Petrofka Spring, Saskatchewan

## Overview Petrofka Spring is a natural public drinking spring located in rural Saskatchewan, situated north of Saskatoon near the small town of Blaine Lake. Nestled along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River valley near the Petrofka Bridge on Highway 12, this spring has long been a stop for locals and travelers passing through the area. The Petrofka area itself takes its name from early Ukrainian and Doukhobor settlers who homesteaded in the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and natural springs like this one were vital freshwater sources for those pioneering communities. The spring sits at an approximate elevation consistent with the river valley terrain, where underground aquifers naturally surface through the glacial till and sedimentary layers that characterize central Saskatchewan's geology. Visitors have historically reported that the water from Petrofka Spring tastes clean and fresh, and it has been used as a drinking water source by area residents for generations. That said, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions, and no recent testing data is publicly available. ## Directions 1. From Saskatoon, head north on **Highway 12** toward Blaine Lake. 2. Continue on Highway 12 until you cross the **Petrofka Bridge** over the North Saskatchewan River. 3. Immediately after crossing the bridge, the highway begins to curve to the right. Watch for a **turnoff on the left side** of the road at the beginning of this bend. 4. Turn **left** onto the gravel road. 5. Follow the gravel road until you reach what appears to be a campground or former camping area. You'll notice a **circular gravel loop road** around the campsite. 6. Look for an **opening on the left side** of the campsite area. The spring is located approximately **20 feet (about 6 meters)** ahead through this opening. **GPS Coordinates:** 52.659717, -106.858017 ## What to Expect Petrofka Spring is located in a quiet, semi-rural setting that feels tucked away from the highway despite being relatively close to it. The spring emerges near what appears to be a current or former campground, complete with a circular gravel road that loops around the site. The area is lightly wooded and offers a peaceful atmosphere, especially during the warmer months. The spring itself is a short walk from the campsite clearing — just about 20 feet through an opening on the left side of the area. The flow and accessibility may vary depending on the season; spring and summer tend to offer the best conditions, while winter visits may be complicated by snow and ice. The gravel road leading in is generally passable for standard vehicles, though conditions can deteriorate during wet weather or after heavy rains. This is a no-frills natural spring — don't expect signage, facilities, or maintained infrastructure. Visitors should come prepared and be respectful of the natural surroundings. The Petrofka Bridge area along the North Saskatchewan River is scenic in its own right, making the short detour worthwhile even beyond the spring itself.