Saskatoon

Canada

right Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of over 300,000 people, it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along a river, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields.

Saskatoon is located on bluffs along the South Saskatchewan River. Early planners set aside the riverfront for parks. Several bridges cross the river, affording gorgeous views of river, trees, and skyline.

Founded in 1906, with growth driven by immigration, railway links, and mining wealth, Saskatoon offers cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture. That, together with the river and its bridges, gives it the nickname of "Paris of the Prairies".

The foundation of Saskatoon's economy is potash and other resource mining; oil and gas extraction (fracking and conventional); and wheat and other agriculture. These are abbreviated as "POW". The city hosts corporate headquarters of world-leading firms like PotashCorp (potash) and Cameco (uranium). Until the commodities slump of 2014, Saskatoon had been one of Canada's economically most vibrant cities. From its earliest days, Saskatoon has been home to the University of Saskatchewan. It boasts "The Canadian Light Source", Canada's only synchrotron.

The name Saskatoon comes from a native word for a berry that grows along the river called missaskquahtoomina.

Roads which run generally east-west are usually named "street"; those running generally north-south are usually named "avenue". The major north-south road called Idylwyld Drive, Louis Riel Trail, and highway 11 marks the division between "east" and "west" streets. 22nd Street (west of the river) and Aird Street (east of the river) mark the division between "north" and "south" avenues.

The Meewasin Park along the river, from just past University Bridge in the northeast to just past Idylwyld bridge in the southwest, is the heart of the traveler's beat. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to stroll, ride bikes, or skate.

On the east side of the river, the University of Saskatchewan lies just north of University Bridge and College Drive (highway 5); Nutana is between University Bridge and Idylwyld bridge, to 8th Street East on the south and Clarence Ave South on the east ; and the Broadway Avenue district (within Nutana) runs from the Broadway bridge eastwards, particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side, full of interesting shops and restaurants.

On the west side of the river, the Central Business District is bounded by 19th Street East on the south, Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11) on the west, 25th Street East on the north, and the Meewasin park on the east. (Streets here are "East".) It is pedestrian-oriented, with many shops and restaurants. 21st Street East and 2nd Avenue North and South are the main arteries, and the intersection of these two is the "heart" or centre of the city. Bus lines pass through a transit terminal here.

"Alphabet Soup" is the informal name for the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11), from Avenue B through to Avenue Y, south of 33rd Street West. (Streets here are "West".) It is considered to be sketchy, with more crime than other areas. Gentrification is nibbling away at the sketchiness, along major roads and near the river. There's little reason for tourists to be outside the gentrified areas in this part of town anyway.

These neighbourhoods are useful references for travellers, but don't cover the whole city. Other attractions and important transportation hubs are also outside of these areas.

Official Tourism Organization

Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).

A good place to start is to walk up and down the Meewasin Trail, crossing the South Saskatchewan River at the University Bridge, the Broadway Bridge, and the Idylwild Bridge. On a fine day, this rewards you with beautiful views, and connects you to attractions and the districts of most interest to a visitor.

  • Meewasin Trail, +1 306-665-6888. Daily, 24 hours. The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University. Free.
  • Civic Conservatory (ex-Mendel Art Gallery), 950 Spadina Crescent E. Open every day except Christmas.. A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018.
  • Ukrainian Museum of Canada, 910 Spadina Crescent East, +1 306-244-3800. Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM, Mon closed. Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Praries in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story. Adult $6+tax, Seniors $5+tax, students $4+tax.
  • Delta Bessborough. The castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep".
  • Prairie Wind. Daily, 24 hours. This public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area. free.
  • Remai Modern Arts Gallery, 102 Spadina Crescent East (Part of River Landing, between Idylwyld Bridge and 2nd Ave South, +1 306-975-7610. Tu F 10AM–10PM; W Th Sa Su & holidays 10AM–5PM. In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door. Adults $12, seniors $10, family (up to 2 adults, 5 children) $30, children under 6 free.

