Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a city in West Central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of approximately 317,000 people (2021), it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along the South Saskatchewan River, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields.
Understand
[edit]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.
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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 Cree word for a berry that grows along the river called missaskquahtoomina.
Districts
[edit]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.
Tourist information
[edit]Regina Tourism website
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Airport
[edit]1 Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport (YXE IATA), ☏ +1 306-975-8900, info@skyxe.ca. Serves domestic, international and northern communities. 
Direct flights to Saskatoon within Canada include from Calgary (1.25 hours), from Edmonton (1.25 hours), Prince Albert (30-40 minutes), Regina (45 minutes), from Toronto (3.5 hours), from Vancouver (2 hours), and from Winnipeg (1.75 hours).
Airlines
[edit]Canadian airlines operating to Saskatoon:
- Air Canada, ☏ +1-514-393-3333, toll-free: +1-888-247-2262. Canada's largest airline with hubs in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.
- Flair Airlines, toll-free: +1-833-711-2333. A low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada.
- Rise Air, toll-free: +1-800-667-9356. A regional airline operating in Saskatchewan.
- Sunwing Airlines, toll-free: +1-877-786-9464. Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter.
- WestJet, toll-free: +1-877-952-0100. Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in Calgary and Toronto. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.
Other airlines operating to Saskatoon:
- Delta Air Lines fly to Saskatoon from Minneapolis and WestJet fly to this city from Phoenix, and Las Vegas in the United States.
Ground transportation
[edit]To get to the city centre from the airport:
- Saskatoon Transit: Route 12
- Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies
- Cab: Should cost you approximately $12
By train
[edit]- See also: Rail travel in Canada
- 2 Saskatoon station, 1701 Chappell Dr (southwest of downtown, in a remote industrial area). There are no rental cars at the station. Taxis are an effective way to get into town (20 minutes to downtown, about $25). Determined public transit users can make the 10-minute walk to Haida Avenue at Ortona Street to catch Saskatoon Transit route 9 to downtown.
- VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. The Canadian serves stops in Saskatoon, operating three trips per week between Toronto and Vancouver with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as Sudbury, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops. Travel time to Saskatoon from Toronto is 2 days, from Sudbury is 1.75 days, from Winnipeg is 12.25 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 10.75 hours, from Edmonton is 10 hours, from Jasper is 17 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 4 hours, and from Vancouver is 1 day 14 hours. This rail operator also offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's east coast.
- VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. The Canadian serves stops in Saskatoon, operating three trips per week between Toronto and Vancouver with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as Sudbury, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops. Travel time to Saskatoon from Toronto is 2 days, from Sudbury is 1.75 days, from Winnipeg is 12.25 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 10.75 hours, from Edmonton is 10 hours, from Jasper is 17 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 4 hours, and from Vancouver is 1 day 14 hours. This rail operator also offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's east coast.
By car
[edit]Saskatoon is on Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) which connects to The Battlefords and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east. This highway is entirely divided (save for a few minor exceptions and construction zones) between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Highway 11 connects to Prince Albert to the north and Regina to the south. You can also drive via Alberta Highway 9/Saskatchewan Highway 7 from Calgary, but this highway is not divided.
By bus
[edit]- Rider Express, 210 2nd Ave N, ☏ +1 306-209-3636, toll-free: +1-833-583-3636, contact@riderexpress.ca. Operates bus service in western Canada as far east as Winnipeg and as far west as Vancouver.
Routes operating to Saskatoon:
- Between Prince Albert and Saskatoon including a stop in Rosthern. Travel time to Saskatoon from Prince Albert is 1.5 hours. Operates several days per week.
- Between Regina and Edmonton with stops in Davidson, Sasktoon, North Battleford, Lloydminster, Vermilion, and Vegreville. Travel time to Saskatoon from Regina is 3 hours, from North Battleford is 2 hours, from Lloydminster is 3.5 hours and from Edmonton is 7 hours. Operates several days per week. Some additional trips only operate between Regina and Saskatoon.
- Creighton Connection. Shuttle service from Creighton, Saskatchewan (near Flin Flon).
Get around
[edit]
By car
[edit]This is a car-oriented city. There is plentiful street parking downtown ($2/hour typically). Outside the central business district, driving may be your most convenient option. The best choice of rental cars is at the airport. There are few rental car offices in the Central Business District or Nutana.
Walking is a great way to get around the compact and pedestrian-friendly tourist haunts of the Meewasin park, Central Business District, Broadway Avenue, and Nutana.
By public transit
[edit]Saskatoon Transit serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Pay cash for individual fares, or buy a GoCard and load packages of 10 rides at a discount. You can buy tickets at the Customer Service Centre, City Hall, and at shops like Co-op, Mac's, Safeway, Shopper's Drug Mart (complete list on Saskatoon Transit's web site). Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or at Transit's web site. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (below) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop. There are transit hubs in various locations, of which the City Centre Hub is the most useful for travelers.
