Saskatoon Hotels

Spotlight Saskatoon

Affectionately known as the Paris of the Prairies, Saskatoon is the largest and most populous city in Saskatchewan.

In addition, 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.

For instance, a cultural hot spot, some of the best must-see historic sites throughout the entire province are found in Saskatoon.

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.

Similarly, sports fans will find plenty to cheer for in Saskatoon no matter what time of year.

Like most of Canada, Saskatoonians love them some ice hockey. As such, the Saskatoon Blades constitute as a must-see event. Likewise, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies are local favorites, especially excelling at Canadian football.

If you’re looking to get out and do some sporting of your own, 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.

Saskatoon Cultural Destinations

As the largest city in the province, Saskatoon features a wealth of history and eclectic culture just waiting to be discovered.

From live theatre and museums, to historic sights and landmarks, visitors of Toontown are quickly immersed in entertainment and delight.

Live theatre and artistic cinema are on display year-round in Saskatoon. In fact, the city is home to one of the most prestigious theatres in all of Saskatchewan.

Established in 1946, the Broadway Theatre is Canada’s only community-owned, non-profit cinema, showcasing fine cinema and live shows in an intimate atmosphere throughout the year. Pop in for an artistic film or community performance during your visit.

Discover Saskatchewan’s intriguing western heritage with a visit to the Saskatoon Western Development Museum, located on the city’s south side. The museum commemorates early 20th century Saskatoon with a walk-through of 1910 Boomtown Street, meals at the Boomtown Café, a transportation gallery, and more.

Fans of modern art would be remiss not to make a stop at the newly constructed Remai Arts Centre, located in the River Landing Area. The arts centre was built in 2007, and features on-site attractions like the Persephone Theatre and the adjacent Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan. The latter absolved the 5,800-piece collection of the now-defunct Mendel Art Gallery.

The aforementioned River Landing is a must-see cultural destination all its own. An up-and-coming cultural hotspot located along the South Saskatchewan River in downtown, the district features attractions like the Persephone Theatre and the Riverbank promenade. Be sure and check out the Prairie Wind sculpture as well.

Saskatoon Events & Festivals

As a bustling Saskatchewan metro, Saskatoon is no stranger to annual festivals and year-round, thrilling sporting events. In fact, as with most Canadian metros, ice hockey is a way of life in Saskatoon – from youth levels to amateur leagues.

One of the primary ice hockey teams representing the city, the Saskatoon Blades compete in the Western Hockey League, playing home games at the SaskTel Centre.

The WHL season runs from late September until late March, with the playoff season extending into mid-May.

The compelling action continues at both Griffiths Stadium and Rutherford Arena, as the University of Saskatchewan Huskies field 15 varsity teams. Most notably, the Huskies Canadian football squad is one the more decorated programs in the country, possessing more than 15 Canada West championships, and housing multiple Vanier Cups.

Other Saskatoon sports spectacles include both the Saskatchewan International Raceway and Marquis Downs. Albeit different kinds of racing, both host prestigious race events from May through September, including NHRA-sanctioned events like the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at SIR, and thoroughbred and standardbred horse racing at Marquis Downs.

Saskatoon isn’t all about competition, however. Annual festivals and community events are sprinkled throughout the calendar, offering visitors a great way to experience the city no matter what time of year they visit.

Fans of the Bard will feel right at home, as the highly rated theatre production Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is held each summer in downtown Saskatoon. From early July to late August, "Othello," "Much Ado About Nothing," and other classic Shakespeare tales are performed along the western shore of the Saskatchewan River.

Similarly, A Taste of Saskatchewan is hosted each summer at Kiwanis Park, featuring samples and selections from over 30 of Saskatoon’s finest restaurants. Although the itinerary is subject to change depending on the year, festival goers are assured a fabulous time, enjoying delicious meals while taking in performances from some of Saskatchewan’s premiere artists and performers.

Other summer-time favourites include Folkfest and the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. The latter showcases some of world’s best jazz, pop, blues, and funk artists, while the former is dedicated to celebrating cultures of the world with a collection of food, music, and performance art from all across the globe. Check out both festivals this summer, held in downtown Saskatoon.

Saskatoon Outdoors

The fine city of Saskatoon is noted for its rolling grass plains and the city-splitting South Saskatchewan River. As such, year-round outdoor recreation and urban adventure is never too far away.

Speaking of the South Saskatchewan River, boating and canoeing adventures are popular throughout mid-city in the Meewasin Valley.

Boat launches are plentiful for those who’ve brought their own mini-vessels. And if you haven’t, be sure and explore the rivers’ ends via canoe tours, offered frequently throughout the year.

If you would prefer to explore the areas around the water – and not the water itself – be sure and check out the Meewasin Trail, a recreational trail stretching from the South Bridge to Circle Drive Bridge to the north. Hiking, biking, and jogging – you name it, you’ll find it in droves along the river.

Along the trail, there are roughly 10 municipal parks and overlooks offering tons of wide-open areas for relaxation, play, or any other urban outdoor recreation. Just to name a few – Victoria, Cosmopolitan, and Kiwanis Parks highlight a long list of riverside parks in Saskatoon.

All told, the expansive Meewasin Valley offers some of the most convenient ways to get out and enjoy the Saskatoonian scenery. Explore the many parks, traverse the long riverside trail, or canoe the river, all available near the heart of downtown.

On the east side of town, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo has served as a forested wildlife park since 1913. The park features a stocked fishing pond, a heritage rose garden, a demonstration forest, and several indoors sites as well. Much of the park’s allure lies in the on-site zoo, featuring over 80 species of animals.

And if you’ve got some extra time, you won’t want to miss a stop at the Beaver Creek Conservation Area. Just 13 kilometres south of town, the conservation area features family-friendly hiking trails among some of central Saskatchewan’s most beautiful natural scenery, unspoiled by the nearby urban sprawl. Check out the beaver dams and other Saskatchewan wildlife up-close – ideal for great photo-ops.