The Top Things to Do in Saskatoon: Appreciate the Unique Vibe of Saskatchewan’s Largest City
If you know where to look, there’s a ton of fun to be had in Saskatoon. Not only is it a city that’s culturally rich, with stories shared that belong to people that call this city and province home, it also has a dynamite food and beverage scene that is well worth diving into, and natural sights and activities aplenty to appreciate for lovers of the outdoors.
Bri and I, appreciating the river that makes its presence felt throughout any visit, for any visitor. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had Saskatoon on my travel list.
It all probably started for me with music. I heard The Guess Who’s “Runnin’ Back to Saskatoon,” and a whole host of other songs by some of my Canadian favourites, and it became clear to me that, at some point, I’m going to need to visit this song-worthy destination and wrap my head around it.
Being from Canada, I’ve talked before about how Bri and I spent so much of our early years of travel exploring destinations that had a bit of an exotic allure — place that were as far away from Canada as they could be. But over time, you come to realize (at least we did) that there’s a lot of special stories and destinations in our homeland.
Small business owners with big dreams, raw, untouched nature that speaks volumes unto itself, local museums that tell national stories, and, perhaps most importantly, new eyes to look into, new smiles to appreciate.
As Pierre Elliott Trudeau said, “you have to leave your homeland to be able to thank God for having one in the first place.”
Regardless of the weather forecast that may be predicted for your visit to Saskatoon, I can say with certainty that there’s a warmth here. Everybody opened their doors like we were already friends. I will also say that the people of Saskatchewan are well aware that this is a special province and fully recognize that it doesn’t get the love it deserves — but, also, at the same time, are okay to not be in the heart of the Canadian tourism bullseye, so to speak.
They embrace that “underdog mentality” in a very real way. I’d venture to guess that us Torontonians, well we’re probably guilty of precisely the opposite.
Visiting here is made all the more memorable, in a sense, by the way that restaurants, tour operators, hotels, museums and more have a baseline of gratitude that you’ve made the trip here, and they love nothing more than to show you their Saskatoon, all with the idea that somewhere down the line, you’ll help to show others your Saskatoon.
A Bit More About Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
First and foremost, before we dive in here, I want to share Discover Saskatoon’s land acknowledgment.
“We acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis people. We reaffirm our relations which we are bound to by our ancestors through Treaty, to steward this land and seek mutual benefit for as long as the grass grows, the sun shines, and the river flows. We pay our respect to the First Nation and Métis ancestors of this place and honour Elders and Survivors as we bring awareness to Indian Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited. To acknowledge this territory and its keepers on their traditional terms is to act in reciprocity so that truth may be understood, and reconciliation made possible.”
Saskatoon, the largest city in Saskatchewan, is a place where you can still see the original building blocks, but you get the sense that this city is embracing what this city can become, and, well, has become. For my non-Canadian readership, do know that while Saskatoon is the largest city in the province, it is not the capital. That title belongs to Regina.
Situated along the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon has long been a gathering place, first for Indigenous peoples, and later for primarily European immigrants drawn to the promise of prairie prosperity. Founded in 1883, Saskatoon grew rapidly with the arrival of the railway — a story reflected in so many of Canada’s cities.
One of its nicknames, “the Paris of the Praries,” is a reference to the scenic river crossings that can be seen from just about any vantage point (and made famous by the Tragically Hip’s song, “Wheat Kings.”
You can time travel back 6000 years by visiting sites like the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, or embrace modernity at museums like the Remai Modern. While you’re here, I’d encourage you to dive into the past to get the context you need to fully appreciate the city and province, but also to take advantage of now (perhaps most notably by diving into the city’s unbelievably underrated restaurant scene, which I’d say rivals any city in Canada, especially for a city of its size).
Whether you're drawn to its historic charm, outdoor adventures, or thriving culinary scene, Saskatoon offers a uniquely Saskatchewan experience that continues to evolve. It’s this fine balance between acknowledging its historic roots in a place that’s bumping with a palpable, youthful energy.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means we may receive a small commission for some of the recommendations in this article at no additional cost to you.
What to Do in Saskatoon During Your Visit
There’s no wrong way to explore Saskatoon, per se, but there are some things you’ll want to have on your radar. Lucky for you, it’s quite literally my job to do just that.
Make Time for the Remai MOdern
If you’re looking for Saskatoon’s premier contemporary art museum, look no further. It was opened in 2017, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to suggest that, upon opening, this stunning riverside gallery changed what it looked like to fully explore and visit this city. That’s another way of saying, Remai Modern is now a must visit sort of place in the Saskatoon tourism landscape.
