A- Overview:
Saskatoon is a vibrant, trendy city: a university town filled with craft shops, galleries, attractions and festivals, ranging from jazz to cinema to river races. Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits.
During the US Prohibition era in the 1920s, frequent trips were made to Saskatchewan from the Midwestern border states of Montana and North Dakota by US residents seeking to stock their homes with the beer and other alcoholic beverages whose sale the US had banned. While smuggling a bottle or two of beer or whiskey back across the Canadian border, they would also bring in a supply of the much sought after misaskquatoomina, the delicious wild, purple berries whose Cree name translates to Saskatoon. Ironically, Ontario Methodists had founded the town as a temperance colony in 1883 and had named it after the berry that grows there in abundance.
Straddling the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is known as “The City of Bridges” because of the seven spans connecting its banks. It also is home to the University of Saskatchewan, which is building a reputation for research and development in science, medicine and agriculture. The Diefenbaker Canada Centre on campus showcases memorabilia of Canada’s 13th prime minister.
The Local History Room within the Frances Morrison Library, serves as a research facility for information that focuses on prairie history relating to Saskatoon. Collections include more than 60,000 historic photographs, thousands of books, pamphlets, maps, artifacts and periodicals. An art gallery is next to the room. The Saskatchewan Railway Museum is operated by the Saskatchewan Railroad Historical Association and displays old railroad buildings and artifacts, including locomotives, cabooses and streetcars.
Enjoy the Western Development Museum, Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Saskatoon Zoo and Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
The Centennial Auditorium, is for conventions, as well as being a cultural and civic center. The auditorium is home to the Saskatoon Symphony and the site of traveling shows throughout the year. The Meewasin Valley Centre, features interpretive displays pertaining to the area’s history. Saskatchewan Place features rock concerts; trade shows; hockey, basketball and baseball games; and other sporting events. The facility is on the north side of the city next to highways 2 and 16.
For a different perspective of the Saskatoon, the Shearwater Properties Boat Cruise offers sightseeing tours on the South Saskatchewan River. The Meewasin Valley Trail, following the South Saskatchewan River through the heart of the city, has bicycle and jogging trails, picnic areas and playgrounds and provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice skating. Recreational activities are available at nearby Pike Lake and Blackstrap provincial parks.
B- City Information:
Population: 196,811
Elevation: 1598 feet
Time Zone: Saskatoon is in the Central Time Zone. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City (EST), it is 11:00 AM in Saskatoon. Daylight saving time is not observed.
Location: Saskatoon is centrally located in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada 780 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, a little over 520 kilometers southeast of Edmonton, and just over 300 kilometers north of the U.S. border. Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the south Saskatchewan river which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits.
Average Temperatures:
Month
High
Low
January
9F
-11F
February
-8F
13F
March
27F
6F
April
49F
26F
May
64F
38F
June
71F
48F
July
77F
52F
August
75F
48F
September
63F
38F
October
51F
27F
November
31F
12F
December
16F
-2F
Local Seasons: This region has long, severe winters and relatively short summers with moderate rainfall. There are many sunny days throughout the year. Winter snowfall is comparatively light and is swept away by strong winds. The transition from season to season often occurs very quickly without the interim seasons of fall and spring such as are found in more temperate climates.
National Holidays:
New Years Day January 1
Good Friday Varies
Easter Monday Varies
Victoria Day Monday preceding May 25
Canada Day July 1 The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day
when July 1 is a Sunday.
Labour Day First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day Second Monday of October
Remembrance Day November 11
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
Arriving:
Saskatoon airport (YXE) is located about 10 minutes from the city centre, provides links to all national and international destinations.
By car
Visitors traveling by automobile and arriving in Saskatchewan from the south may enter the province at any one of a dozen border crossings. But the best road is the one leading from Minot, ND (#52), through North Portal to Estevan, SK (#39) and on to Regina (#39 and #6). From Regina, capital of the province and national home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, head north on #11 (twinned highway) to Saskatoon, and then on to Prince Albert (#11) and Waskesiu (#2).
For those arriving in Saskatchewan from the east or west, the TransCanada highway is the fast route. From Regina, head north on #11 to Saskatoon. An alternative route is the Yellowhead Highway (#16). It links Edmonton, AB, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, MB., spanning Saskatchewan to the north of the TransCanada. More scenic than its southern counterpart, the Yellowhead is the preferred route for many tourists arriving from the east or west.
Rail
Saskatoon is served by VIA Rail (1-800-561-8630). Arrivals from eastern Canada are on Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 1:55 a.m., and from western Canada on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 2:40 a.m. Taxi service is available from the station, located about 15 minutes from the city centre.
Bus
There are bus connections to Saskatoon from all points. During summer months, there’s daily bus service from the downtown bus depot (933-8000) to the park village of Waskesiu. In Waskesiu, however, you’ll have to find a ride to the trailhead, located 30 kms from the village.
