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Saskatoon

Saskatoon is full of hidden treasures. Head into the downtown core and inner neighborhoods to get a sense of this vibrant city. The majestic South Saskatchewan River winds through downtown, offering beautiful, natural diversions. Leafy parks and rambling riverside walks help you make the most out of long, sunny summer days, and there are plenty of great spots to stop for a refreshing drink and a chat with locals.

Saskatoon knows how to heat up cold winter days and short summer nights, with a proud heritage of local rock and country music and a vibrant live-music scene. Local girl Joni Mitchell made good and there are plenty hoping to follow. If you only have time for one Saskatchewan stop, make it Saskatoon.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Saskatoon.

  • Nature Reserve

    Meewasin Valley

    The Meewasin Valley, formed by the South Saskatchewan's wide swath through the center of town, is named for the Cree word for 'beautiful'. Mature trees populate the riverbanks, while sections of the 60km Meewasin Trail, extend from downtown paths, winding through forests and along the riverbank. It is popular with walkers, cyclists and wandering travelers, and picnic areas line the trails. Further north, Mendel Island is home to abundant wildlife. The website has downloadable maps and info.

  • Museum

    Western Development Museum

    The flagship Saskatoon branch of the province's Western Development Museum is a faithful re-creation of Saskatoon the boom town, c 1910. Inside Canada's longest indoor street, you can roam through the town's many buildings, from a dentist's office straight out of a horror film to the pharmacy, the walls of which are lined with hundreds of vintage concoctions. There are trains, tractors, buggies, sleighs and a jail. It's about 4km south of downtown.

  • Gallery

    Remai Modern

    A huge new attraction that anchors River Landing, Remai Modern is a museum of modern and contemporary art for Saskatoon. It has 11 gallery spaces over three floors, learning studios, a theater, restaurant, store, lounges and play areas. There are changing exhibitions, so check the website for what's coming up.

  • Park

    Wanuskewin Heritage Park

    Devoted to the history of the province's first inhabitants, this riverside heritage park 17km northeast of Saskatoon interprets a 7000-year history. At Wanuskewin (wah-nus- kay -win; Cree for 'seeking peace of mind') you can wander interpretive trails through the 116 hectares of grassy hills and valley meadows, discovering some of the 19 pre-contact sites. Invisible from the surrounding prairie, the untouched Opamihaw Valley is a spiritual and sacred place. Cultural dance performances take place on summer afternoons.

  • Museum

    Children's Discovery Museum

    Saskatoon's children's museum, also known as Wonderhub, is making the most of its new location down by the river with three floors of fun for kids. Parks Canada is in there with a glimpse into Saskatchewan’s national parks and experiences (such as touch-and-feel animal footprints), while there are play areas and all sorts of learning experiences.

  • Zoo

    Saskatoon Zoo Society

    About 9km from downtown, this pleasant little zoo, nestled among shaded picnic grounds in Forestry Farm Park, is great for kids. Animals are predominantly rescues or are no longer able to survive in the wild, and residents include grizzly bears, alpacas, wolves, cougars and prairie dogs.

  • Museum

    Ukrainian Museum of Canada

    This museum tells the story of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. With an emphasis on traditional clothing and contemporary artwork, it provides a good insight into the world of Ukrainian Canadians. Check out the gift shop for pysanka (decorated Easter eggs).

  • Museum

    Saskatchewan Railway Museum

    The railroad opened up Saskatchewan to settlers and was a vital lifeline for getting grain to market. This museum shows how things were when rails, not roads, were the most important links in the province. It's west of the center on Hwy 7, then 2km south on Hwy 60.