It’s not hard to make this visit a reality, by the way, as it’s located in the heart of downtown, just steps from the South Saskatchewan River. Kevin, my good friend and fellow operator of We Explore Canada, actually dedicated an entire article to the Remai Modern, as he was so enamoured with the place after his visit a little while back.
The museum was made possible by a generous donation from philanthropist Ellen Remai, whose passion for the arts helped establish this modern, cutting-edge space for artistic expression in Saskatchewan. Historically speaking, it succeeds (and very much expands upon) the legacy of the Mendel Art Gallery, which served as Saskatoon's main art institution from 1964 to 2015.
There’s many ways to appreciate a visit here. I’d definitely set aside some time to spend exploring the outdoor terrace, eat (either before or after your visit) at Hearth Restaurant, and pop into the museum shop. You should also set eyes on their Picasso linocuts (the most extensive collection of Picasso linocuts on the planet, I might add), make time for their Indigenous and Canadian Contemporary Art permanent exhibitions, and then take note of whatever rotating exhibit may be on offer (they’ve always got something in the works here).
We even did a little art scavenger hunt here with help from the amazing team at Remai, and Tourism Saskatchewan!
Wander the Grounds of wanuskewin
There wasn’t another site in all of the city or surrounding area that we connected with as profoundly as Wanuskewin. In short, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is one of the most significant cultural and archaeological sites in Canada, offering visitors a deep dive into the history, traditions, and resilience of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples.
It’s about a 15 minute drive outside the city proper (which is about how long it takes me to get to the end of my street in Toronto in traffic), and it’s both a National Historic Site of Canada, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage candidate (which, if I’m not mistaken would be the first UNESCO site for the province).
This has been a gathering place for over 6000 years, which, for context, is well before the pyramids of Egypt were built. They didn’t leave monuments per se, but there’s evidence everywhere of ancient bison jumps and tools used by Indigenous peoples.
You can walk the interpretive trails, visit the bison herd, taste Indigenous cuisine and experience Indigenous culture, and so much more.
Stay Somewhere Interesting in Saskatoon
We wanted to be in the heart of the action, so we ended up staying at the Alt Hotel Saskatoon. It’s literally located across the street from the Remai Modern, and gives visitors fantastic access to the waterfront trails. It’s stylish, comfortable, and definitely has a modern vibe, with no shortage of eco-conscious amenities.
Most importantly for us, it gave us great access to Saskatoon’s best attractions. For comparison sake, I’ll add a map here for you, so you can see your accommodation options in Saskatoon. For the most part, we felt that lodging here was quite affordable.
Take Note of Saskatoon’s museum scene
There’s a little something for everyone when it comes to museums in Saskatoon. Here are a handful that you should consider visiting, depending on your interests and the interests of your travel companions or family.
Western Development Museum: Often shortened to just WDM, the main draw here, at least to me, is the life sized replica of a prairie town from the early 20th century. The vintage cars, trains and machinery are awfully neat as well. This is probably the place to come learn about the early days of the city’s formation.
Ukrainian Museum of Canada: Saskatchewan has a strong and present Ukrainian community, and this would be a place to come and appreciate that. Learn about history and traditions, while getting your fill of beautiful embroidery, folk costumes, painted eggs, and historical artifacts.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo: It’s mainly a zoo and park (so great if you’ve got little ones in tow), but it’s also a National Historic Site because of its connection to the story of Saskatchewan’s forest industry.
Finally, I’d recommend heading to the University of Saskatchewan Campus to visit the Diefenbaker Canada Centre (dedicated to Canada’s 13th Prime Minister), as well as the Museum of Natural Sciences (think fossils, dinosaur skeletons, minerals and gems and more).
Use a Self-Led Art Walk As An impetus to Explore
Everywhere you look in Saskatoon, there’s art. In the downtown core, you’ll find a metallic sculpture near the Remai Modern, as well as murals and street art aplenty. It’s not just buildings, but also alleyways that are filled with art around here, so keep your eyes peeled.
Broadway Avenue is also an artsy district you can explore if you want to cross the Broadway Bridge. You can see the Broadway Art Alley, and some music inspired murals near the jazz club.
For me, though, it doesn’t get better than Riversdale. I’d venture to say that this area, more than any other, embodies the city’s creative energy. It does that with its shops and restaurants, but I loved the collection of what are known as the “20th street murals.” From a photography stand point, I snapped some shots here as the sun was setting, and it was brilliant.
Use art to empower your explorations of neighbourhoods — stop into local businesses near by, and get an actual feel for the neighbourhoods.
Don’t forget your preferred camera!
Go On An E-Bike Adventure with The Local ADventure Co.
The Local Adventure Company is an Indigenous Woman owned company that was started on the shores of northern Saskatchewan by Metis mother of 4, Candice Evans-Waite. She started the business renting kayaks during COVID and has since branched to canoes, stand up paddle boards, and e-bikes!
