There are 10 circular kilns onsite. Each one was heated up to 1200 to 1371 Degrees Celsius (2300 to 2500 Fahrenheit). This process took 6-10 days and was until the 1960's when they switched to natural gas, the Fireman had to heat the kilns by shovelling coal. I can only image what a hot and gruelling job that must have been.

The Plant Manager, Foreman and Bookkeeper all worked out of the office. It also served as the post office. I hope that the Claybank Brick Plant Historical Society will receive a grant to help restore and preserve some of the buildings on this site like this one.

Looking back at the Claybank Brick Plant as we head out to explore the Dirt Hills and clay pits. For every two of the kilns, there is one smokestack. As the kilns cooled (which took a week) the waste heat was drawn down into a tunnel where it was recycled to help the bricks dry.

The Prickly Pear Cactus is a Saskatchewan native flower. Apparently, the plant is edible but one must first remove the spines (hopefully, that part is obvious) and the seeds. Keep in mind though, it is illegal to pick plants and flowers in national historic sites and parks in Canada. So, if you are brave enough to give it a try you will need to source your cacti from somewhere else.

After exploring the historic site and its natural surroundings Canada's Adventure Seekers headed back to the Claybank Brick Plant Bunkhouse Cafe to enjoy a taste of the prairies. The Cafe makes a beautiful Saskatoon pie with a perfectly flaky crust. These 'Prairie Berries' aren't found across Canada making them a must have treat when visiting Saskatchewan. (We also have them in Alberta, and they are delicious)