Saskatoon has many names: “City of Bridges”, “Paris of the Prairies” or even “Toon Town”, named after the virtual city of Disney cartoon characters known throughout North America. But no matter, which name you choose, Saskatoon belongs at the top of every traveler’s bucket list – at any time of the year! Its idyllic location on the South Saskatchewan River, its wonderful culinary surprises and its first-class sights are reason enough to pay this beautiful prairie city a visit.
Day 1:
Take in the magic of Saskatoon on a walk along the beautiful promenades of South Saskatchewan River or through the neighbourhoods of the city.
The streets of Broadway and Riversdale, for example, are full of charm and joie de vivre. On a leisurely stroll through these hip neighbourhoods, you can discover a wide variety of specialty stores and culinary flavors. If you want to feel like a real “local”, you should pay these two districts a visit!
Art enthusiasts will be impressed at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. The museum is situated in a prominent location on the riverbanks and is considered to be the most innovative museum for contemporary art in North America. Among others, it houses the world’s most extensive collection of linocut prints and ceramic works by the great Pablo Picasso.
In the evening, go on board the riverboat Prairie Lily, that offers a unique view of Saskatoon’s picturesque skyline. In Downtown alone, seven bridges cross the South Saskatchewan River, which meanders idyllically through the city. No wonder that Saskatoon is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the prairies!
Back on land, nothing stops you from enjoying dinner at the Odd Couple, serving delicious Asian fusion cuisine. The day can be wrapped up in the 9 Mile Legacy microbrewery directly across the street.
Day 2:
Start your day with a visit to Saskatoon Farmers’ Market, where you can enjoy local and authentic produce. The market vendors run their businesses according to the motto “make it – bake it – gather it – grow it”. Therefore, all products are home-grown and handmade. The market is open all year round and stands for excellent quality and locally produced agricultural products, baked goods, dishes and handicrafts.
Interested in getting a taste of prairie history? Then you should pay the Western Development Museum a visit today. A complete western town from 1920 has been recreated here and visitors get an authentic insight into the life of the early settlers.
Spend the rest of the day in Saskatoon and the surrounding area as you please:
For many, a visit to Saskatoon isn’t complete without sampling the delicious berries after which the city was named. One of the best places to experience the berry feast is Berry Barn. Here you can stroll through the orchards, enjoy a slice of the region’s signature Saskatoon Berry Pie and purchase a variety of Saskatoon Berry products.
Another option is visiting the boutique Black Fox Farm & Distillery just outside of Saskatoon. Various high-quality spirits are distilled here from local fruits and with a lot of passion. The state-of-the-art equipment was imported from southern Germany and provides the perfect backdrop for tours and tastings.
Those who prefer to be active can look forward to a variety of outdoor activities in the Meewasin Valley – both on land and on water. The Meewasin Trail network stretches for over 64 kilometres along the eastern and western banks of South Saskatchewan River and is known as one of the best hiking trails in all of Canada.
Back in the city, a true culinary highlight awaits you in the evening. You should certainly book your table in advance at the award-winning restaurant Primal.
Day 3:
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is another highlight just outside of Saskatoon!
The fascinating visitor centre takes you into the world of the Indigenous who have gathered here for over 6,400 years.
Through an interactive museum, gallery spaces with Indigenous art, dance performances, artisan workshops and tipi camps, visitors can learn about the history and lifestyle of the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains. Numerous walking trails on the vast area of the site lead to medicine wheels, tipi rings, a historic bison jump and vantage points to observe the recently reintroduced bison herd.
A hearty lunch at the Wanuskewin Restaurant with Indigenous specialties – ever tried Bannock or bison burgers? – ends your stay in Saskatoon on a high note.
Further information can be found at www.wanuskewin.com and www.tourismsaskatchewan.com.