The following attractions are at the University of Saskatchewan:

  • Diefenbaker Canada Centre, 101 Diefenbaker Place, +1-306-966-8384. M–W 9:30AM–4:30PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM, F 9:30AM–4:30PM, Sa Su and hols noon–4:30PM. The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker. By donation.
  • Community Campus Tours, 101 Diefenbaker Place (Depart from the lobby of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre, +1-306-966-8384. June–Aug: W Sa 1PM. A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus. Free.
  • University of Saskatchewan, 105 Administration Place (On the east side of the river, north of College Drive, +1 306-966-5788. The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Biology Building, which has 2 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. In addition to the Community Campus Tours during the summer, the University offers a self-guided tour (see PDF linked to here), and a student-led tour for prospective undergraduate students.

These attractions are outside the core districts of the city.

  • Western Development Museum, Saskatoon, 2610 Lorne Ave, +1 306-931-1910. daily 9AM–5PM. The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, and North Battleford. Adults $10, seniors $9, students $7.
  • Wanuskewin Heritage Park, RR #4 Penner Road (North on Louis Riel Trail/highway 11 for 12.5km, right onto Wanuskewin Rd, left onto Penner Road, follow the bison signs, +1 306-931-6767. Daily 9AM–4:30PM, holidays 11AM–4PM. Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Also has a gift shop and restaurant. Adults $8.50, students $6.50, children $4.00.

Meewasin Trail, +1 306-665-6888. Daily, 24 hours. The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University. Free.

Civic Conservatory (ex-Mendel Art Gallery), 950 Spadina Crescent E. Open every day except Christmas.. A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018.

Ukrainian Museum of Canada, 910 Spadina Crescent East, +1 306-244-3800. Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM, Mon closed. Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Praries in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story. Adult $6+tax, Seniors $5+tax, students $4+tax.

Delta Bessborough. The castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep".

Prairie Wind. Daily, 24 hours. This public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area. free.

Remai Modern Arts Gallery, 102 Spadina Crescent East (Part of River Landing, between Idylwyld Bridge and 2nd Ave South, +1 306-975-7610. Tu F 10AM–10PM; W Th Sa Su & holidays 10AM–5PM. In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door. Adults $12, seniors $10, family (up to 2 adults, 5 children) $30, children under 6 free.

Diefenbaker Canada Centre, 101 Diefenbaker Place, +1-306-966-8384. M–W 9:30AM–4:30PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM, F 9:30AM–4:30PM, Sa Su and hols noon–4:30PM. The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker. By donation.

Community Campus Tours, 101 Diefenbaker Place (Depart from the lobby of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre, +1-306-966-8384. June–Aug: W Sa 1PM. A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus. Free.

University of Saskatchewan, 105 Administration Place (On the east side of the river, north of College Drive, +1 306-966-5788. The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Biology Building, which has 2 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. In addition to the Community Campus Tours during the summer, the University offers a self-guided tour (see PDF linked to here), and a student-led tour for prospective undergraduate students.

Western Development Museum, Saskatoon, 2610 Lorne Ave, +1 306-931-1910. daily 9AM–5PM. The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in [[Moose Jaw]], [[Yorkton]], and [[North Battleford]]. Adults $10, seniors $9, students $7.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park, RR #4 Penner Road (North on Louis Riel Trail/highway 11 for 12.5km, right onto Wanuskewin Rd, left onto Penner Road, follow the bison signs, +1 306-931-6767. Daily 9AM–4:30PM, holidays 11AM–4PM. Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Also has a gift shop and restaurant. Adults $8.50, students $6.50, children $4.00.

