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Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of about 230,000 people, it is the province's largest city. Its a little oasis among wheat fields

[edit] Understand

The name 'Saskatoon' comes from a native word for a berry that grows along the river called 'missaskquahtoomina'. Saskatoon is located along the South Saskatchewan River and is known as a city of bridges, which has led, along with its cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture, to its nickname as the Paris of the Prairies. Saskatoon is home to the University of Saskatchewan, which is home to "The Canadian Light Source" [1] which is Canada's only synchrotron.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Saskatoon (ICAO: CYXE, IATA: YXE) The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport[2] serves domestic, international and northern communities.

When flying within Canada either Air Canada[3], Jazz[4], and WestJet[5] can be flown. These airlines link Saskatoon directly to major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa/Montreal, and Toronto. Flights to Regina are served by Express Air - a West Wind Aviation company.

When flying internationally Delta Airlines [6] and United Airlines fly to Saskatoon from the United States. International flights are available to Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City and Chicago.

To get to the city centre from the airport:

• Saskatoon Transit: Route 11
• Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies
• Cab: Should run you approximately $12

[edit] By train

Via Rail [7] travels to Winnipeg in one direction and Edmonton in another.

[edit] By car

Saskatoon is on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and Highway 11.

[edit] By bus

Saskatchewan Transportation Company[8] connects Saskatoon to most Saskatchewan communities.

Greyhound Bus Lines[9] connects Saskatoon to most other cities throughout Canada.

[edit] Get around

Sasktoon Transit [10] serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from this terminal, located between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on 23rd Street. Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or online[11]. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (975-7500) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop.

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.

Walking is also a great way to get around Saskatoon. If your accommodation is in or close to the Downtown, you will be within walking distance to Saskatoon's best shopping, educational and cultural attractions.

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. Call Blueline at 653-3333 or Radio at 242-1221, or just hail a taxi. You won't find a great price difference between the two.

[edit][add listing] See

The Bessborough Hotel overlooks the Saskatchewan River and is probably the most famous landmark in the city.

Be sure to check out the six bridges (including two railway bridges). After all, when in a CITY OF BRIDGES, what else do you do?

[edit][add listing] Do

If you have young children, the rides at Kinsmen Park cannot be beat. There is a miniature train, ferris wheel and merry-go-round. Each ride costs $0.70 per person. This attraction is near the Kinsmen Play Village, the Ukranian Museum of Canada, and the Mendel Art Gallery.

There are various shopping malls all around the city. Midtown Plaza, is probably the most convenient place for tourists to go to since it is in downtown Saskatoon. It is known to be the largest mall in the city with over 130 stores and services, with two fairly large department stores such as Sears and The Bay.

Saskatoon Blades - Catch the local Western Hockey League team in action at the Credit Union Centre.

[edit] Festivals

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

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan [12] - 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 [13] - 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 [14] - Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.

Saskatoon International Fringe Festival [15] - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in August.

Folk Fest [16] - 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.

Canada Remembers Airshow [17] - Dedicating to remembering Canada's veterans, combines ground displays of intage aircraft, WW II trainers, fighters and bombers as well as the latest in jet-powered aircraft. Has active air acts which include vintage WWII aircraft, current military aircraft, and the Canadian Forces' Snowbirds Demonstration Team. Runs in August. 2009 will be its last year of performance.

[edit] Learn

Diefenbaker Canada Centre [18] - The Diefenbaker Canada Centre is a unique public facility, combining the only Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. The galleries feature permanent exhibits on Mr Diefenbaker, period replicas of the Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet Room (ca. 1950's) and temporary exhibits relating to diverse topics.

Mendel Art Galley [19] (950 Spadina Crescent East) - The Mendel Art Gallery features contemporary and historical art. It is open every day except Christmas Day.

"Meewasin Valley Centre" [www.meewasin.com] 402 Third Ave S (along the S. Saskatchewan River), ☎ 306.665.6887, open 9-5. Local cultural and natural history - free.

Ukrainian Museum of Canada [20] - The Ukrainian Museum of Canada vividly preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada through temporary and permanent displays.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park [21] - Located 5 km north of Saskatoon on Wanuskewin Road. Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture.

Western Development Museum [22] - 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.

University of Saskatchewan [23] - Many buildings in the University 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.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Backyard Naturalist (( NOW CLOSED)), 272 2nd Ave. S.. For gardening, birding.  edit
• Darrell Bell Gallery, 317 – 220 3rd Ave. S., [24]. For contemporary art and craft  edit
• McNally Robinson, 3130 8th Street East, ☎ 306-955-3599, [25]. Large bookstore and cafe.  edit
• Midtown Plaza, [26]. Located in downtown Saskatoon, it is one one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It contains the usual Canadian department stores, and has a Bay and a Sears at each end.  edit
• Rouge Gallery, 208 3rd Ave. S., ☎ 306-955-8882, [27]. For emerging and established Canadian artists  edit
• Turning the Tide. Just off broadway (Behind Lydia's) is an excellent store with a great selection of books and videos for your (R)evoltionary media needs  edit
• Saskatoon Farmer's Market, 414 Ave B South. 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, as well as some arts & crafts, and other things.  edit
• Meewasin Valley Centre, 402 Third Ave S (along the S. Saskatchewan River), ☎ 306.665.6887, [28]. 9-5. Local cultural and natural history free.  edit
• The Trading Post, Second Avenue (between 20th & 21st street). Aboriginal Art, local handicrafts, mocassions, beads and other random Saskatchewan stuff. Great place to buy gifts or souveniors.  edit

