Things to do in Saskatoon: Explore nature, food, culture

Canadians and visitors alike tend to discover Saskatoon while driving through the Prairies on a cross-Canada road trip. And there’s nothing at all wrong with that: it’s how many favourite places are found! But we’re here to tell you Saskatoon deserves more of your attention than a brief stopover. Exploring vibrant culture, outdoor activities, Indigenous-led experiences, and a burgeoning food scene are just a few of the fantastic things to do in Saskatoon.

Whether you’re passing through on the Trans-Canada Highway or looking for somewhere new to land, give Saskatoon more of your time. You won’t believe how much this little city in the Prairies will surprise you until you experience it for yourself.

We’ve visited Saskatoon twice, once on a province-wide road trip hosted by Tourism Saskatchewan and again for the Travel Media Association of Canada’s 2025 National Conference. In the latter case, some experiences were hosted by Discover Saskatoon, while we arranged others on our own. Have questions about planning your own visit to Saskatoon? Join our Facebook community!

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The top things to do in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

In the Tragically Hip song Wheat Kings, lead singer Gord Downie famously calls Saskatoon the Paris of the Prairies. (Some argue he was actually referring to Winnipeg. He may have been, but the association with Saskatoon has stuck.) The nickname suits the city just as well as its other one, the City of Bridges. Nine different bridges connect the east and west sides of the South Saskatchewan River. That’s not quite as many as Paris’s 37 bridges over the Seine, but it’s a healthy number for Saskatchewan’s largest city.

Saskatoon offers many ways to connect with local culture, including the First Nations of Treaty 6 Territory and the Métis on whose traditional territories the city stands. Here’s a look at some of the essential experiences to enjoy while visiting Saskatoon.

Learn more about the Plains Cree people at Wanuskewin

Located just 15 minutes north of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is one of the most profoundly important historic sites on the Prairies. Here on the location of Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig, humans have been gathering for more than 6,400 years.

As you arrive, you’ll start in the visitor centre where you can tour exhibits introducing you to the traditions and ways of life of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. From May to August, dance and music presentations take place daily and can include hoop dances, jingle dress dances, drum circles, fiddling, and more.

Outside, the beautiful hiking trail network guides you through the valley where the opimihāw Creek meets the South Saskatchewan River. More than 6 kilometres of trails are divided into approachable segments that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, or you can walk them all and stay for hours. The Circle of Harmony Trail leads to the Medicine Wheel, a traditional human-made rock formation that’s one of fewer than 100 that remain across the Prairies.

The bison viewing area, located on a short trail across from the visitor centre entrance, is especially profound. Plains bison were absent from these lands for 150 years until 2019, when a partnership between Parks Canada and Wanuskewin saw six bison calves relocated here from Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan. The herd is part of Wanuskewin’s commitment to bring its land back into balance and restore a section of grasslands, one of the most endangered biomes in North America.

Wanuskewin is a national historic site and is working to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this impactful place and actively engage in reconciliation.

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at Remai Modern

Did you know Saskatoon is home to one of the most important Pablo Picasso artwork collections in the world? Among the more than 8,000 pieces in Remai Modern’s collection of modern and contemporary art, the museum holds 194 of the 197 Picasso linocut subjects known to exist.

Linocut is a printing style in which a design is cut into a piece of linoleum, which is inked and pressed onto paper. (Effectively, it’s a very large stamp!) Successive cuts may be made into the pattern and stamped in different colours to add new elements. Picasso created his linocut works between 1951 and 1968, and a selection is on display at Remai Modern full-time.

Remai Modern started its life in Saskatoon as the Mendel Art Gallery, a legacy honoured today in a strong collection of works from prominent local, Canadian, and international modern artists. The space also houses temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events such as guided tours, Youth Art Night, and cocktail hours.

The Art & Design Store is much more than a gift shop, offering Canadian-made objects, jewelry hand-beaded by Indigenous artisans, coffee table art books, toys and games for kids, and much more. And at Hearth Restaurant, the menu focuses on locally grown and foraged ingredients to create a genuine Saskatchewan culinary experience.

And the most amazing part? There are no set admission fees for Remai Modern. Its collections can all be accessed by making a donation, and there’s no cost to enter at all for those 17 and under.

Discover more than 105 km of riverfront on the Meewasin Trail

As the South Saskatchewan River winds its way through Saskatoon, the Meewasin Trail follows and  connects the city and its people to the water. More than 105 kilometres of riverside trails are included in the Meewasin Trail, 22.5 km of which are paved, including the section through the heart of the city.

Within Saskatoon’s urban areas, the trail offers a great pathway for exploring the city by foot, bicycle, and e-scooter. You’re likely to see plenty of locals strolling, jogging, and using points along the trail to launch kayaks and paddleboards into the river. In the areas designed to be gathering spaces, you may even run into an impromptu concert or dance party!

