SASKATCHEWAN - Those who live in Saskatchewan know that their living skies, wonders of prairie landscape and wildlife as well as the serenity this province offers in its open spaces. But selling these features to tourists and visitors took a unique presentation.
Hidden Haven located just outside of Swift Current, Sask. has been named as the most wish-listed stay in Saskatchewan, included on a Canadian list that includes each province and territory on an Airbnb list, named by Canadians.
With summer just around the corner, search for domestic stays in 2025 have jumped nearly 20 per cent compared to last year, highlighting a growing passion for discovering incredible Canadian destinations. The recently released Airbnb most wish-listed stay list offers unforgettable escapes coast-to-coast.
The charming tiny house in southern Saskatchewan, on a private 120-acre property just outside of Swift Current city limits, is perfect for a peaceful retreat. Visitors can enjoy hiking, stargazing and the option to book a Nordic spa experience for the ultimate relaxation getaway.
Sara Wallace and her husband Jay started out small, literally.
“It’s kind of a funny story. We started Hidden Haven almost by accident, “says Wallace
Sara’s husband Jay built their first tiny home in his shop on a week that presented -40 temperatures in 2022.
“For him, it was just a fun project for our girls. We had this raw piece of 120 acres that our family has loved to play on for years, but there was nothing on it. He decided it would be a great place to put our tiny house, which we named 'the Elle', after our oldest daughter.”
The first tiny home started out with only solar lights, a wood stove and a camping toilet. Sara said her husband suggested they put it on a STR site and she thought it was a crazy notion. Yet that first summer, the bookings started to roll in.
“When we decided to build our forever home on the land the following year, we made the decision to add power and running water to "the Elle" and then in summer of 2023, we added our second tiny home, 'the Mesa', named after our second daughter.”
The fall of 2024, the couple added a fun new amenity, Hidden Haven Nordic Spa, which features a hot tub, cold plunge and sauna, which is open to the tiny house guests, and also to the general public.
“Before we knew it, we had created something that felt like a hidden gem — something that captured the peace, simple beauty, and adventure of Saskatchewan. Too often, the Prairies are overlooked as a destination, and we are so blessed to be able to showcase just how amazing this place can be. We have met the most incredible people from all over the world and some have even become friends,”
The Wallaces say now that they have two tiny homes, they have a third daughter that still needs a tiny home named after her, “so we will see”.
Located just two km south of Swift Current, guests feel like they can enjoy the wide-open prairie spaces, while also offering a quick zip into town to enjoy Swift Current and the many amazing restaurants and shops.
Addition of Nordic Spa has increased booking for Hidden Haven in southern Sask.
The couple say their rentals are open year-round, with their busiest season from May long weekend to September long weekend. During that time, they have experienced 95 per cent occupancy.
“However, with the opening of our Nordic spa last fall, we have seen our winter season get a bit busier as well.”
Wallace says, “Hidden Haven is a family affair. My husband, Jay, and our three girls, Brielle, Mesa and Remi are all a part of what makes this possible. Oh, and our dog Leo, he is a guest favourite as well. Our girls help out on everything from cleaning to greeting guests to making custom ice cream to keep our guests cool on a hot day. We truly love hosting and sharing our beautiful piece of the prairies with others. “
Guests love the added bonus of being pet pet-friendly property as it offers their furry family members a chance to roam 120 acres.
“We have had guests from Vancouver to Ontario, Alaska to Texas, Thailand, Germany, Australia. We even have return guests this summer from Switzerland,” says Wallace.
Asked how the family felt about being named to this top wish-listed stays through the Canadian Airbnb list, their response was, “It’s truly an honour. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s shown interest in our little haven on the Saskatchewan prairies. We feel blessed that our tiny homes have made it onto so many dream lists. “