- 3 Saskatoon Transit, City Centre Hub, 23rd St East (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on 23rd Street), ☏ +1 306-975-7500. Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from here. This phone number is for the 'Phone & Go' service. This URL is for the bus schedules and route maps. Adult $3 each, or 10-ride package on GoCard for $25; high school and younger $2.75–2.25.
- 4 Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre, 226 23rd Street East (at the Cite Centre Transit Hub), ☏ +1 306-975-3100. M–F 7AM–5:30PM (phone –7:30PM), Sa 10AM–5:30PM (phone 7AM–7:30PM), Su 10AM–5:30PM (phone 9AM–6:30PM), holidays closed (phone 9AM–1PM, 2PM–6PM). This walk-in centre can answer questions and sell bus tickets. The phone number can answer questions and is open longer hours.
By bicycles
[edit]Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city, and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada. Recreational cyclists will enjoy exploring the Meewasin Valley Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. Almost all parts of the city are accessible by bicycle and bicycle lanes and routes are marked along some key corridors... be careful because there are also a lot of bad drivers.
By taxi
[edit]Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15.
- Captain Taxi, ☏ +1 306-242-0000.
- Comfort Cabs, ☏ +1 306-242-6666.
- Hey Taxi, ☏ +1 306-668-8888.
- Lucky Taxi, ☏ +1 306-801-2777.
- YXE City Cabs, ☏ +1 306-444-3333.
By ride hailing
[edit]- Uber.
- Riide, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, ☏ +1-306-652-2222. Ride-hailing and taxi service, accessible through telephone and phone app.
See
[edit]
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 Idylwyld 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.
- 1 Meewasin Trail (on the east and west banks of the South Saskatchewan River), ☏ +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.
- 2 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.
- 3 Ukrainian Museum of Canada, 910 Spadina Crescent East, ☏ +1 306-244-3800. Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM, M closed. Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Prairies 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.
- 4 Delta Bessborough (Bessborough Hotel). 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".
- 5 Prairie Wind (In the roundabout). 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.
- 6 Remai Modern Arts Gallery, 102 Spadina Crescent East (Part of River Landing, between Idylwyld Bridge and 2nd Ave South), ☏ +1 306-975-7610, info@remaimodern.org. 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:
- 7 Diefenbaker Canada Centre, 101 Diefenbaker Place, ☏ +1-306-966-8384, fax: +1-306-966-1967, dief.centre@usask.ca. M–W 9:30AM–4:30PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM, F 9:30AM–4:30PM, Sa Su and holidays 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.
- 8 Community Campus Tours, 101 Diefenbaker Place (depart from the lobby of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre), ☏ +1 306-966-8384, dief.centre@usask.ca. Jun–Aug: W Sa 1PM. A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus. Free.
- 9 University of Saskatchewan, 105 Administration Place (On the east side of the river, north of College Drive), ☏ +1 306-966-5788, fax: +1 306-966-2115, admissions@usask.ca. 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 Museum of Natural Sciences in the Biology Building, which has 3 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. There are also Museum of Antiquities (with a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern sculpture, Roman coins, ancient glass and pottery) and Canada Light Source.
These attractions are outside the core districts of the city.
- 10 Western Development Museum, Saskatoon, 2610 Lorne Ave, ☏ +1 306-931-1910, saskatoon@wdm.ca. 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.
- 11 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, fax: +1 306-931-4522. Daily 9:30AM–5PM, holidays 10AM–5PM. Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Includes a daily tour of the bison herd within the park. Also has a gift shop and restaurant. Adults $14, seniors (65+) and students $10, children $8.
Do
[edit]- 1 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 3-10PM, 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.
- 2 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.
- 3 Playland at Kinsmen Park, 945 Spadina Crescent East (pposite the Mendel Art Gallery), ☏ +1 306-975-3330, kpr@saskatoon.ca. May-Sep: 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.
- 4 Prarie Lily River Cruise, 950 Spadina Crescent E (dock is on the river, behind the Mendel Art Gallery), ☏ +1 306-955-5459, toll-free: +1-888-747-7572. 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).
- 5 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. A statue of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was born and raised in a nearby rural community, stands near the main entrance; the cremated remains of both Howe and his wife are interred at its base.
- 6 Lucky Bastard Distillers, 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.
- 7 Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Saskatoon Zoo), 1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive (off Attridge Drive), ☏ +1 306-975-3382, zoo@saskatoon.ca.
Festivals
[edit]Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include:
- Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan. The company performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the former home of 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 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 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.
Learn
[edit]- The University of Saskatchewan is the oldest and largest university in the province. The U of S is located in the near centre of the city, across the river from downtown. The University is easily accessible by car or public transit from nearly any area of the city. The campus is built around a large central space known as the Bowl, which is used for Orientation events and as a skating rink during winter. Notably, it is the home of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the only college of its kind in Western Canada.
- St. Thomas More College is a Catholic-based federated college of the University of Saskatchewan. The two are academically integrated and students can take classes from either school. STM specializes in undergraduate liberal arts classes and classes taken at the college usually have less students than the same class taken at the College of Arts & Science.
