Saskatoon Attractions: A Guide to the City of Bridges

The Meewasin Valley Trail

One of the most popular attractions in Saskatoon is the Meewasin Valley Trail, a 60-kilometer network of pathways that follows the river and connects various parks, landmarks, and attractions. The trail is ideal for walking, biking, jogging, or skating, and offers scenic views of the city and the river. Along the trail, you can also find interpretive signs, public art, and historical sites, such as the Batoche National Historic Site, the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. The Meewasin Valley Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of Saskatoon.

The Remai Modern

If you are interested in art, you should not miss the Remai Modern, a stunning museum of contemporary art that opened in 2017. The Remai Modern features a collection of more than 8,000 works, including the largest collection of Picasso linocuts in the world, and hosts exhibitions, programs, and events that showcase local and international artists. The museum also has a restaurant, a café, a shop, and a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the river and the city. The Remai Modern is a must-see for art lovers and anyone who appreciates innovative and creative expression.

The Western Development Museum

If you want to learn more about the history and the culture of Saskatchewan, you should visit the Western Development Museum, a network of four museums that tell the story of the province’s social and economic development. The Saskatoon branch of the museum is called Boomtown 1910, and it recreates a typical Saskatchewan town during the early 20th century. You can explore more than 30 buildings, such as a general store, a bank, a school, a church, and a railway station, and see how people lived and worked in that era. You can also see exhibits on agriculture, transportation, technology, and innovation, and interact with costumed interpreters and volunteers. The Western Development Museum is a fun and educational attraction for all ages.

The Broadway District

If you are looking for entertainment, you should head to the Broadway District, a lively neighborhood that is home to many shops, restaurants, bars, and theatres. The Broadway District is known for its eclectic and independent vibe, and its vibrant nightlife. You can find a variety of cuisines, from Mexican to Thai, from vegan to steakhouse, and enjoy live music, comedy, or theatre at venues such as the Broadway Theatre, the Bassment, or the Refinery. The Broadway District also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Broadway Street Fair, the Fringe Festival, and the Jazz Festival. The Broadway District is a place where you can experience the best of Saskatoon’s culture and entertainment.

The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market

If you are looking for fresh and local produce, you should visit the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market, a year-round market that operates every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The market features more than 100 vendors, who sell fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, honey, jams, and more. You can also find crafts, flowers, jewelry, and other handmade items, as well as prepared foods, such as crepes, tacos, burgers, and coffee. The market is located in the Riversdale neighborhood, near the river and the downtown core, and it also hosts special events, such as cooking classes, workshops, and live music. The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market is a place where you can support local farmers and artisans, and enjoy the flavors and the diversity of Saskatoon.

The University of Saskatchewan

If you are looking for a beautiful and historic campus, you should visit the University of Saskatchewan, the largest and oldest university in the province. The university was founded in 1907, and it has a stunning Collegiate Gothic architecture, with buildings made of greystone and limestone. The university also has a botanical garden, a museum of natural history, a museum of antiquities, and a observatory, where you can see the stars and the planets. The university is also known for its research and innovation, especially in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and engineering. The University of Saskatchewan is a place where you can admire the beauty and the excellence of Saskatoon’s academic institution.

The Delta Bessborough

If you are looking for a place to stay, you should consider the Delta Bessborough, a historic hotel that is one of the most iconic landmarks of Saskatoon. The hotel was built in 1932, and it has a distinctive castle-like appearance, with turrets, spires, and gardens. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, with views of the river and the city, and amenities such as a spa, a pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant. The hotel is also located in the heart of downtown, near many attractions, such as the Remai Modern, the Meewasin Valley Trail, and the Midtown Plaza. The Delta Bessborough is a place where you can experience the elegance and the charm of Saskatoon’s historic hotel.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo

If you are looking for a family-friendly attraction, you should visit the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, a park and a zoo that are part of the Meewasin Valley Trail. The park was established in 1913, and it was used as a nursery for planting trees across the prairies. The park has a heritage site, where you can see the original buildings and equipment, and learn about the history of forestry in Saskatchewan. The park also has a playground, a fishing pond, a picnic area, and a train ride. The zoo was opened in 1972, and it features more than 80 species of animals, mostly native to Saskatchewan, such as bison, bears, wolves, cougars, lynx, and elk. The zoo also has a conservation and education center, where you can learn more about the animals and their habitats. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is a place where you can enjoy the nature and the wildlife of Saskatoon.