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Beaver Creek Conservation Area
8 miles s. on Hwy. 219 (Lorne Ave.)
Saskatoon, S7K 3G5 CAN
(306) 374-2474
Free
Daily 9-9, July-Aug.; daily 9-5, May-June; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. and holidays noon-5, Sept.-Oct.; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. noon-5, rest of year
Beaver Creek Conservation Area is 13 km (8 mi.) s. on Hwy. 219 (Lorne Ave.). Self-guided nature trails and interpretive displays are offered..
Diefenbaker Canada Centre
101 Diefenbaker Pl.
Saskatoon, S7N 5B8 CAN
(306) 966-8384
Admission charged.
Mon.-Fri. 9:30-4:30, Sat.-Sun. and holidays noon-4:30; closed Jan. 1, Good Friday, Nov. 11 and Dec. 25-26
Diefenbaker Canada Centre is on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The archives and personal belongings of prime minister John Diefenbaker are housed at the center; his grave site is on the grounds. The museum also offers changing exhibits about Canadian history, art, politics, science, culture and current affairs.
Gladys’ Doll House
4 km (2.5 mi.) n. on Hwy. 12 from 71st St., then 1.6 km (1 mi.) e. and 1 km (.6 mi.) n.
Saskatoon, S7K 3J7 CAN
(306) 933-2638
Admission charged.
Daily 1-7, June-Aug.; by appointment rest of year
More than 1,000 new and antique dolls are featured. Each group of dolls is displayed depicting a scene best describing its history and background.
Mendel Art Gallery and Civic Conservatory
950 Spadina Crescent E.
Saskatoon, S7K 3H6 CAN
(306) 975-7610
Free
Daily 9-9; closed Dec. 25
Mendel Art Gallery And Civic Conservatory is at 950 Spadina Crescent E. in a park between Queen and 25th Sts. This attractive complex overlooks the South Saskatchewan River. In the art gallery are exhibitions of international, national and regional works, including historical and contemporary art. Visitors may view the display of tropical and native plants in the conservatory. Programs and activities are presented in combination with each series of exhibitions.
Musée Ukraina Museum
202 Ave. M. South
Saskatoon, S7K 3H5 CAN
(306) 244-4212
Admission charged.
Mon.-Sat. 11-5, Sun. 1-5
Musée Ukraina Museum is next to St. George’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral at 202 Ave. M. South. Ethnographic collections represent the spiritual, material and folkloric cultural heritage of Ukraine. Interpretive tours portray Ukrainian civilization from prehistory to the commencement of emigration. The adjacent cathedral, with its Ukrainian Eastern Byzantine Rite architecture, art and iconography, may be viewed upon request.
Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre
120 33rd St. E.
Saskatoon, S7K 0S2 CAN
(306) 373-9901
Free
Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30. Tours are given Tues.-Wed. by appointment
The center is dedicated to preserving First Nations cultures in Saskatchewan such as the Woodland, Swampy and Plains Cree; Dene; Saulteaux; Dakota; Lakota; and Nakota. Exhibits include historic artifacts as well as contemporary arts and crafts.
Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corp. Emerald Casino
Ruth St. W. & Lorne Ave. S.
Saskatoon, S7K 4E4 CAN
(306) 683-8840
Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4 a.m., Sun. noon-2 a.m.; closed Easter and Dec. 24-25
Casino games and entertainment.
Saskatoon Zoo and Forestry Farm Park
1903 Forest Dr.
Saskatoon, S7S 1G9 CAN
(306) 975-3382
Admission charged.
Zoo and park open daily 9-9, May 1-Labour Day; 10-4, rest of year
Displayed in settings resembling their natural habitats are 350 species of birds and animals native to Saskatchewan and western Canada. The park offers a children’s petting zoo, a reptile and tropical fish display, stocked fishing pond and nature walkways. The Kinsmen Express train provides a tour around the park and zoo.
Shearwater Boat Cruises
off Spadina Crescent opposite Kinsmen Park, at the Mendel Art Gallery dock.
Cruises depart daily at 2:30, 4 and 5:30, May 12-Sept. 30. Schedule may vary; phone ahead
Saskatoon, SK S0J 1A0 CAN
(888) 747-7572
Scenic 1-hour cruises aboard the Saskatoon Princess take in the downtown waterfront and include commentary about the city’s history.
Ukrainian Museum of Canada
910 Spadina Crescent E.
Saskatoon, S7K 3H5 CAN
Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5; closed Jan. 1 and 7, Good Friday, Ukrainian Good Friday, Victoria Day, Labour Day and Dec. 25
Admission charged.
