Saskatoon
From Wikitravel
Contents
Saskatoon is a city in Saskatchewan.
[edit] Understand
The name 'Saskatoon' comes from a native word for a berry that grows along the river called 'missaskquahtoomina'. Saskatoon is the largest city in the province of Saskatchewan in Canada. Saskatoon is located along the South Saskatchewan River and is known as a city of bridges. Saskatoon is home to the University of Saskatchewan, which is home to "The Canadian Light Source" which is Canada's only synchrotron.
[edit] Getting in
[edit] By plane
Saskatoon (ICAO: CYXE, IATA: YXE) The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker airport serves domestic, international and northern communities. Air Canada Jazz and West Jet link Saskatoon to other major cities in the country. Northwest Airlines flies to Saskatoon from the United States.
To get to the city centre:
- 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 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 provides bus service to and from Saskatoon.
[edit] Get around
Sasktoon Transit [1] serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided.
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.
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.
[edit][add listing] See
The Bessborough Hotel overlooks the Saskatchewan River and is probably one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
[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 located 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 - Saskatchewan's only professional theatre. Performas Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.
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 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.
Canada Remembers Airshow - 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 Demostration Team. Runs in August.
[edit] Learn
Diefenbaker Canada Centre - 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.
Ukrainian Museum of Canada - The Ukrainian Museum of Canada vividly preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada through temporary and permanent displays.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park - Located 5 km north of Saskatoon on Wanuskewin RoadWanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture.
Western Development Museum - 1910 Boomtown illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It features the longest indoor museum street in Canada - 1910 boomtown, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West.
[edit] Work
[edit][add listing] Buy
Saskatoon's newest headshop, Skunk Funk Smoker's Emporium, will guarantee to have what you're looking for.
[edit][add listing] Eat
[edit] Budget
[edit] Mid-range
Alexanders Bar and Grill: American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. (corner of Cumberland and College Ave's).
Bonanza Steakhouse Family Restaurant: Excellent entrees accompanied by an extensive salad bar and buffet. Very reasonably priced and excellent for a family meal.
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] Splurge
[edit][add listing] Drink
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Budget
Days Inn
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Splurge
- Hilton
- Delta Bessborough, 601 Spadina Crescent East, [2]. A four star ten-story hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of Canada's other railway hotels.
[edit] Stay safe
The city is usually known to be a very safe place to stay but some criminal activities do occur around the city. Be extra cautious when travelling alone late at night whether you're on the city bus or walking. Keep money/valuables hidden somewhere where it will be safe. If you're lost or not sure where you want to go, most people there are helpful and friendly and they'll be glad to point out directions to you. The west side is the main attraction for 'Chuggs'.
[edit] Cope
[edit] Get out
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