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic (known as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology until 2014) is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. Located on Idylwyld and 33rd Street, the Saskatoon campus is the largest of the four in the province (the other campuses are in Regina, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw). The campus is easily accessible by public transit and is not far from downtown.
- Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, which specializes in industrial and technical programs for First Nations people in Saskatchewan.
Like most major cities in Canada, Saskatoon has several English as a Second Language' (ESL) schools. The U of S Language Centre offers full-time and part-time classes, as well as a university prep program for prospective students to the University.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Darrell Bell Gallery, #405-105 21st Street E, ☏ +1 306-955-5701. W-Sa 11AM-5PM. For contemporary art and craft
- 2 McNally Robinson, 3130 8th St E, ☏ +1 306-955-3599, toll-free: +1 877-506-7456. M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Large bookstore and café.
- 3 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.
- 4 Rouge Gallery, 208 3rd Ave S, ☏ +1 306-227-4140, wandau@rougegallery.ca. W-F 10AM-4PM. For emerging and established Canadian artists.
- 5 Saskatoon Farmer's Market, 414 Ave B S, ☏ +1 306-384-6262. Sa 8AM-2PM, W 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.
- 6 SaskMade Marketplace, 1621 8th St E, ☏ +1 306-955-1832, toll-free: +1-888-955-1832, store@saskmade.ca. 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.
- 7 Broadway Shoe Repair, 638 Broadway St (between 11th and 12th streets E), ☏ +1-306-652-4399, broadwayshoerepair@sasktel.net. M–W 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, F 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su & holidays 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.
Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]- 1 Baba's Homestyle Perogies, 720B 51st Street E, ☏ +1 306-933-4280, babasperogies@sasktel.net. M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. Ukrainian cuisine that's available for eat-in or frozen. Also features a perogy drive-thru, the only of its kind in Canada.
- 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.
- Lavva Kitchen + Bar, 1013 Broadway Ave, ☏ +1 306- 653-0000. Contemporary food and drinks.
Mid-range
[edit]- 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.
Splurge
[edit]- 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.
- 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 (Moxie's), 3134 8 St E, ☏ +1 306-374-9800. "Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well" $20-60.
- 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.
Drink
[edit]- 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 Lounge), 612 Spadina Cres (inside the Sheraton Hotel), ☏ +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.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]- 1 Days Inn, 2000 Idylwyld Dr N, Circle Dr.
- 2 Campland Rv Resort (9.5 km NW of Saskatoon on Hw 16), ☏ +1 306-477-7444.
- 3 Laura's Lodge, 1026 College Drive (adjacent to Netty's Nest), ☏ +1 306-934-7011, toll-free: +1 306-934-6960, info@lauraslodge.com. Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this economical bed and breakfast was converted from priests' living quarters to a hostel for medical visitors to a general bed and breakfast over several decades. Free wifi, parking. Communal kitchen and living room. Staff present 24 hours/day. $60-90/room, breakfast $7 per person.
- 4 Netty's Nest, 1024 College Drive (adjacent to Laura's Lodge), ☏ +1 306-979-6378, toll-free: +1-877-777-0337, stay@nettysnest.com. Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this 18-room lodge has double and queen-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, wifi. $65-127/room.
Mid-range
[edit]- 5 The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon, 106 Circle Drive W (NE corner of Idylwyld Dr and Circle Dr interchange), toll-free: +1-888-278-4209. The Travelodge is on the north side of Saskatoon and is at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan.
- 6 The Parktown Hotel, 924 Spadina Cres E, ☏ +1 306-244-5564. Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail.
Splurge
[edit]- 7 Delta Bessborough, 601 Spadina Cres E, ☏ +1 306-244-5521, toll-free: +1-888-890-3222, CustomerCareDeltaHotels@Marriott.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A four-star ten-storey hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of Canada's other railway hotels. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The elegant decoration of the old hotel is well-maintained, and houses an up-to-date business hotel. $199/night and up.
- 8 Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown, 90 22nd St E, ☏ +1 306-244-2311. $169-209.
- 9 Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon, 612 Spadina Cres E, ☏ +1 306-652-6770. The Sheraton is across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river.
- 10 Radisson Hotel Saskatoon, 405 20th St E, ☏ +1 306-665-3322. The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city.
Stay safe
[edit]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 lot 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. 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.
Cope
[edit]There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, Broadway Avenue, and on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
Go next
[edit]- Drive north for 1.5 hours on Highway 11 to Prince Albert
- Drive south along Highway 11 for 2.5 hours to Regina
| Routes through Saskatoon |
| Edmonton ← Biggar ← | W  E |
→ Watrous → Winnipeg |
| Lloydminster ← The Battlefords ← | W   E |
→ Colonsay → Yorkton |
| Prince Albert ← Rosthern ← | N  S |
→ Davidson → Regina |
| END ← | W  E |
→ Humboldt → Canora |
| Calgary ← Rosetown ← | W  E |
→ END |
| Camrose ← Biggar ← | W  E |
→ END |
| END ← | W  E |
→ Wakaw → Melfort |