Exhibits include folk and fiber art, domestic and agricultural tools, and documents and photographs of Ukrainian immigrants. Guided tours are available.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is 5 km (3.1 mi.) n. on Hwy. 11, 3 km (1.9 mi.) s. on Warman Rd., then 2 km (1.2 mi.) e. on Penner Rd.
Saskatoon, S7K 3J7 CAN
(306) 931-6767
Daily 9-9, Victoria Day weekend-Labour Day weekend; 9-5, rest of year. Closed Good Friday and Dec. 25
Cree for “seeking peace of mind,” Wanuskewin is a 290-acre First Nation heritage park that traces more than 6,000 years of area history. The park showcases 19 archeological sites where such artifacts as a medicine wheel and tipi rings have been unearthed. An interpretive center overlooks a valley where stampeding bison plunged over a cliff to their death. Hands-on exhibits, computer-activated displays and two audiovisual presentations portray the Northern Plains Indian culture. An outdoor activity area allows visitors to help build a tipi or tan a hide. Native performers present Indian dances, songs and storytelling in a 500-seat amphitheater. Self-guiding trails meander through the park and feature interpretive signs explaining past uses of the land. Food is available.
Western Development Museum’s 1910 Boomtown
2610 Lorne Ave.
Saskatoon, S7J 0S6 CAN
Admission charged.
Daily 9-5, Apr.-Dec.; Tues.-Sun. 9-5, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1 and Dec. 25
Western Development Museum’s 1910 Boomtown is at 2610 Lorne Ave. This indoor representation of a typical prairie town features more than 30 buildings. Displays include transportation artifacts and vintage agricultural equipment. Food is available.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Gladys’ Doll House
4 km (2.5 mi.) n. on Hwy. 12 from 71st St., then 1.6 km (1 mi.) e. and 1 km (.6 mi.) n.
Saskatoon, S7K 3J7 CAN
(306) 933-2638
Admission charged.
Daily 1-7, June-Aug.; by appointment rest of year
More than 1,000 new and antique dolls are featured. Each group of dolls is displayed depicting a scene best describing its history and background..
Saskatoon Zoo and Forestry Farm Park
1903 Forest Dr.
Saskatoon, S7S 1G9 CAN
(306) 975-3382
Admission charged.
Zoo and park open daily 9-9, May 1-Labour Day; 10-4, rest of year
Displayed in settings resembling their natural habitats are 350 species of birds and animals native to Saskatchewan and western Canada. The park offers a children’s petting zoo, a reptile and tropical fish display, stocked fishing pond and nature walkways. The Kinsmen Express train provides a tour around the park and zoo.
Western Development Museum’s 1910 Boomtown
2610 Lorne Ave.
Saskatoon, S7J 0S6 CAN
Admission charged.
Daily 9-5, Apr.-Dec.; Tues.-Sun. 9-5, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1 and Dec. 25
Western Development Museum’S 1910 Boomtown is at 2610 Lorne Ave. This indoor representation of a typical prairie town features more than 30 buildings. Displays include transportation artifacts and vintage agricultural equipment. Food is available.
Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre
120 33rd St. E.
Saskatoon, S7K 0S2 CAN
(306) 373-9901
Free
Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30. Tours are given Tues.-Wed. by appointment
The center is dedicated to preserving First Nations cultures in Saskatchewan such as the Woodland, Swampy and Plains Cree; Dene; Saulteaux; Dakota; Lakota; and Nakota. Exhibits include historic artifacts as well as contemporary arts and crafts.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
Early February
Cattle Congress
Early March
Annual Collector’s Show
Mid-March
Juvenile Provincial Curling Playoffs
613 Park St.
Saskatoon, S4N 5N1
(306) 780-9202
Late March
Gardenscape
Late March
FLICKS: International Film Festival For Youth
Early April
Flicks International Film Festival for Young People
Broadway Ave. & 7th St. E.
Saskatoon, S7N 1B3
(306) 956-3456
This 3-day festival features the best in the world’s cinema for families.
Mid-late April
Canada Dairy Expo
Early June
Northern Saskatchewan International Children’s Festival
Mid-June
Annual Cameco Victoria Park Summer Festival
Late June- early July
SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
Early July
Canada Day Celebrations
Early July – Late August
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival
Mid-July
Pion – Era 2004
Mid-July
Great Northern River Roar
Mid-July
Taste of Saskatchewan
Mid-July
Ness Creek Music Festival
Late July
Saskatoon Berry Festival
Late July-early August
Annual Saskatoon International Fringe Festival
Mid-August
Saskatoon Exhibition
Mid-August
Clarica Mid–Summer Masters Horse Show
Mid-August.
Annual Folkfest
Late August
Canada Remembers International Air Show
Late August
Ukraine Day in the Park
Late August
Annual Cruise Weekend
Mid-October
Canadian Cowboys Association Rodeo Finals
Late November
Saskatoon City Hospital’s Festival of Trees
Early December
Sundog Hand