Do go shopping along Broadway Ave. There is lots of little boutique shops worth checking out.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Time Out, 333 8th Street. Great food with a friendly atmosphere!! always a great place to spend an afternoon  edit

• Weczeria Food & Wine, 616 10th St. E. Small, intimate atmosphere, amazing food. The menu changes daily based on what they get in fresh that day, and it's small enough that Chef will come out and tell you anything you wish to know about the food.  edit

• Calories, Broadway Ave. A intimate french restaurant with local art, focusing on french cuisine from fresh saskatchewan ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake  edit

• Chianti, (corner of idylwyd and 22nd). Saskatoon's best pasta house. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday is pasta frenzy - all pasta's are $7.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes  edit

• Nutana Cafe, Broadway Ave. Norm whips up the best Vietnamese Noodle Bowl. Just ask for the special. Closed for two hours during the afternoon when he picks up his kids from school.  edit

• Homestead Ice Cream Shop, (located corner of Victoria and Main). Old fashioned ice cream parlor complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundae's and other yummy goodness. A must stop.  edit

[edit] Budget

• Various fast food places.. Easily found around the city. Also keep an eye out for small Chinese-Canadian places, they can be good at a reasonable price.  edit
• Costco. If you have a membership, one can find relatively cheap basic fare here. Seating can be tight however!  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Alexanders Bar and Grill, (Corner of Cumberland and College Avenues). American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs.  edit

• Bonanza Steakhouse Family Restaurant. Excellent entrées accompanied by an extensive salad bar and buffet. Very reasonably priced and excellent for a family meal.  edit

• Fuddruckers. Only location 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.  edit

• Granada House. A excellent family owned Greek restaurant. Excellent lasagna.  edit

• Broadway Cafe. 50's themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• 2nd Ave Grill, #10 - 123 2nd Ave., ☎ (306) 244-9899, [29]. "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.  edit
• Truffle's Bistro, 230 21st Street East, Saskatoon, ☎ (306) 373-7779, [30]. Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• The Yard & Flagon, Broadway Avenue. 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.  edit
• Lydia's, Broadway Ave. Tuesday - Open Mic Wednesday - Live DJ's and other bands throughout the weekday. Has four pool tables, table hockey and an upstairs/downstairs bar. A lively place that gets a good crowd.  edit
• Bud's, Broadway Ave. A blues bar with live music, pool table and lots of friendly bikers.  edit
• Amigos, Broadway Ave. A Mexican Cantena. Restaurant by day (the best veggie burger in the city) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from Indie to Punk.  edit
• the Hose, Broadway Ave. 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.  edit
• Vangelia's, Broadway ave. There is live Sunday Jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pacman machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes its a decent spot to grab a drink.  edit
• Winstons, (corner of 3rd ave & 21st, downtown). Attn Beer Drinkers: Winston's has the largest selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown.  edit
• Louis, (located on University Campus). a hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music.  edit
• The Scuz. A night club in Sutherland that is frequented by students.  edit
• Jax. Night club frequented by an older crowd, including many cougars  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Days Inn, 2000 Idylwyld Dr North Circle Dr, [31].  edit

[edit] Mid-range

The Travelodge Hotel Sasktoon [32] is on the North side of Saskatoon and is situated 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.

A unique destination for travelers in Saskatchewan, the Travelodge is the only full service property in the province to offer “Themed Guest Room” options and the only hotel in Saskatoon to offer poolside and pool-view guest rooms. With two swimming pools, two hot tubs, a 250-foot waterslide and the Rucker’s Express games room. The hotel has 14 banquet rooms that are suitable for an informal gathering of 20 guests and also our Galaxy Ballroom for a dinner and dance for up to 450.

The Travelodge also offers 3 food and beverage outlets with a variety of dining and entertainment options. Visitors may enjoy family dining in The Garden Terrace Restaurant, tasty appetizers, beverage or cocktail in the casual atmosphere of Oscar’s Lounge or they can “Kick Up Their Heels” in Rodeo’s Dance Hall & Bar and pick up beer and spirits at Rodeo’s Liquor Store.

Phone: (306) 242-8881 Toll Free: 1-888-278-4209 Fax: (306) 665-7378

[edit] Splurge

• Delta Bessborough, 601 Spadina Crescent East, [33]. A four star ten-story 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 room style can best be described as "shabby genteel".  edit

• Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown, 90 22nd Street East, ☎ 306-244-2311, [34]. $169-$209.  edit

• Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon, 612 Spadina Crescent East, ☎ (306) 652-6770, [35]. The Sheraton is just across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river.  edit

Radisson Hotel Saskatoon, 405 20th Street East (306) 665-3322. The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city.

[edit] Stay safe

Saskatoon ranked as Canada's most dangerous city in 2009 with a crime rate 163% that of the national average. Especially after dark, it is advised to stay on main roads and not to wander off into inner-city residential neighbourhoods. The area of Nutana/Broadway is usually pretty safe, as there is always lots of people around and Broadway stays active until late. If you are on foot, do not venture into areas where you don't feel safe and keep a cell phone handy since muggings are common.

[edit] Cope

There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, as well as on the University of Saskatchewan campus [36].

[edit] Get out

Routes through Saskatoon

Edmonton ← North Battleford ←	W  E	→ Yorkton → Portage la Prairie
ENDS ← Prince Albert ←	N  S	→ Davidson → Regina

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