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Largest city in Saskatchewan, Canada
Photo: Trevor Pritchard, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Saskatoon is a city in West Central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of approximately 317,000 people (2021), it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along the South Saskatchewan River, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields.
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The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University.
A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018.
Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Prairies in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story.
Bessborough Hotel
The castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep".
This public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area.
In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door.
The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker.
A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus.
The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Museum of Natural Sciences in the Biology Building, which has 3 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. There are also Museum of Antiquities (with a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern sculpture, Roman coins, ancient glass and pottery) and Canada Light Source.
The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, and North Battleford.
Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Includes a daily tour of the bison herd within the park. Also has a gift shop and restaurant.
Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine.
The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months.
Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas.
Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery.
At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place. A statue of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was born and raised in a nearby rural community, stands near the main entrance; the cremated remains of both Howe and his wife are interred at its base.
Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries.
Saskatoon Zoo
The company performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the former home of the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.
Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July.
Children-oriented activities on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.
An annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere.
Saskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs.
Ukrainian cuisine that's available for eat-in or frozen. Also features a perogy drive-thru, the only of its kind in Canada.
A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake
Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes
Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele.
Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop.
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1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes.
One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended.
An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna.
Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks and cocktails.
The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator.
Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting.
Moxie's
Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well.
"The 2nd Avenue Grill has a selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes."
Small but elegant family-owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes.
A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio.
A Blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers.
A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk.
If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall.
There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink.
Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown.
A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music.
A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students.
Excellent steak sandwiches.
612 Lounge
A lounge where guests can experience cocktails and share plates.
Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this economical bed and breakfast was converted from priests' living quarters to a hostel for medical visitors to a general bed and breakfast over several decades. Free wifi, parking. Communal kitchen and living room. Staff present 24 hours/day.
Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this 18-room lodge has double and queen-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, wifi.
The Travelodge is on the north side of Saskatoon and is at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan.
Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail.
A four-star ten-storey hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of Canada's other railway hotels. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The elegant decoration of the old hotel is well-maintained, and houses an up-to-date business hotel.
The Sheraton is across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river.
The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city.
For contemporary art and craft
Large bookstore and café.
Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres.
For emerging and established Canadian artists.
Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things.
Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy.
A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks.
By train
By car
Saskatoon is on Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) which connects to The Battlefords and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east.
By bus
By public transit
Saskatoon Transit serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Pay cash for individual fares, or buy a GoCard and load packages of 10 rides at a discount.
By bicycles
Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city, and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada.
By taxi
Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15.
By ride hailing
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