  • Eco Glide Adventures, 611 Spadina Crescent East (in Kiwanis park, beside the bathrooms, just a bit north of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, and across the street from the Sheraton Cavalier, +1 306-250-1817. Afternoons, roughly 3PM-10PM, depending on sunlight.. Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine. $49.95.
  • Marquis Downs, 503 Ruth Street, +1 306-242-6100. The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewaan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months.
  • Playland at Kinsmen Park, 945 Spadina Crescent East (Opposite the Mendel Art Gallery, +1 306-975-3330. May-Sept: M–Sa 10AM–8PM, Su noon–8PM. Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas. $2/ticket, $20/12 tickets.
  • Prarie Lily River Cruise, 950 Spadina Crescent E (Dock is on the river, behind the Mendel Art Gallery, +1 306-955-5459. Summer sailings Sa Su 2PM, Tu-Su 4PM and 6PM, F 9PM. Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery. $24+tax ($22 seniors, youth; $15 children 2–11 years).
  • SaskTel Centre, 3515 Thatcher Ave, +1 306-975-3155. At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place.
  • Lucky Bastard Destillers, 814 47th Street East, +1 306-979 7280. M-Sa 11AM-6PM. Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries.

Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include:

  • Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan's only professional theatre. Performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.
  • Art in the Heart - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September.
  • SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July.
  • Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival. Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.
  • Saskatoon International Fringe Festival - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in the first half of August.
  • Folk Fest - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August. A passport to the 3-day event will cost $16 in 2018.
  • Taste of Saskatchewan. An annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere.
  • Saskatoon Exhibition. Saskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan's only professional theatre. Performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.

Art in the Heart - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September.

SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July.

Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival. Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.

Saskatoon International Fringe Festival - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in the first half of August.

Folk Fest - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August. A passport to the 3-day event will cost $16 in 2018.

Taste of Saskatchewan. An annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere.

Saskatoon Exhibition. Saskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs.

Eco Glide Adventures, 611 Spadina Crescent East (in Kiwanis park, beside the bathrooms, just a bit north of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, and across the street from the Sheraton Cavalier, +1 306-250-1817. Afternoons, roughly 3PM-10PM, depending on sunlight.. Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine. $49.95.

Marquis Downs, 503 Ruth Street, +1 306-242-6100. The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewaan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months.

Playland at Kinsmen Park, 945 Spadina Crescent East (Opposite the Mendel Art Gallery, +1 306-975-3330. May-Sept: M–Sa 10AM–8PM, Su noon–8PM. Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas. $2/ticket, $20/12 tickets.

Prarie Lily River Cruise, 950 Spadina Crescent E (Dock is on the river, behind the Mendel Art Gallery, +1 306-955-5459. Summer sailings Sa Su 2PM, Tu-Su 4PM and 6PM, F 9PM. Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery. $24+tax ($22 seniors, youth; $15 children 2–11 years).

SaskTel Centre, 3515 Thatcher Ave, +1 306-975-3155. At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place.

Lucky Bastard Destillers, 814 47th Street East, +1 306-979 7280. M-Sa 11AM-6PM. Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries.

  • Darrell Bell Gallery, * 405-105 21st Street E, +1 306-955-5701. W-Sa 11AM-5PM. For contemporary art and craft
  • McNally Robinson, 3130 8th St E, +1 306-955-3599. M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Large bookstore and café.
  • Midtown Plaza, 201 1st Ave S, +1 306-653-8844. M Tu 9:30AM-7PM, W-F 9:30AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It has Hudson's Bay Company.
  • Rouge Gallery, 208 3rd Ave S, +1 306-227-4140. W-F 10AM-4PM. For emerging and established Canadian artists.
  • Saskatoon Farmer's Market, 414 Ave B S, +1 306-384-6262. Sa 8AM-2PM; We, Su 10AM-3PM. Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things.
  • SaskMade Marketplace, 1621 8th St E, +1 306-955-1832. Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su Noon-6PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-7PM. Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy.

Broadway Avenue (particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side) is a popular shopping and cultural area. There are many little boutique and specialty shops worth checking out, and many restaurants and bars. It is a pedestrian-friendly environment with a high density of some of Saskatoon's most popular businesses.

  • Broadway Shoe Repair, 638 Broadway St (between 11th and 12th streets E, +1-306-652-4399. M–W 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Fr 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su & Hol closed. A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks.

