Unforgettable Family-Friendly Attractions in Canada
Canada's Unforgettable Family-Friendly Attractions Canada is not just any other country but a place where every culture sits, enjoys, and eats ...
Surrounded by peaceful wheat fields under a dome of big prairie skies, Saskatoon is the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, it has been the cultural and economic center of the province since its settlement in the late 19th century (though not its capital, which lies in Regina). The indigenous people of the northern plains had been stewards of this land for more than 6,000 years when, in 1883, white Methodists founded the town as a temperance colony, naming it after the purple berry that grew in the region. Although the railroad reached the fledgling town in 1890, Saskatoon had only 113 inhabitants at the turn of the century. A boom period of new settlers and entrepreneurs soon followed, and Saskatoon became a thriving city, albeit isolated from large cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
Today, the sometimes austere prairie landscapes surrounding the city are unlike anywhere else in the country. Downtown, you'll find street art tours, interesting museums, craft breweries, varied architecture, and some great riverside trails. And now Saskatoon proudly explains and celebrates the Indigenous peoples who have been here for thousands of years, with the Wanuskewen complex as a majestic and poignant monument to that past and present.
Although Saskatoon, one of Canada's sunniest cities, gets plenty of sunlight (2,350.4 hours a year), winters are long and cold, so plan your visit during the glorious summer months between June and August. This is the busiest time of year, but because Saskatoon is more unnoticed than other Canadian cities, it is not overcrowded with tourists and offers much better value for money in terms of lodging and restaurants.
The city comes alive with music on those gushing summer days, with superb festivals of multiple genres, such as the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Rock the River, and the Ness Creek Music Festival. For those who want to enjoy Saskatchewan's winter scenes, the Nutrien Wintershines Festival hosts ice sculptures, cooking contests, stargazing, and more.
Spend two to three days exploring Saskatoon, but leave time also for out-of-town attractions that take advantage of the abundant prairie space. You'll spend most of your time in downtown Saskatoon, on the river trails, and in the Broadway neighborhood, ideal for a weekend. Out-of-town excursions require more planning, so plan an extra day or two for them depending on time and budget.
Saskatoon's John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is 7 km northwest of downtown, about 18 minutes by cab, the most convenient way to get to any downtown hotel. The number 11 bus also departs from the airport and takes about 30 minutes to make the same trip (not taking into account the walk to the hotel).
Although its streets are wide, downtown Saskatoon is walkable, and several bridges cross the South Saskatchewan River and connect to the bars, cafes, and stores on Broadway Ave. Also consider renting a bike, as the relatively flat landscape and meandering river trails are ideal for cycling. Visitors to Wanuskewen will need to rent a car or take a cab.
With an average temperature of -13°C (8°F) in January, winter in Saskatoon is only for the hardiest of souls. However, one of the perks of visiting the city at this time - besides the affordable prices - is the chance to see aurora borealis, with their stunning swirls sometimes visible if the stars align. Of course, don't forget to bring warm clothes.
Although English and French are official languages in Saskatchewan, English is by far the most widely spoken language in Saskatoon and you will need it for all your interactions.
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