On Saskatoon’s outskirts, the trail runs all the way from beyond Chief Whitecap Park in the south to Wanuskewin in the north. It also splits off into the natural areas in the northeast of the city such as Sutherland Beach, Crocus Prairie, and the Saskatoon Grasslands Area. Some sections are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter months.

Check out the locally owned shops and restaurants along Broadway

Saskatoon’s Broadway Avenue runs for roughly five blocks from the Broadway Bridge to 8th Street East. It was the main commercial street of the town of Nutana before it amalgamated with Saskatoon in 1906. Today, this strip is home to an eclectic mix of vintage and boutique clothing stores, cafés, brew pubs, unique shops, and plenty of locally owned restaurants.

The Broadway Theatre hosts concerts and other performances, and the Saskatchewan Craft Council acts as a gallery and shop for Saskatchewan artists with free admission. And if you can’t make it to Wanuskewin during your visit to Saskatoon, stop into the Wanuskewin Gift Shop on Broadway to explore art created by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples from across Canada.

Discover Saskatoon’s lesser-known treasures

If you take the time to dig for the details in Saskatoon, you’ll discover the city has a richer arts and culture scene than you might expect. It’s also home to some outdoor experiences that can help you better appreciate the subtle beauty of Prairie landscapes. Take a look through some of our favourite options below.

Discover Saskatoon’s downtown murals

Murals add splashes of colour to many brick and concrete walls in downtown Saskatoon. Some are curated by the city’s public art program, while others are private or neighbourhood initiatives created by local artists. The Downtown Saskatoon BID has a self-guided walking tour available that highlights a few locations, but there are many more you’ll stumble upon as you wander through the city.

Find the tributes to Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell was one of the first Canadian female singer-songwriters to explode on the world stage in the 1960s. Her family moved to Saskatoon when she was 11, and she considers it her hometown. She got her start playing small clubs on Saskatoon’s Broadway Avenue. Saskatoon loves her back, so you’ll find tributes to Joni Mitchell throughout the city.

We found one plaque on the Meewasin Trail not far from the Remai Modern, on a section dedicated as the Joni Mitchell Promenade. A second one stands on Broadway Avenue near the Broadway Theatre. If you discover any more, please share them with us!

Visit Saskatoon’s beautiful conservation areas

Prairie landscapes are certainly different from towering mountains or expansive seashores, but with a bit of perspective you’ll find them no less beautiful. Saskatoon offers opportunities to explore this at several nearby conservation areas managed by the Meewasin Valley Authority.

We visited Beaver Creek Conversation Area south of Saskatoon, where a network of trails takes you through this unique miniature valley as a small creek meets the South Saskatchewan River. Some of these trails take as little as 20 minutes to complete, so you can enjoy some time in nature without it taking up much of your day. Stop in at the visitor centre before you hit the trails for a complimentary scoop of birdseed. In the tree-lined portions of the trail, hold the seeds in your hand and a chickadee is likely to stop by for a snack!

Other parks and conservation areas in Saskatoon managed by the Meewasin Valley Authority include Cranberry Flats Conservation Area, Gabriel Dumont Park, Northeast Swale, Crocus Prairie, and Saskatoon Natural Grasslands.

Kayak the South Saskatchewan River

The South Saskatchewan River is integral to life in Saskatoon. Renting a kayak or paddleboard is a great way to connect with the water. Both are available through The Local Adventure Company, an Indigenous woman-owned business in Saskatoon founded by Candice Evans-Waite, a Métis mother of four who identified a need for fun and safe water activities in her community.

Rentals are available by the hour, day, or weekend. You can paddle for a couple of hours in downtown Saskatoon, or have your kayaks delivered to launch points south of the city and paddle 13 to 20 kilometres back into downtown. The Local Adventure Company also rents e-bikes for exploring the Meewasin Trail, and boat tours are available where you’ll visit Indigenous territory and enjoy a lunch of traditional Indigenous cuisine.

Where to eat and drink in Saskatoon

Saskatoon is rich in ethnic diversity, from Ukrainians who settled across the Canadian Prairies throughout the 20th century to more recent arrivals from the Philippines, China, India, Vietnam and elsewhere. It also has the second-highest Indigenous population among Canadian cities. All this comes together in a thriving food scene that’s much broader and deeper than the city’s size suggests.

Here’s a look at some of the places we’ve enjoyed while visiting Saskatoon. Every location listed has gluten-free options, while most can also create vegetarian or vegan dishes and accommodate other dietary restrictions. This is far from a complete list, and we’ll add to it whenever we get a chance to eat our way through the city.

