The village is conveniently located in the heart of southwest Saskatchewan. Thomson Lake Regional Park, with its excellent camping, swimming, boating and golfing facilities is located a mere 30 minutes away. The village is also only an hour drive away from both the west and east blocks of the Grasslands National Park.The village itself is an active community which has experienced a revitalization of sorts in the past few years. Due to some serious water problems in the past, the village now boasts a new water supply and treatment plant. There was a period of time when there was no grocery store, or gas station in the village. As well, the community itself now owns and operates the grocery store and a local entrepreneur has recently reopened the gas station/car wash. The village also has a garage and a tire shop. A 10,000 head feed lot recently opened up in the area and a u-pick berry operation is located on a farm north of the village. There is a bar/restaurant as well as a hairdressing shop, insurance agent, a full service post office, and a R.M. office.
Built in 1939, The Convent was a high school operated by The Sisters of Assumption. Classes were held in The Convent until the mid-1960s, when the school was closed. The building stood vacant until discovered by Robert Ducan during a 1996 summer vacation visit to Val Marie. Captivated by the buildings brick work, hardwood floors, and rich interior wood, Robert purchased the building from the village, saving The Convent from imminent demolition. Working together, Robert and Mette restored the building, opening The Convent Country Inn, in time for the 1997 winter holiday season.The story of Roberts and Mettes achievement has been featured on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) radio and television programs, and in The Globe and Mail newspaper.Grasslands National ParkThe Convent is an ideal place to stay while exploring Canadas Grasslands National Park.
For 92 years the Palais Royale has been home to great musicians such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. In 2005 Palais Royale underwent a revival and now takes its place as one of Toronto's premier event venues. Catering to another generation of weddings, corporate and social affairs in a spectacular setting overlooking Lake Ontario, our state-of-the-art venue will inspire those looking for innovation within an urban oasis.