Saskatoon has many names: “City of Bridges”, “Paris of the Prairies” or even “Toon Town”. But no matter the name you choose, Saskatoon belongs at the top of every travel 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 the beautiful prairie city a visit. Here’s why:
In downtown Saskatoon alone, seven bridges cross the South Saskatchewan River, which meanders picturesquely through the city. No wonder Saskatoon is considered to be the most beautiful city in the prairies! You can take a stroll along its beautiful riverside promenade or set sail on the Prairie Lily. A trip on the riverboat offers a unique view of the beautiful city skyline.
The Remai Modern is situated in a prominent location on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. It is known as the most innovative museum for contemporary art in North America. Among others, the museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of linocuts and ceramic objects by the great Pablo Picasso.
You can get a taste of prairie history at the Western Development Museum, where a complete western town from 1920 has been recreated. Visitors get an authentic insight into the life of the early settlers.
The neighbourhoods of Broadway and Riversdale are full of historic charm and joie de vivre. Take a leisurely stroll through these hip neighbourhoods and discover a wide variety of specialty stores and culinary flavors. If you want to feel like a real “local”, you should certainly pay these two districts a visit!
Gather Local Market is local and authentic. The market vendors run their businesses according to the motto “make it – bake it – grow it – sell it”. All products are home-grown and handmade. The indoor market will open in March and will be open all year round and stands for excellent quality and locally produced agricultural products, baked goods, dishes and handicrafts. The outdoor market will be open two days a week starting in May.
A visit to Saskatoon wouldn’t be 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 products made from Saskatoon Berries.
In and outside of Saskatoon, the South Saskatchewan River flows through the Meewasin Valley, inviting young and old to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities – both on land and on water. The Meewasin Trail network stretches for over 100 kilometres along the eastern and western banks of the river and is known as one the best hiking trails in all of Canada. Visitors can immerse themselves in tranquility of wetlands and forests in the Beaver Creek Conservation Area south of the city. Parks Canada is currently examining the possibility of creating another inner-city national park in the Meewasin Valley. They even have an app where you can check out everything they have on offer.
Just outside of the bustling city of Saskatoon lies another highlight: Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Year after year, the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains came to Opimihaw Valley to hunt bison, gather plants and celebrate traditional ceremonies. Today, visitors can experience their Indigenous culture here. The Park features a visitor centre and gallery spaces, a restaurant serving authentic First Nation’s cuisine as well as numerous scenic walks to view the recently reintroduced bison herd. Guided hikes, traditional dance performances, artisan workshops or the spectacular Han Wi Moon Dinner in summer are just some of the activities offered as part of their impressive interpretive program.
Further information can be found at www.tourismsaskatchewan.com and www.tourismsaskatoon.com.