Loqui

Located in Saskatoon’s Riversdale neighbourhood, Loqui’s name takes several meanings. It sounds like “low key,” of course, which matches this modern restaurant’s upscale but relaxed vibe. Loqui also means to speak in Latin, a nod to its intent as a place for conversation and socializing.

The menu includes everything from snacks to smaller and larger dishes. It melds local ingredients with Asian inspiration through dishes like samosa, dumplings, bao, and ramen. The Khao Soi we tried was especially delicious, delicately seasoned with colourful confetti-like drops of chili and scallion oil.

Pique

Pique is downtown Saskatoon’s go-to locally owned café. By day, it serves up hand-pulled espresso, a wide selection of pastries, and hearty breakfast and lunch options. By night, it’s a wine bar serving small and large plates that highlight locally sourced ingredients.

Las Palapas Resort Grill

From the moment you step into the vibrant dining room lined with suns and sombreros, you’ll be feeling the resort vibe at Las Palapas. Head here when you’re looking for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, and other Mexican fare.

Seasoned Fusion Tastes

Don’t miss this gem of a spot! Seasoned Fusion Tastes is tucked away in an unassuming storefront right on 21st Street East in the heart of downtown Saskatoon. This expansive menu features a long list of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes, including many gluten-free options (with a dedicated fryer!) and multiple pages of vegan selections. This loaded vermicelli noodle bowl is completely gluten-free and out of this world!

Healthy Living Bistro & Boutique

We went looking for authentic Ukrainian food to tip our hats to Saskatoon’s Ukrainian community, and Healthy Living Bistro & Boutique on Broadway came through. My partner enjoyed a huge bowl full of thick and doughy cheese and potato perogies, while I dug into a plate of hand-made cabbage rolls. This unique shop offers many items frozen along with coffee, ice cream, and a selection of olive oils. If you’re so inclined, you can browse a selection of fitness equipment next door!

Crossmount Cider Company

Saskatoon has its very own cider producer, and its products are fabulous! The flavours produced for Crossmount Cider Company‘s Flatlander series range from crisp apple to a strawberry-infused rosé, jalapeno pear, peach, mango, and what is hands-down the best blackcurrant cider we’ve ever tasted!

Crossmount Cider Company is located a few minutes outside the city in the community of Crossmount on Saskatchewan Highway 219. The tasting room is a lovely place to linger and worth visiting on its own, but a visit here also pairs well with a hike at Beaver Creek Conservation Area just a few kilometres to the south.

Hit Saskatoon’s craft breweries

We can’t help first-hand with beer suggestions, but we have it on good authority that Saskatoon has several craft breweries worth visiting.

Shelter Brewing Company is a nano brewery and taproom in downtown Saskatoon serving up an ever-changing line-up of small-batch beers. Better Brother Brewing is a family-owned brewery, also located downtown and appreciated for its cozy atmosphere and craft beer (or the house-made root beer!). City Limits Brewing is Saskatchewan’s newest craft brewery, creating a selection of quality beers in the same location as the aptly named Stumbletown Distillery.

These locations are more than stumbling distance apart, so please grab an Uber or recruit a designated driver!

Other locations worth exploring

There are a few more spots in Saskatoon we have on our radar but haven’t visited yet. Hearth, the restaurant inside Remai Modern, is a beloved Saskatoon institution focused on bringing local ingredients to life. And speaking of Saskatoon institutions, Calories on Broadway is a popular spot for simple lunches, upscale dinners, and a classic weekend Sunday brunch. There’s also Black Fox Farm and Distillery, one of the few farm-to-still operations in North America. Here, the owners farm 90% of the grain and produce that goes into their products.

Know of any Saskatoon favourites we missed? Share yours in the comments so other road trippers can find them!

Where to stay in Saskatoon

For a premium place to stay in the heart of downtown Saskatoon, we’re happy to recommend the Delta Hotels Bessborough. This stately property harkens back to Canada’s grand railway hotel era with Châteauesque architecture and 225 guest rooms and suites, many of which have panoramic views of the South Saskatchewan River.

The Bess, as it’s known locally, has several historic features, including a classic mail chute in the elevator bays and phone booths on the conference level (which don’t work, sadly, but they’re cool to peek into regardless). As you walk around the outside, take a close look at the exterior brick work. In the Tyndall Stone, limestone slabs transported to Saskatoon from Manitoba, you can still spot many prehistoric fossils!

Today, the hotel houses a breakfast café, a restaurant, afternoon tea service, a fitness centre, an indoor pool and hot tub, an in-house spa, and riverside gardens.

We’ll add more Saskatoon hotels to our recommendations as we have a chance to experience them. Have a favourite place to stay when you’re in Saskatoon? Let other road trippers know in the comments section below!

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