Saskatoon

Saskatchewan's largest city, situated on the South Saskatchewan River with a vibrant downtown and cultural institutions. Known for its riverside parks, the Remai Modern art museum, and as the gateway to northern Saskatchewan.

Things to do

• Remai Modern Art Museum — A striking riverside gallery featuring contemporary and historical art with an emphasis on Canadian works and international exhibitions.
• Meewasin Trail System — A 60+ km network of paved pathways along the South Saskatchewan River ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying the river valley landscape.
• The Bessborough Hotel Tour — A historic 1930s château-style hotel overlooking the river offering tours of its grand interiors and a chance to experience Saskatoon's architectural heritage.
• Wanuskewin Heritage Park — An Indigenous cultural centre just north of the city showcasing 6,000 years of northern plains Indigenous history through exhibits, teepees, and interpretive trails.
• Broadway Avenue Shopping District — Saskatoon's vibrant downtown strip featuring independent boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants reflecting the city's creative culture.
• Spadina Crescent Parks — A scenic riverside corridor with manicured gardens, walking paths, and picnic areas offering views of the South Saskatchewan River and city skyline.

Food to try

• Saskatoon Berry Pie — A regional dessert specialty using the native Saskatoon berry, served warm with cream or ice cream at local bakeries and restaurants.
• Bison Steak — Prairie bison meat featuring prominently in upscale Saskatchewan restaurants as a lean, locally-sourced alternative to beef.
• Perogies — Ukrainian-influenced potato and cheese filled dumplings reflecting Saskatoon's strong Eastern European heritage, available at casual diners and specialty restaurants.
• Wild Rice Soup — A hearty local preparation combining wild rice harvested from northern Saskatchewan with vegetables and cream, emblematic of prairie comfort food.
• Cree Cuisine Experience — Wanuskewin Heritage Park offers traditional Indigenous dishes prepared using traditional methods and local ingredients like bison and wild plants.

Local customs & good to know

• River Pride — Saskatoon residents take deep pride in the South Saskatchewan River as the city's lifeblood and defining geographic feature, with extensive public investment in riverside accessibility.
• Winter Preparedness — Visitors should come prepared for long, cold winters with temperatures dropping well below -20°C; locals embrace winter activities rather than avoiding them.
• Indigenous Respect — The region is Treaty 6 territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, and Saulteaux peoples; visitors are encouraged to learn about Indigenous history and support Indigenous-owned businesses and cultural sites.
• Farmer's Market Culture — The Saskatoon Farmers' Market on weekends is a social hub where locals gather for fresh prairie produce, baked goods, and community connection reflecting agricultural heritage.