When you arrive at the site, you will be greeted by persons in period costume, and our guides, also dressed as the settlers would have been, will provide you with a wealth of information about the site and those who settled there.
As you stand on the high ground, under the Saskatchewan flag, you will be able to overlook the river valley which so much reminded them of home.
As you walk into the ravine you will hear the a cappella Doukhobor songs of the past, see Oospenia Spring, which was used for drinking and washing, and watch the re-enactment of clothes being washed at the stream.
At the dugout house ruins you will learn about its structure, the archaeological work that still continues, and view one of the digs that is still open. You will be able to enter the reconstructed dugout house with the original walls (with a roof and supports added for public safety).
You will then go to the display building on the site, to see the artifacts found in the archaeological exploration, to give you a better understanding of what life was like for the 46 families, 300 people, of which nine families lived in one dugout cave. You will be able to see wool carting to make blankets.
You may wish to end your visit by purchasing a slice of freshly-baked Doukhobor bread and jam, or pyrahi, and take your food and a blanket to a quiet spot overlooking the river valley for a picnic. The costumes of the servers, the food, and the ambience will be true to the tradition of the people who first came here at the end of the 19th century. Doukhobor bread and pyrahi to take home with you are also for sale on site.
Come and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty, and be intrigued by this little-known bit of Saskatchewan history.
We have available educational packets for school groups. Group and school tours are welcome. Please call 306-497-3140 for bookings or complete the form on the Tours page.
Admission is $5 per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What else is there to see in the area if I come to the Doukhobor Dugout House?
The Dugout House is located within a circle of other historic sites that include the Seager Wheeler Homestead at Rosthern, the National Historic Site of Batoche and Fort Carlton, all of which are within less than an hour’s distance. Call West Central Tourism at 306-374-2030, fax 306-374-0579, or go to www.westcentral.sask.info for more information about events and attractions in the area.
Where can we stay if we come?
Saskatoon, one hour away, is a city of 210,000 with a wide selection of hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts.
What special events are you planning for the future?
Among other plans, Russian language short-courses, historical and culinary lectures, and Doukhobor singing and crafts will be added to our events list as the site is developed.