You can find their location at 621 Spadina Crescent E in Saskatoon.
We focused primarily on the e-bike experience, since Bri and I are most connected to the world of cycling when it comes to outdoor sports, but, as I noted above, they do offer access to kayaks and paddle boards as well. In essence, they’re a hub for you to get your outdoor adventure fix in Saskatoon.
As they note, “Our Mission is to offer adventure to our customers and enjoy the beautiful lands we live on harmoniously with all creatures of life.”
We had the pleasure of being taken around on e-bikes by Candice, as we rolled across bridges, navigated paths, and ultimately got a much better understanding of the geography and culture of the city.
You can find full details on booking here.
Side note: As we were crossing Saskatoon’s Broadway Bridge, I looked down to see a myriad of painted rocks all done by local artists along the east-side of the water’s edge. It’s worth it to dismount from your bike and snap a shot, or if you’re in a kayak, to pop by this area and check it out a little closer. It’s quite something, both up close and from a distance.
E-bikes are a mighty fine way to get eyes on the cityscape. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Make time to Walk Along the WAterfront
I’d likely start this walk at the River Landing Spray Park & Pavilion, especially if it’s summer time. There’s not really a bad direction to walk in along the water, but if you want a plan, I’d walk north along the Meewasin Valley Trail.
You can set eyes on the Victoria Bridge, then choose if you’d like to cross into Kiwanis Memorial Park. You’ll likely want to stop at the Vimy Memorial Bandstand, and if you’ve got legs, I’d recommend crossing the University Bridge and spending some time over at the historic University of Saskatchewan Campus, which was much more integrated into the surrounding nature than I had expected.
I went to Queen’s, after all, and there’s not a ton of nature trails in downtown Kingston!
There’s no right or wrong way to do this. You could, for example, walk south from River Landing (and I did that as well on a later walk), but the important thing is to feel the river breeze, and share some nods with passersby, who are also out enjoying their day in Saskatoon.
Pop By Gather Local Market
My favourite part of visiting Gather Local Market was the abundance of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan products on offer. It’s where I ended up grabbing a whole bunch of local goods to bring on home with me. Personally, even if it’s just a tea made with what grows prominently in the area, I find it a fun way to reflect on a trip. It’s not uncommon for me to drink said tea, or eat something local before I write, just to bring me back to that “place,” if that makes sense.
To move away from the philosophical, and back towards the pragmatic, you should know that you can find Gather Local Market at 414 Avenue B South, in the Riversdale neigbourhood. There’s both an indoor market, and an outdoor farmer’s market from May through September.
I also recommend visiting local shops and supporting local, and this is a nice “one stop shop,” so to speak, to do just that.
Gather Local Market is your spot to ensure you leave with some great local products. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Attend a Saskatoon Blades Game
The Blades play their home games at SaskTel Centre, a 15,000-seat arena located just outside of downtown Saskatoon. They were established all the way back in 1964, with many big name players coming through their ranks over the years as they work their way (hopefully!) from the WHL towards the NHL.
For families, keep your eyes out for certain game day promotions. They regularly host events to support local families and do giveaways a plenty. I know I’d love to be in town for Retro Night as well!
Tickets are relatively cheap, the crowds are electric, and it’s just another way to actually appreciate what it would be like to live here, and cheer on the fellas who also call this place home (at least until they don an NHL jersey!).
Former NHL Alumni include players like Wendel Clark, Brayden Schenn, Kirby Dach, Mike Green, Clark Gillies, Braden Holtby, Devin Setoguchi and more.
Visit the Black Fox Farm & Distillery
This is an absolute must visit spot in Saskatoon. John and Barb’s journey to founding one of Canada’s first on-farm distilleries began with a passion for sustainable agriculture and a desire to connect directly with customers. Originally large-scale grain farmers, they struggled to compete on cost and sought a new path. Their experiences in South America, Kazakhstan, and Scotland shaped their approach, leading them to whisky and gin—a natural fit given Saskatchewan’s world-class grain.
Determined to think differently, John studied sake-making and Scotch whisky production, avoiding industry norms to forge his own unique, sustainable. Black Fox’s operations emphasize water recycling, geothermal cooling, and yeast-driven flavour development. Their whisky, aged outdoors to harness Saskatchewan’s temperature swings, is crafted with local grains. It was downright fascinating to hear how storing their alcohol outdoors affected taste and quality for the better.
Though internationally recognized for their award-winning gin, their ultimate goal is to be known as well for their whisky. They also integrate farming with their distilling, growing haskap berries, rhubarb, and raspberries for spirits and jams. By the way, at its peak, their flower farm attracted 30,000 visitors per summer, so do take some time to walk around the grounds, perhaps with a beverage in hand, like we id.
