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| Geography |  Estevan is situated in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan, approximately 16 kilometres (kms) (10 miles) north of the United States (U.S.) border, and 129 kms (80 miles) west of the Manitoba border. It is perched on the north side of the Souris River Valley, a recent glacial spillway that stretches over 650 kms (400 miles), entering the U.S. and re-entering Canada to join the Assiniboine River near Brandon, Manitoba. Latitude of the city is 49 degrees 8 min. N. and longitude is 102 degrees 59 min. W.
Estevan's elevation is 572.1 metres (1,877 feet) above sea level. Two principal heights of land are located nearby, the nearest being the Missouri Coteau (or third prairie level), which rises about 182 metres (600 feet) above the surrounding terrain, approximately 96 kms (60 miles) west of Estevan. Nearly 72 kms (45 miles) to the northeast lies, Moose Mountain, an island of uplands similarly rising 182 metres (600 feet) above the Souris Plain.
| | History | Settlement of Estevan began in 1892, with the extension of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) line from Brandon to Estevan. Extension of the Soo Line railway between North Portal and Moose Jaw brought many American settlers to the area, accelerating the pace of settlement, and placed Estevan on a major north-west/south-east trade route terminating in Minneapolis. In 1899, Estevan was incorporated as a Village, and became a Town in 1906, with a population of about 600. By World War I, Estevan was known as an agriculture service centre, a railway divisional point, and a coal-mining centre.
Few people know the actual origin of the name `Estevan.' Estevan was named to commemorate railway achievements.
The `Energy City' is named entirely after George Stephen - it is not a combination of the names of the two prominent CPR officials. `Estevan' was George Stephen's cable name, or his `registered telegraphic address. Telegraph systems were common in that day, and people were frequently labeled when they used the wire system.
The first viable coal mine in the area was established at Roche Percee in 1891. As Estevan grew, numerous mines were established closer to it, with some shafts reaching a depth of 90 feet; many local farmers used coal mining income to help them establish their farming operations. Underground coal mining and the local settlements associated with it thrived - at least until the Great Depression and the advent of surface 'strip' mining by electric shovels in the 1930s. By 1956, a sixty-year era of underground coal mining in the region had come to an end. Today there is just one company mining coal in the Estevan area, but with several huge draglines operating. Their annual production is approximately 8 million tones.
| | Economic Information | Estevan is Saskatchewan's Energy Capital and Saskatchewan's 'Sunshine Capital'. It has a diversified industrial base, with agriculture, clay and coal mining, power generation, plus oil and gas exploration and production activities. The City has the highest per capita income in the province, and several factors make it an ideal location for commercial and industrial development.
Agriculture is one of the major industries in the Estevan area. The Rural Municipality (RM) of Estevan plus five other RMs surrounding it had farm sales totaling about $62 million in 1990 and a total of farm capital of $502.2 million in 1991. Hard Red Spring Wheat and Durum are the predominant cereal crops grown in the region. Canola, mustard, flax, peas, and lentil acres have increased significantly in the last few years.
| | Attractions |  Estevan is Saskatchewan's `Sunshine Capital', more recently Saskatchewan's `Energy City'. Currently there is an abundance of activities waiting for you. Whether you drive to Estevan or fly in to the airport, you will find Estevan an exciting destination.
You may want to stay in Woodlawn Regional Park or the Hidden Valley Golf Resort; situated in the beautiful parkland, on the banks of the Souris River, or book into one of the many fine motels or bed and breakfasts. No matter where you stay you will always find a friendly welcome.
You will be impressed by the eighteen-hole golf course in the Regional Park or you may try boating and fishing at Boundary Dam lake, which stretches nine miles to the border of North Dakota.
Explore the countryside with a well-planned Self-Guided Tour brochure that takes you to fascinating geological formations in the ancient Souris Valley, the haunted ruins of an old mining town, and the famous Rafferty Dam.
Be sure to take a free-guided energy tour that will include a stop at the state-of-the-art power plant and greenhouse and the local strip mines that will show you some of the world's largest mining equipment in operation.
An evening of laughter for the whole family awaits you at the Souris Valley Theatre, located in a picturesque setting adjacent to Woodlawn Regional Park. Make sure you stop in at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum to see the interesting and high quality art exhibitions. A stop at the Souris Valley Museum is also in order to see the unique collection of artifacts on display.
Come slide into a world of exploration and adventure. The essence of the leisure centre is the dynamic and active programming within each participation area. Whether you are in the leisure pool, hot tub, waterslide, steam room, exercise room, squash courts, skate park or one of the many other amenities excitement awaits. If you feel the need for speed then a visit to the Estevan Motor Speedway, Estevan Drag Races or Moto Cross Races may be just what you have been looking for.
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