The Central Business District (bounded by 19th Street on the south, Idylwyld Drive on the west, 25th Street on the north, and Spadina Crescent (South Saskatchewan River) on the east) also contains plenty of shopping opportunities outside of the large Midtown Plaza shopping mall on 1st Ave. The majority of this shopping opportunity is realized along 21st Street and along 2nd Avenue. Where these streets intersect is considered by many to be the "heart" or centre of the city, particularly in terms of pedestrian-oriented amenities.

Darrell Bell Gallery, * 405-105 21st Street E, +1 306-955-5701. W-Sa 11AM-5PM. For contemporary art and craft

McNally Robinson, 3130 8th St E, +1 306-955-3599. M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Large bookstore and café.

Midtown Plaza, 201 1st Ave S, +1 306-653-8844. M Tu 9:30AM-7PM, W-F 9:30AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It has Hudson's Bay Company.

Rouge Gallery, 208 3rd Ave S, +1 306-227-4140. W-F 10AM-4PM. For emerging and established Canadian artists.

Saskatoon Farmer's Market, 414 Ave B S, +1 306-384-6262. Sa 8AM-2PM; We, Su 10AM-3PM. Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things.

SaskMade Marketplace, 1621 8th St E, +1 306-955-1832. Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su Noon-6PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-7PM. Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy.

Broadway Shoe Repair, 638 Broadway St (between 11th and 12th streets E, +1-306-652-4399. M–W 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Fr 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su & Hol closed. A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks.

  • Calories Bakery and Restaurant, 721 Broadway Ave, +1 306-665-7991. A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake
  • Chianti Cafe, 102 Idylwyld Dr N, +1 306-665-8466. Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes
  • Park Cafe, 512 20th Street West, +1 306-652-6781. Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele.
  • Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino, 902 Victoria Ave, +1 306-653-5588. Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop.

  • Alexander's Restaurant and Bar, 414 Cumberland Ave, +1 306-956-7777. American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French fries in the city.
  • Broadway Cafe, 814 Broadway Ave, +1 306-652-8244. 1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes.
  • Fuddruckers, 2910 8th St E, +1 306-955-7777. One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended.
  • Granada House Family Restaurant, 904 22nd St W, +1 306-664-3700. An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna.

Alexander's Restaurant and Bar, 414 Cumberland Ave, +1 306-956-7777. American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French fries in the city.

Broadway Cafe, 814 Broadway Ave, +1 306-652-8244. 1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes.

Fuddruckers, 2910 8th St E, +1 306-955-7777. One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended.

Granada House Family Restaurant, 904 22nd St W, +1 306-664-3700. An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna.

  • Ayden Kitchen and Bar, 265 3 Ave S, +1 306-954-2590. Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks & elevated cocktails in a stylish, modern space. $12-40.
  • Calories, 721 Broadway Ave, +1 306-665-7991. Excellent bistro-style restaurant with a rotating seasonal menu along with fantastic desert options. $30-100.
  • The Granary, * 2806-8th St, +1 306-373-6655. "This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary." $20-50.
  • Little Grouse on the Prairie, 167 3 Ave S, +1 306-979-0100. Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting. $15-75.
  • Moxie's Bar and Grill, 3134 8 St E, +1 306-374-9800. "Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well" $20-60.
  • Saboroso, 340- 2600 8 St E, +1 306-249-4454. Brazilian steakhouse with high-end steaks, seafood, pasta & mixed drinks. Specialty is the authentic rodizio-style meal. $30-100.
  • The Samurai, 601 Spadina Crescent E (Located in the Delta Bessborough, +1 306-683-6926. Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the heart of downtown. Also has a large selection of sushi. $30-150.
  • 2nd Ave Grill, 10-123 2nd Ave, +1 306-244-9899. "The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes." $9-33.
  • Truffle's Bistro, 230 21st St E, +1 306-373-7779. Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes.

Ayden Kitchen and Bar, 265 3 Ave S, +1 306-954-2590. Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks & elevated cocktails in a stylish, modern space. $12-40.

Calories, 721 Broadway Ave, +1 306-665-7991. Excellent bistro-style restaurant with a rotating seasonal menu along with fantastic desert options. $30-100.

The Granary, * 2806-8th St, +1 306-373-6655. "This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary." $20-50.