The Wanuskewin Heritage Park

If you are interested in the Indigenous culture and history of Saskatchewan, you should visit the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a cultural and natural site that is located on the Meewasin Valley Trail. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate, and it showcases the history and the traditions of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples, who have lived in the area for more than 6,000 years. The park has a visitor center, where you can see exhibits, artifacts, and art, and participate in programs and workshops, such as tipi raising, bannock making, storytelling, and dancing. The park also has a trail system, where you can explore the archaeological sites, such as tipi rings, bison jumps, and medicine wheels, and see the native plants and animals, such as prairie dogs, deer, and eagles. The Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a place where you can experience the rich and diverse culture and history of the Indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan.

The Saskatoon Berry Barn

If you are looking for a delicious and unique treat, you should visit the Saskatoon Berry Barn, a farm and a café that specializes in Saskatoon berries, a type of berry that is native to North America, and named after the city. The Saskatoon Berry Barn grows and sells fresh and frozen Saskatoon berries, as well as products made from them, such as pies, jams, syrups, chocolates, and wines. You can also enjoy a meal at the café, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes such as pancakes, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas, all featuring Saskatoon berries. The Saskatoon Berry Barn is a place where you can taste the sweet and tangy flavor of Saskatoon’s signature berry.

The Nutrien Wonderhub

If you are looking for a fun and interactive attraction for kids, you should visit the Nutrien Wonderhub, a children’s museum that opened in 2019. The Nutrien Wonderhub features 12 exhibits, that encourage kids to explore, create, and learn through play. Some of the exhibits include a climbing wall, a water table, a sand table, a light table, a puppet theatre, a maker space, and a pretend city. The Nutrien Wonderhub also hosts events, such as birthday parties, camps, and workshops, and offers programs, such as storytime, science experiments, and art activities. The Nutrien Wonderhub is a place where kids can have fun and discover the wonders of the world.

The Prairie Lily Riverboat

If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic attraction, you should visit the Prairie Lily Riverboat, a cruise boat that operates on the South Saskatchewan River. The Prairie Lily Riverboat offers various cruises, such as sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and wine tasting cruises, and special event cruises. The cruises last from one to two hours, and they offer a unique perspective of the city and the river. You can also learn about the history and the ecology of the river, and see the wildlife, such as pelicans, beavers, and ducks. The Prairie Lily Riverboat is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and the tranquility of Saskatoon’s river.

The Midtown Plaza

If you are looking for a shopping destination, you should visit the Midtown Plaza, a mall that is located in the downtown core. The Midtown Plaza has more than 130 stores and services, ranging from fashion, to electronics, to beauty, to books. You can find popular brands, such as Apple, H&M, Sephora, and Indigo, as well as local businesses, such as SaskMade Marketplace, Prairie Proud, and Hardpressed. The mall also has a food court, where you can find a variety of cuisines, such as Asian, Italian, Greek, and Canadian. The Midtown Plaza is a place where you can find everything you need and more.

The SaskTel Centre

If you are looking for a sports or entertainment venue, you should visit the SaskTel Centre, a multipurpose arena that hosts many events throughout the year. The SaskTel Centre is the home of the Saskatoon Blades, a junior ice hockey team that plays in the Western Hockey League, and the Saskatchewan Rush, a professional lacrosse team that plays in the National Lacrosse League. You can also watch concerts, shows, rodeos, and other events, featuring local and international artists and performers. The SaskTel Centre has a capacity of more than 15,000, and it offers a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, as well as food and beverage options. The SaskTel Centre is a place where you can experience the excitement and the thrill of Saskatoon’s sports and entertainment scene.

Conclusion

Saskatoon is a city that has something for everyone. It is a city that combines nature, culture, and entertainment, and offers a variety of attractions that cater to different interests and preferences. Whether you want to explore the river, admire the art, learn about the history, enjoy the nightlife, taste the food, or watch the events, Saskatoon has it all. Saskatoon is a city that you should not miss on your next trip to Canada.