Named after the black fox, a symbol of agriculture in Japanese folklore, the distillery remains committed to Treaty 6 stewardship, sustainability, and world-class craft spirits—proving that Saskatchewan isn’t just home to the best grain but also some of the finest whisky in the world. John also actually saw a block fox here during the building process, and a name and distillery was born.
Paddleboard with Back2Nature Wellness and Events
I was blown away by all that Back2Nature offered. You can do everything from a Private Group River Paddle, to a Full Moon SUP, to Glow Stand-up Paddleboaring. They also offer multiday trips if that’s more your speed!
All of their experiences are experiences designed to connect participants with nature while promoting personal well-being. Plus, their certified Paddle Canada instructors ensure that both beginners and seasoned paddlers have a safe and enriching experience on the water.
You can check out their website to see what suits your needs, and get out on the water to connect with your local surroundings.
Dine (and Sip) With Intention around Saskatoon
I’ve had the pleasure of travelling a lot around this nation, and I feel very confident saying that Saskatoon’s restaurant and cocktail scene is remarkably underrated. What these chefs, the staff, and the designers of these spaces are doing is downright admirable. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I would go back to Saskatoon, just for the food and drink on offer.
I can already tell that there’s more for us to appreciate here from a culinary (and nightlife) standpoint, but here were a few of our favourites from our last visit.
Hometown Diner: A cozy, modern diner serving all-day breakfast and comfort food with a Saskatchewan twist. Known for their homemade doughnuts, hearty brunches, and locally sourced ingredients. A fine place to start the day, if you ask me.
Poached: A bright and welcoming brunch spot known for its beautifully plated dishes and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. If you want to go health conscious, you can, but if you want a delightfully indulgent breakfast (more my style, if I’m honest), you can get that, too.
Pop Wine Bar: Not just a spot for natural wine, also a very relaxed, quirky spot to grab some brunch, which is exactly what we did. A very cool spot indeed.
Pique: Our first spot after we arrived from the airport, it’s a great spot to get a fantastic cup of coffee or two, a taste of fresh, hyperlocal ingredients, and some baked goods for the road!
Baba's Homestyle Perogies: A Saskatoon institution serving up classic Ukrainian comfort food, including handmade perogies, cabbage rolls, and borscht. Famous for being Canada’s only drive-thru perogie restaurant!
Odla: A farm-to-table restaurant that basically focuses on how to see local ingredients through the lens off Scandinavian cooking. They also serve a mean cocktail!
13 Pies Pizza: This place makes really, really good pizza, and they’ve got ample local beers on tap to accompany them. Bri and I sat at the bar here, and fell in love with it. I will be coming back here on my next visit! Great spot for a little date night, I might add.
Primal: If you love pasta, you’ll love Primal. It’s an Italian restaurant that caters to lovers of rich, delicious Italian cuisine. This is the first spot I’d book a reservation if my parents were in town, as they adore a pasta…made perfectly.
What Else Should Be On Your Radar for Saskatoon?
It’s worth taking note of what festivals & events could be taking place during the time of your visit. The easiest way to do that is to head to the page that Discover Saskatoon has created for that very purpose.
Further to that point, check out what’s playing at the Persephone Theatre, located in the Remai Modern Arts Centre. They do both classic and contemporary works, and serve as yet another showcase for local and national talent. I’m told they also do community programs and special events.
If you’re into beer, you may also want to check out Saskatoon’s craft beer scene. Local favourites include 9 Mile Legacy Brewing, Shelter Brewing Company, Paddock Wood Brewing Co., and Better Brother Brewing.
There’s a lot to explore beyond Saskatoon as well. We, for example, went to Prince Albert National Park after spending a little time here, and rented a car. Don’t hesitate to make a bit of an itinerary to explore the province at large, and stop at Saskatchewan’s capital, Regina, or perhaps spend a little time in Swift Current or Moose Jaw. Wherever you go, I can assure you that regardless of the weather outside, the people are as warm as they come.
Saskatoon Awaits!
Saskatoon awaits you. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
It’s not as if Saskatoon’s population is massive, but there is so much going on here. We spent a good chunk of time exploring the city, and I still have plenty on my list for next time, which is always a good sign. I suppose writing this article was my way of trying to let more people know that Saskatoon is pretty darn cool, and very special in its own right. I hope more people will feel that as well.
People have this notion that it’s very hard to get to, or maybe don’t have the province circled as a destination — but that’s a mistake. For the visitors and travellers who do have this city and province circled, you’re in line to find a youthful, vibrant, exciting, and eclectic city, waiting for you with open arms.
We want to thank Tourism Saskatchewan & Discover Saskatoon for hosting us as media. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.