Seeing the Sights of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
From Pioneer Boomtown to Modern Canadian Tourist Destination
Nov 11, 2009
Moose Jaw is Saskatchewan’s fourth largest city, a place where history and a wide variety of activities come together. Settlers established the first homestead in the middle of winter in 1882, as the InMooseJaw website states. Since then, Moose Jaw, named for a Cree word meaning “warm breezes,” has become a major centre in south-central Saskatchewan.
The History of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Just over a century ago, a new community was born in Saskatchewan, west of Regina. A large fire destroyed a block of the city’s main street, but despite this disaster, the community continued to grow. Incorporated in November 1903, the town experienced an early boom, growing from about 2500 in its early years to 14,000 by 1913 and already featuring paved streets, electricity, and a streetcar system.
In the 1920s, gangsters found Moose Jaw a safe haven for their activities. Al Capone likely once visited the Saskatchewan centre, possibly even using the city's system of tunnels, originally built by Chinese workers constructing the Trans-Canada Railway, to smuggle alcohol during the Prohibition years.
Anyone who appreciates history will enjoy the many tributes to Moose Jaw’s past scattered around the city, some captured in the nineteen murals on several of the city’s buildings. At the Pioneer Village and Museum south of Moose Jaw, visitors can see historic buildings and old cars, as well as an unfinished ship built like a seventeenth-century fishing boat, started by a Finnish settler in the past. The Western Development Museum shows a different aspect of Moose Jaw’s story with its exhibits on all kinds of transportation, including air, land, water, and rail. The city’s history is a fascinating story of growth and change, well worth exploring.
Moose Jaw’s Galleries, Parks, and Industries
Galleries are another central tourist attraction in Moose Jaw, as the city’s tourism website indicates. The Emerald Glass and Art Gallery will appeal to some visitors, while others may prefer to visit the IMC Potash Gallery to learn about the history of one of Moose Jaw’s major industries, which has helped bolster much of the region’s economy. The Claybank Brick Plant is also worth a visit.
An enjoyable alternative to driving is to see the sights from the water on one of the city’s river tours or to spend some time enjoying the creek with its swans and other birds in Crescent Park or to watch a performance at the amphitheatre. Wakamow Park follows the Moose Jaw River and features an extensive system of hiking and biking trails, as well as canoeing and other water sports. The park also has facilities for RV camping and opportunities for all kinds of activities.
Outdoor Activities in Moose Jaw
Outdoor pursuits for all ages and interest abound in Moose Jaw. Golf, baseball, swimming, and camping are only a few of the summer activities available, while winter days can bring hockey, curling, basketball, and more. Bird watchers may also want to visit the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre on the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds for information about the endangered bird. Nearby mineral spas and restaurants are good places to relax after a day of exploration.
From mysterious tunnels to historic artifacts to bird sanctuaries, Moose Jaw has something for young and old to see. Outdoor and indoor activities give visitors a chance to see the unique city that has grown up from the former pioneer town with its unique past. With its many sights to see, sports opportunities, ample dining facilities, and other amenities, a visit to the city is an experience worth repeating.
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