When most people think of tourist destinations in Canada, a few places immediately come to mind. Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City or Vancouver maybe. Natural and recreational destinations like Whistler, Mont Tremblant, Banff and Jasper National Park to be sure.
Canada is a big, gigantic country, but with such a diminutive population by comparison. As a result, we sometimes omit certain Canadian towns from our travel plans. There are a lot of gems in the Great White North, like Fredericton in New Brunswick, St. John’s in Newfoundland, Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Although the capital of the prairie province is Regina, Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan. With a metro area of 234,000 people and strong connections to the Royal Family, “The Bridge City” is a terrific little gem set amid a vast plain and Aspen parkland. The urbanscape actually contains a few hills and valleys, with the South Saskatchewan River dividing the city between east and west.
Weather, as with all Canadian destinations, is a major point to consider before you visit Saskatchewan and indeed, Saskatoon. The dry climate provides notorious swings in temperature. Believe it or not, summers can get as hot as 40?C (although only for a day or two at most), with the mercury dropping to a bone-chilling -50?C with windchill in winters. A piece of advice? Visit the city when you can walk around comfortably, say in May, June or September. As you stroll around this idyllic prairie town, here are some highlights to keep in mind.
With almost 10% of Saskatoon’s population made up of First Nations people, the city has a lot of wonderful landmarks and heritage sites. Spread out over 290 acres next to the South Saskatchewan River in Opamihaw Valley, the historic Wanuskewin Park has been a home to Aboriginal people for over 6,000 years. Today the heritage park is devoted to rich native culture. With almost two dozen archaeological sites, the area’s importance with anthropologists and scholars is significant. Visitors can explore the vast park via nature trails, sample Aboriginal cuisine, learn about native crafts and even stay overnight, in a tipi of course.
Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum recreates the early 20th century pioneer, frontier prairie boom days, so much a part of Saskatchewan and Western Canada’s heritage. The facility contains a superlative array of genuine artifacts that bring back the bygone era in vivid color. As a result, a few hours here is well worth the time and effort.
A superb art gallery on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, the Mendel underwent a grand expansion in 2005. Today the beautiful glass facility contains over 5,000 works of art and draws over 80,000 visitors a year.
As a National Historic Site in Canada that for almost a century, has been a paramount nursery and later, reserve for native trees. For much of the 20th century, almost 150 million trees, from maple, ash and willow, were grown here and sent to farmers all over the northern Prairies. Today as a park, the area draws visitors to a wonderful little zoo, historic landmarks such as the Forestry Farm House and myriad picnic and recreation spots.
Saskatoon has an inordinate amount of live theater, fine arts events and festivals for a town of only 230,000 people. Much takes place at the excellent Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium downtown. Now known as TCU Place, the venue hosts the Saskatoon Symphony, among other events throughout the year.
The annual Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival is perhaps the best known regular event in Saskatoon. It spans the entire summer season with phenomenal tributes to the Bard’s work on the handsome South Saskatchewan riverbank.
Other notable festivals include the Saskatoon International Fringe Festival in July and August, SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and the Saskatoon Exhibition (similar to a State Fair in the U.S.). Whatever festival you choose to attend, chances are you’ll hear a version or two of Canadian icon band The Guess Who’s classic, “Runnin’ Back to Saskatoon”.
Check out some of the best hotel deals in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
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