Saskatchewan

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North America : Canada : Prairies : Saskatchewan
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Saskatchewan is one of Canada's 10 provinces, located in the Prairies. Its southern third is predominantly prairie (with a reputation for being very flat), while its northern two-thirds is covered in the boreal forest of the Canadian Shield. The prairie is known for its seemingly endless fields of wheat, while the north contains the majority of Saskatchewan's 100,000 lakes.

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[edit] Understand

Despite Saskatchewan's reputation for its prairie geography, there is a surprising variety of landscapes, including the hills and lakes in the north, a lake with water that is denser than the Dead Sea, and the North and South Saskatchewan rivers.

Saskatchewan also features historical sites related to the North-West Rebellion. In 1885, Louis Riel, leader of the Metis (persons of mixed French Canadian, other European and Aboriginal descent), led an uprising against the Canadian government that culminated in the Battle of Batoche. The interpretive centre at Batoche remains a popular tourist destination. While the battles were not particularly large by world standards, the Rebellion was politically significant for the Canadian west, and offers a glimpse into what life was like on the Canadian frontier.

The fresh air and open sky are other distinctive features of the prairie. There is little light pollution, and therefore stargazing is wonderful.

Saskatchewan's population used to be primarily rural, but is becoming more urban. The population has been declining for many years, although this seems to be changing in recent years, as oilsands, potash and uranium development are driving an economic boom that is mirroring Alberta's boom. Farming remains the largest sector of the economy (actually is no longer the largest sector as the oil,gas and mining sectors expand), though it is becoming economically unviable. There are some attempts to grow other sectors of the economy, such as scientific research and technology. For example, a synchrotron is being built(has been built)at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan, unlike the rest of Canada, does not participate in Daylight Savings Time. This means that in the winter, it is in the same time zone as Manitoba, and in the summer it is in the same time zone as Alberta.

  • Oilfield industry is very extensive in the south eastern section of the province. Saskatchewan produces the second largest supply of oil in Canada.
  • Mining: Potash (Kindersley). Lignite coal (Estevan). Uranium deposits in extreme north.

[edit] Get in

Most visitors to Saskatchewan arrive either by automobile or via one of its two major airports, the John G. Diefenbaker International Airport in Saskatoon and the Regina International Airport.

The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1) runs across the southern portion of the province (including Regina and Moose Jaw), connecting Saskatchewan to Alberta and Manitoba. Similarly, the Yellowhead Highway (Highway #16) bisects the central part of the province, running through Saskatoon and North Battleford. There are a number of US-Canada border crossings in the south, on the highways running between the two countries.

[edit] Get around

A common form of transportation is the bus system. There is a comprehensive online guide[1] for access to many major shopping and tourism centers.

[edit][add listing] See

The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is located in the extreme southwest corner of the state, sharing a border with Alberta's half of the park. Historical Fort Walsh as well as the higest point in the province can be found in the Cypress Hills.

Hockey is taken very seriously in Saskatchewan, and matches can be extremely intense, as well as entertaining. Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Regina all host teams in the Western Hockey League, the top level of the NHL's developmental system.

Be sure to check out historical sites relating to the settlement of the west and the North West Rebellion of 1885. Fort Carlton, Batoche, and Duck Lake ae within distance of Saskatoon for a day trip.

A very passionate pastime for Saskatchewan residents is to cheer on their Canadian Football League team: The Saskatchewan Roughriders. Saskatchewanians are known for their loyalty and "Rider Pride". A Rider game is always party and spectacle as many of the fans show up to the game wearing watermelons on their heads!

A Wolf Adventure is a Provincially licensed, Canadian based wolf outreach /eco lodge that fosters and promotes a healthy respect of wildlife and surrounding habitat. A Wolf Adventure is home to some Gray wolves of various subspecies including the elusive and rare Arctic wolf. A Wolf Adventure strives to foster an appreciation, not just of a highly misunderstood rarely seen wild animal, but most importantly the natural wild lands.[2]

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Ecotourism (stub)
  • Hunting & Fishing (stub)

[edit][add listing] Eat

A peculiarity among most small towns in Saskatchewan is that they have a small Chinese Restaurant.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Drinking age in Saskatchewan is 19. Great Western Brewing operates the old Molson brewhouse in Saskatoon. They produce beers ranging from extra-gravity malt liquor to mid grade amber and pale ales. There is a provincial law basically giving anyone that operates a "brewpub" automatic off sales privledges. Because of this, many bars have started extract-based "brewpubs" in order to acquire their off-sales license. These beers are very poor quality compared to beers made from true ingredients. In small towns, locals prefer cheap beer and rye whiskey. One local favorite is Old Style Pilsner, a no-frills brew with a most unique label. Water quality in Saskatchewan ranges but is generally above average.

[edit] Stay safe

Saskatchewan has a reputation for being a very safe place to visit. Its people are generally very friendly, and although it is not known as one of Canada's more cosmopolitan regions, residents are at least tolerant of different cultures and lifestyles. Some parts of the larger cities, such as Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, have seedier areas that should be avoided at night, but realistically, most travellers will have no reason to be in "the bad part of town" at night anyway.

Winters can be extremely cold, and when combined with heavy snowfall and wind, blizzards can make driving dangerous. Many of Saskatchewan's highways have been poorly maintained, and when combined with icy pavement or heavy traffic, they can be dangerous for inexperienced or inattentive drivers. Many rural roads are unpaved, so drivers unfamiliar with gravel roads should take their time.

[edit] Get out

The stunningly beautiful province of Alberta and its Rocky Mountains are to the west, Manitoba, with very large, forested lakes, is to the east.

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