The city of Saskatoon, the largest city in the Western Canadian province of Saskatchewan, is one of the country’s fastest growing cities with a young and entrepreneurial population to match. Here’s a rundown of five of the best reasons to visit this fresh destination, chockfull of the unexpected.
Picasso on the Prairies
Opening in 2017, the Remai Modern Art Gallery is one of North America’s most visionary new art museum developments. The gallery will feature the world’s most comprehensive collection of Picasso linocuts and 23 ceramic works from the Spanish master.
Teetotalers No More
Things have really changed since Saskatoon was first settled in the early 1880s by temperance colonists who set out to create an alcohol-free utopia. Today, passionate brewers and distillers are crafting delicious libations inspired by Saskatchewan’s agricultural bounty. Enjoy a farm tour and tasting at Black Fox Farm & Distillery or learn the remarkable story behind the name LB Distillers while sipping samples like Gambit Gin infused with local Saskatoon berries.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park has been a place of worship, celebration and renewal for nomadic tribes of the Northern Plains for over 6,000 years. Taste bannock and bison stew, visit bison jumps and a medicine wheel, and feel the thundering drum as dancers perform in full regalia.
Culture, music and food are celebrated at 65 annual events, many of which take place along the riverbank of the mighty South Saskatchewan River. From modern takes on the Bard’s works at the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan to world beats at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, there’s always something happening.
Stroll the main street of a turn-of-the-century prairie town that boasts fair weather year-round. The Saskatoon Western Development Museum features one of North America’s longest indoor museum streets. Stop in for refreshments in the Boomtown Café, a working exhibit serving up tasty treats and meals for breakfast and lunch.
For advice on how to incorporate Saskatoon (and where to find the best saskatoon berry pie) and other Saskatchewan destinations into your group itineraries, contact Amy McInnis at Tourism Saskatchewan. Call (306) 787-2199 or email amy.mcinnis@tourismsask.com.