Little Grouse on the Prairie, 167 3 Ave S, +1 306-979-0100. Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting. $15-75.

Moxie's Bar and Grill, 3134 8 St E, +1 306-374-9800. "Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well" $20-60.

Saboroso, 340- 2600 8 St E, +1 306-249-4454. Brazilian steakhouse with high-end steaks, seafood, pasta & mixed drinks. Specialty is the authentic rodizio-style meal. $30-100.

The Samurai, 601 Spadina Crescent E (Located in the Delta Bessborough, +1 306-683-6926. Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the heart of downtown. Also has a large selection of sushi. $30-150.

2nd Ave Grill, 10-123 2nd Ave, +1 306-244-9899. "The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes." $9-33.

Truffle's Bistro, 230 21st St E, +1 306-373-7779. Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes.

Calories Bakery and Restaurant, 721 Broadway Ave, +1 306-665-7991. A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake

Chianti Cafe, 102 Idylwyld Dr N, +1 306-665-8466. Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes

Park Cafe, 512 20th Street West, +1 306-652-6781. Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele.

Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino, 902 Victoria Ave, +1 306-653-5588. Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop.

  • The Yard and Flagon Pub, 718 Broadway Ave, +1 306-653-8883. A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio.
  • Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave, +1 306-244-4155. A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers.
  • Amigos Cantina, 632 10th St E, +1 306-652-4912. A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk.
  • Hose and Hydrant Brew Pub, 612 11th St E, +1 306-477-3473. If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall.
  • Vangelis Tavern, 801 Broadway Ave, +1 306-652-5173. There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink.
  • Winston's English Pub and Grill, 243 21st St E, +1 306-374-7468. Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown.
  • Louis' Pub, University Campus, +1 306-966-7000. A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music.
  • The Sutherland Bar, 810 Central Ave, +1 306-374-8873. A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students.
  • Dino's Bar and Grill, 906 Central Ave, +1 306-373-6666. Excellent steak sandwiches.
  • 6Twelve lounge, 612 Spadina Cres (Inside the Sheraton, +1 306-652-6770. Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension.
  • Crackers Restaurant & Lounge, * 1-227 Pinehouse Dr., +1 306-934-1700. Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Yard and Flagon Pub, 718 Broadway Ave, +1 306-653-8883. A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio.

Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave, +1 306-244-4155. A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers.

Amigos Cantina, 632 10th St E, +1 306-652-4912. A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk.

Hose and Hydrant Brew Pub, 612 11th St E, +1 306-477-3473. If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall.

Vangelis Tavern, 801 Broadway Ave, +1 306-652-5173. There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink.

Winston's English Pub and Grill, 243 21st St E, +1 306-374-7468. Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown.

Louis' Pub, University Campus, +1 306-966-7000. A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music.

The Sutherland Bar, 810 Central Ave, +1 306-374-8873. A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students.

Dino's Bar and Grill, 906 Central Ave, +1 306-373-6666. Excellent steak sandwiches.

6Twelve lounge, 612 Spadina Cres (Inside the Sheraton, +1 306-652-6770. Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension.

Crackers Restaurant & Lounge, * 1-227 Pinehouse Dr., +1 306-934-1700. Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Saskatoon has a fairly high crime rate per capita, but this tends to be concentrated in small areas of the city.

The majority of the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld, from Avenue B through to Avenue Y (often referred to as "Alphabet Soup" by locals) are considered to be sketchy, with a high amount of gang/drug activity, violent crime and prostitution. It's probably best to avoid this part of town, particularly the alphabet avenues south of 22nd Street, and also immediately surrounding the 33rd Street intersection with Idylwyld. That said, it's usually relatively safe during daylight hours - and there's little reason for tourists to be in these parts of town anyway.

The east side of the river has the general reputation among locals of being safer than the west side.

The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine.

There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, Broadway Avenue, and on the University of Saskatchewan campus .

  • Drive north for 1.5 hours on Highway 11 to Prince Albert
  • Drive south along Highway 11 for 2.5 hours to Regina