The middle Prairie Province, Saskatchewan is a unique specimen, and the only province without natural borders. Don’t let that fool you, though; there’s plenty of nature to be found in this beautiful region. From the grasslands of the south to the rugged Canadian Shield plateau, there is more variety then meets the eye. With such little pollution, stargazing is unmatched in this province. Breathe in the fresh air and open sky on your next visit to this beautiful province with these 10 bucket list items!
Though it is becoming more urban, Saskatchewan is primarily rural. This makes for some of the best agritourism in the country! The southern region of the province is the perfect place to find a Saskatoon berry farm, like those in Abbey, Kincaid and Frontier. The stunning north is populated more so with markets and PYO farms, like those in St. Walburg, Melfort, and Prince Albert. It’s a delicious way to start your trek though Saskatchewan.
Any trip to Saskatchewan requires a trip to its capital city, Regina. From the lakes and hiking trails, to the winter snow and cultural celebrations, you’re sure to find adventure in this lovely town. You’ll discover a wide range of excellent plays and musicals to view at The Regina Globe Theatre, the place to be for live, staged entertainment. During a winter visit, be sure to hit the slopes at Mission Ridge Winter Park, where you’ll find 14 runs to ski. In the summer, take a boat out on the water at Katepwa Point Provincial Park. You can also fish, swim, and hike at Katepwa Lake. The outdoor experiences are endless in this historical city. Book a stay at a nearby Best Western and make a week of it!
While in Regina, do not miss Wascana Centre. This 9.3 square kilometre park was built around Wascana Lake and offers great recreational activities like boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Over the years, the lake has been drained and deepened, and islands have been added. There are now several small islands in the lake, including Willow, Spruce, Pine, Goose and Tern Islands. Many historic, British features also dot the park including gas lamps from London, a fountain from Trafalgar Square, and birch trees from Runnymede Meadow where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215.
Looking to add a little history to your visit? Stop by the Saskatchewan Legislative Building for one of its free tours. Many recent rehabilitation efforts have restored the building to its former beauty and others have introduced modern efficiencies. While you are there, marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows and an equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
One of the best places to stop in Regina is the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. This museum has three interpretive galleries covering the natural history of Saskatchewan and its First Nations cultures. Kids and adults alike will enjoy wandering through the exhibits ranging from life sciences and earth sciences to First Nations and their relationship with the land. Learn more about what formed the Saskatchewan we all know and love today!
No matter the season, Saskatchewan is home to several inviting and invigorating festivals throughout its cities. Any summer visit into Saskatoon should be met with some time spent at the annual Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival. A must-see for Shakespeare fans, this festival runs from early July through mid-August with regular stage performances of your favorite Shakespeare plays, and plays from his contemporaries. In Yorkton you’ll want to check out the Yorkton Film Festival, a staple of the local film and arts scene since 1947. Head for the Gallagher Centre and check out independent films from Canadian directors in late May. The fall and winter are also a great time to visit for agricultural festivals, like Canadian Western Agribition, one of the largest agricultural events in the province. The next time you visit Saskatchewan, be sure to set aside time to explore the fun and adventurous local festivals – you and the family are sure to make long-lasting memories.
Visiting Saskatchewan in the summer? Saskatchewan receives more hours of sunshine than any other Canadian province, and it lies far from any significant body of water. The solution? The Kenosee Superslides! This waterpark is a great way to cool off in the summer, with 10 waterslides and an 800ft lazy canal. If you’re brave enough, there is even an eight-story free-fall slide. Built in 1985, this unique and refreshing escape from the heat is a popular retreat for thousands of Canadians every summer. Stay cool the Saskatchewanian way!
If you are looking for a place to cheer on the home team, visit a Saskatchewan Roughriders game and you will find yourself surrounded by the Rider Nation! This team has won the Western championship a record 28 times, and won 4 Grey Cups, so you know there will not be a dull moment at a Roughriders game. Cheer with every touchdown at Mosaic Stadium in Regina and be a part of this province’s rich football culture.
Affectionately known as the Paris of the Prairies, Saskatoon is the largest and most populous city in Saskatchewan. Visitors of central Saskatchewan frequently enjoy the many attractions found throughout the streets of Saskatoon, including cultural destinations, events and festivals, and year-round outdoor recreation. With sites dating back to the early 1900s, like Broadway Theatre and the Saskatoon Western Development Museum, the city’s culture and context are on full display. Other landmarks, like the Persephone Theatre and Remai Arts Center, offer up plenty of Shakespeare-esque moments and dazzling artistic works. If you’re looking to get outdoors, Saskatoon has you covered. Given the city’s proximity to the South Saskatchewan River, riverside parks like Meewasin, Victoria, and Rotary Park are plentiful. Check out local fishing, canoeing, and hiking on the scenic shores of the city-splitting river while exploring the Meewasin Trail.
Two national parks call Saskatchewan home, and they could not be more different! Grasslands National Park is located in southern Saskatchewan, and protects some of the last untouched prairie grasses in North America. Prince Albert National Park is located in the north, as aspen parkland becomes boreal forest. Many kinds of wildlife, including moose, caribou, wolves, bison and badgers call this park home. Depending on what type of nature you want to experience, these parks will cover it all. Or, better yet, visit them both! Book your stay at a Best Western near both parks, and explore to your heart’s content.