest.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

This experience is particularly suited for independent travelers or groups who enjoy road trips and want to learn as they go. If you’re someone who appreciates a good story, loves discovering the history and geology of the areas you visit, and prefers to set your own pace, this could be a perfect fit.

It’s also ideal for budget-conscious explorers, given the low cost, and those who want to maximize their time exploring rather than sitting in a bus or guided group. However, if you’re looking for a guided experience with in-person commentary or want to avoid driving, this might not be the best choice.

Final Thoughts

For just a few dollars, this self-guided smartphone tour offers an engaging way to explore the Saskatchewan and Alberta border region. It combines interesting stories, local facts, and scenic stops, all while giving you the freedom to take your time. We loved the way it blends education with the flexibility of a road trip, making it a good value for curious travelers who enjoy learning on the go.

Of course, if you’re not comfortable driving or prefer guided group tours, this setup might feel a bit too independent. Still, for those eager to discover the area at their own pace without breaking the bank, it provides a great mix of history, nature, and quirky stories.

This tour offers a practical, entertaining way to learn about the Prairies’ landscapes and stories — perfect for those who love road trips with a bit of local flavor.

FAQ

Do I need a smartphone to participate?
Yes, you’ll need a smartphone to download the tour, but no data is required during the drive once the tour is downloaded, so you can enjoy it without worrying about data charges.

Is there a specific starting point, or can I begin anywhere?
You can start anywhere along the route between Moose Jaw and Alberta — the tour is designed to be flexible and customizable.

What’s included in the price?
For $6.65, you get access to the audio tour, GPS guidance, and trivia questions. Attraction tickets and transportation are not included, and you need to bring your own vehicle.

How long does the tour last?
Typically, it lasts 3 to 4 hours, but you have the freedom to stop and explore as long as you like. There’s no time limit once you start.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, it’s primarily a driving experience with educational commentary. It’s not specifically marketed as family-oriented, but kids who enjoy stories and trivia might find it engaging.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund.

If you’re curious about the history, landscapes, and stories of the Prairies, and you enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided adventure, this tour could be a neat addition to your Saskatchewan or Alberta trip. Just remember to plan your stops and download the tour ahead of time — and enjoy the drive!