As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, there’s always something happening in Saskatoon!
Whether you’re a fan of the arts, a history buff, or a foodie in search of your next great meal, Saskatoon offers an endless supply of venues and attractions designed to keep you and your family entertained throughout your stay.
In honour of anyone who’s ever uttered the words “now what?” while on vacation, here is Saskatoon’s answer…
Visitors looking to experience an authentic taste of Saskatoon can choose from more than 400 restaurants offering an incredible variety of cuisines and flavours, sure to please even the most discerning of diners. Offering a mix of emerging and established culinary talent, Saskatoon’s epicurean scene has become an attraction unto itself. Notable standouts include Truffles Bistro - serving a progressive, yet respectful take on French cuisine while highlighting Saskatchewan-produced ingredients; Tusq - offering some of the area’s best from-scratch delicacies; and Calories – known for their relaxed ambience and creative menu. From fine dining to casual fare, the city offers a taste everyone can sink their teeth into.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy playing at some of the most challenging and uber-luxurious golf courses in Canada (www.tourismsaskatoon.com/playgolfsaskatoon). Offering championship courses and picturesque fairways nestled along the South Saskatchewan River valley, Saskatoon’s must-experience golf courses include: Dakota Dunes Golf Links, Greenbryre Golf & Country Club, Holiday Park Golf Course, Moonlake Golf & Country Club, Silverwood Golf Course, Wildwood Golf Course and The Willows Golf & Country Club.
Nature buffs and outdoor lovers will revel in the beauty of the Meewasin Valley Trail (www.meewasin.com), winding along the South Saskatchewan River through the heart of Saskatoon. ‘Meewasin’ – Cree for ‘beautiful’ – is a perfectly apt description of this natural and cultural resource, which encompasses conservation areas, parks, museums, canoe launches and over 60 kilometres of stunning trail.
Located along the Meewasin Valley Trail, the Mendel Art Gallery (www.mendel.ca) is Saskatoon’s premier destination for contemporary and historical art, counting over 5,800 works in their collection. Also a great place to bring children, the Mendel offers Sunday afternoon art-making activities for families, led by gallery artists. Bonus: they take care of the supplies!
Visitors to Saskatoon are invited to discover Saskatoon’s ‘wild’ side at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo (www.saskatoon.ca and www.saskatoonzoosociety.ca). Open daily, the venue offers environmental education and a wide array of animal attractions – from rare and exotic species to those indigenous to Western Canada.
After a busy day of exploring the city by land, set sail along Saskatoon’s scenic waterways with a leisurely riverboat tour of the South Saskatchewan River. Shearwater Tours (www.shearwatertours.com) offers daily sightseeing trips aboard the Meewasin Queen and Friday night dinner cruises, complete with a full three-course meal and a fully stocked bar.
With one of the largest Ukrainian populations in Canada, Saskatoon is the ideal home for the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (www.umc.sk.ca), which houses one of the largest collections of ethnic textiles in North America. Situated within Saskatoon's vibrant downtown core, overlooking the South Saskatchewan River, the museum houses cultural artifacts, such as clothing, linens, tools, books, photographs, documents and other treasures that were collected from the first, second and third waves of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada.
Located five kilometres north of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park (www.wanuskewin.com) brings history to life as the official gathering place of the Northern Plains Indians for the last 6,000 years. Set amidst the beautiful and unspoiled natural prairie landscape, the park offers 360 acres of scenic trails, interpretive sites, archeological digs, and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. While visiting, guests can experience the culture of the Northern Plains Indians through hands-on demonstrations, traditional cuisine, art galleries, indoor and outdoor activities and overnight Tipi wilderness camps.
For something out of the ordinary, you can take a trip back in time to experience what life was like in Saskatoon 100 years ago. Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum (www.wdm.ca/stoon.html) takes visitors back to 1910, complete with period costumes, original artifacts, interactive exhibits and actors who recreate community life in the 1900s. Ideal for history buffs and families with children – this interactive learning experience offers an authentic look at the Prairies as it existed more than a century ago.
For more information or to plan your Saskatoon getaway, visit www.tourismsaskatoon.com.
