Saskatoon Travel, Saskatchewan

This Booming City in Canada has Great Attractions For All Ages.

Jun 23, 2008

The welcoming Saskatoon airport is the gateway to this enjoyable city in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is booming these days. The growing economy makes it a pleasant city to visit and has a few key attractions. At the Saskatoon airport, rent a car then check into the Delta Bessborough hotel, and head to the Western Development Museum and Saskatoon Zoo.

Western Development Museum

Largest of the four branches in Saskatchewan, the Western Development Museum (adult $8.50 CDN) is phenomenal. A re-created street from 1910 lets visitors walk through the “boomtown” in an indoor environment just outside of downtown. Watch the blacksmith forge metal and he might even make you a small gift; wander through the barbershop and lock yourself in jail while following the self-guided brochure.

Other exhibits branch off from the Main Street, like a classic car and tractor showroom, the Winning the Prairie Gamble centennial exhibit with stories from women and First Nations people of the time, and changing feature exhibits. The featured pieces now are The Reinventors, inventions that made a difference in our lives or are just plain silly, based on the fun TV show of the same name. July 2008 will see the opening of the first of several new galleries, telling the story of the depression. The set up looks like it’ll be just as well done as the rest of the museum.

Even if you plan to stay for only an hour, you’ll likely stay for more. To keep nourished, the functioning Boomtown Café offers buffet-style meals like burgers and fish & chips for under $10. Sit down in the historical dining room and feel like you’ve stepped into 1910 Boomtown Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo

Also outside of the city centre, the Saskatoon Zoo (adults $7.50 CDN) is a fun getaway. The stars of the show are the semi-new addition of the white Siberian tigers. They pace in front of the windows daring onlookers to get closer.

Other animals run the gamut from lynx and wolves to royal pythons and prairie dogs. They’re organized into species type like mammals, birds, and amphibians, and you will often find geese wandering through the paths with you. This is another attraction that you can stay at all day and that the kids will especially love.

Downtown Saskatoon, SK

Within walking distance, check out the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (910 Spadina Crescent East, 306-244-3800), Mendel Art Gallery (950 Spadina Crescent East, 306-975-7610), and Meewasin Centre (402 Third Avenue South, 306-665-6888).

There’s also a lovely 60 km walking and cycling path, Meewasin Valley Trail, along the South Saskatchewan River that's perfect for a sunset stroll. Recommended dining options include 2nd Ave Grill (10- 123 2nd Avenue South, 306-244-9899), Samurai Japanese Restaurant (in the Delta Bessborough Hotel, 306-683-6926), and Spadina Freehouse (608 Spadina Crescent East, 306-668-1000).

Saskatoon’s gem is the Delta Bessborough Hotel. Built in the 1930’s and nicknamed “Castle on the River,” this is the grandest and finest accommodation in the city. Rooms are comfortable and some still have the original floor toilet flushers. A nice pool, whirlpool, steam room, massage services, and huge gym make for an active or relaxing stay.

For more travel ideas and assistance getting around the province, contact Tourism Saskatchewan (1-877-237-2273).

The copyright of the article Saskatoon Travel, Saskatchewan in Saskatchewan Travel is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Saskatoon Travel, Saskatchewan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Jul 7, 2008 10:27 AM

Joyce Lewis :

Very helpful article. I've spent quite a bit of time in Regina and never really thought much about Saskatoon. Basically I've just driven through on my way elsewhere. Now I see what I've missed.