The 4 Most Mis-Pronounced Lake Names in Saskatchewan
(And How to Say Them Like a Local)
Nothing outs you as “from away” faster than mangling a lake name - especially in the province most often mispronounced. Save yourself the good-natured ribbing (and maybe earn a little local cred) with this quick pronunciation mini-guide. Screenshot, share, and feel free to correct us if your shoreline clan says it differently — Saskatchewan place-names can spark lively debates!
1. Waskesiu Lake
Say it: wah-SKA-soo
Don’t say: wahs-keh-SEE-oo
This iconic gem in Prince Albert National Park trips up first-timers every season. Remember “ska" in the middle and a short, punchy “soo” at the end.
2. Qu’Appelle Lakes (Katepwa, Pasqua, etc.)
Say it: kah-PEL (Qu’Appelle) • kuh-TEP-wuh (Katepwa) • PAHS-kwuh (Pasqua)
Don’t say: kwah-ah-PELL • kay-TEP-wah • PASS-kwah
The French-Métis name Qu’Appelle means “Who calls?” Locals drop the “qu” sound and punch the second syllable. Nail “Katepwa” with a quick “wuh” ending and you’ll sound like you’ve summered there for years.
3. Lac La Ronge
Say it: lak la-RAWNJ (soft “j,” rhymes with mange)
Don’t say: lahk lah-RAWN-gay
French spelling, Cree heart. Keep “Lac” as a simple “lak,” blend “La” quickly, and finish with that soft nasal “ronj.” Toss in a proud mention of the lake’s legendary trout and you’re golden.
4. Wakaw Lake
Say it: WAH-kah
Don’t say: WOK-ow or wah-KOW
From the Cree word wâkâw (“crooked”), the proper local pronunciation flows smoothly: “WAH-kah.” Two clean beats, almost swallowing the last syllable. Now you'll sound like a long-time lake regular.
Quick Cheat Sheet
| Lake | Locals Say | Common Slip-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Waskesiu | wah-SKA-soo | wahs-keh-SEE-oo |
| Qu’Appelle | kah-PEL | kwah-ah-PELL |
| Lac La Ronge | lak la-RAWNJ | lahk lah-RAWN-gay |
| Wakaw | wah-KAH | WOK-ow, wah-KOW |
Why It Matters
Beyond sparing blushes, getting the names right shows respect for the mosaic of cultures — Cree, Dene, Métis, French, Scots — woven into Saskatchewan lake country. Plus, you’re far likelier to get spot-on directions if you pronounce the destination correctly.
Share this post with cabin guests before they pull into the gas station and ask for “Wask… Waska… that lake up north?” They’ll thank you—and so will the clerk behind the counter.
Happy cabin living!
