SASKATOON (Saskatchewan)

CITY OF BRIDGES

Fondly called the Bridge City because of its seven-river crossing, Saskatoon is the most populated city in Saskatchewan. It is located on the banks of South Saskatchewan River. It is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada, with temperatures ranging from -30°C to 30°C from the coldest seasons to the warmest season. The ideal and distinct seasons experienced by the Saskatonians may be because their city is remarkably green. It has been hailed number one for air and water quality by the Chatelaine Magazine. Saskatoon is also named as one of Canada’s best cities to house knowledge based business such as value added food processing and other agriculture biotechnology.

HOW IT BEGAN

The first settlers of Saskatoon came in 1883. John Neilson Lake and his people traveled by railway and horse-drawn cart from Ontario to Saskatoon. The name “Saskatoon” was from an indigenous berry, mis-sask-quah-toomina. This sweet purple berry grows in the area where the Cree Indian settlers reside. The term “misâskwatôminiskâhk” literally meant at the place of many Saskatoon berries. In 1906, Saskatoon was incorporated as a city and they have celebrated their one hundredth anniversary in 2006.

Recent developments in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan involve the growing quantity of export crops. The farm sector of Saskatoon offers wheat, oats, barley, rye, flaxseed and canola, and the city can grow more than half of what the whole country is exporting. Technology related to agriculture is outstanding that is why Saskatoon is also nicknamed Agriculture Biotechnology Capital of Canada.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT...

╣PotashCorp Wintershines. This is one of many festivals celebrated in Saskatoon all year round where they celebrate culture, arts and heritage in numerous occasions. Celebrated in late January to mid-February, the PotashCorp Wintershines also features a winter-themed park, complete with climbing walls, zip lines and luge. Ice sculptures can be found everywhere!

╣the Annual Saskatoon Blues Festival. By late February, Saskatoon will present the Annual Saskatoon Blues Festival where performers line up to entertain the crowd.

╣Vesna Festival. By May, spring enters the city and it gets ready to celebrate the Vesna Festival. This festival commemorates Ukrainian culture by showcasing their art, cuisine, music and dance! This is a two-day event.

╣the PotashCorp Children’s Festival. It is held in June. This event for the kids and the whole family is a four-day event. It is filled with theater, music and dance performances as well as circus performances. Hands-on art activities are offered so you and your kids can spend and enjoy time together

╣WaterFront Craft Art Festival. June is also the month for WaterFront Craft Art Festival. This festival showcases local talents and their masterpieces including crafts and visual arts. Music and demonstrations will keep the audience alive.

╣SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Experience live jazz, blues, pop, funk and world music in Saskatoon from June to July. SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival will surely get your summer on fire.

╣WakeRide. Entertainment. When summer comes, water sports are sure to follow. Watch professional wakeboarders compete against each other to raise funds for city youth programs at the WakeRide. Entertainment. The event features live bands and DJs as well as interactive kids’ zone.

╣Toon Town Smokedown BBQ Festival. It is an annual event where pitmasters compete for the title of Western Canada’s best barbecue. The Championship cuisine is for sale to everyone, so bring the whole gang for a mouthful of Canadian barbecue.

╣A Taste of Saskatchewan. It is a food and entertainment festival for people who want to have a broader food experience. Have a taste of Saskatoon’s finest cuisine merged with the hottest bands.

╣PotashCorpFringe Theater Festival. This event is one of Saskatoon’s favorite summer happenings.

╣Festival for Heroes. It is celebrated every August and is one of the largest festivals in Canada to commemorate the Veterans. It is a celebration that pays tribute to all who serve the nation and those who put their lives on the line.

╣Saskatoon Exhibition is the city’s largest annual event. Celebrated at the Saskatoon Prairieland Park, the festival offers its visitors kidsville, chuck wagon races, music, trade shows and more entertainment!

╣John Arcand Fiddle Fest. It is one of Saskatoon's many music festivals. The event features workshops, performances and competitions. Saskatoon has a very diverse community yet they are brought together by music.

╣FolkFest. It is an annual festival, which displays ethnic culture, entertainment and cuisine.

╣PotashCorp Fireworks Festival. It's an event held in August, for tourists who want to witness an amazing display of choreographed skylights. This pyrotechnic display is enhanced with live music, performances, fun activities and food! See the sky sparkle at Rotary Park and River Landing Amphitheater.

╣Reflections of Nature wildlife art show and competition. This event is held in late October to pay to the city's tribute to wildlife. It is held at the Saskatoon Prairieland Park and the activity features auctions, commercial booths, demonstrations and workshops.

╣FSIN “Spirit of Our Nations.” This event is held in November to celebrate the city's First Nations heritage. The FSIN “Spirit of Our Nations” is one of the largest in Western Canada.

╣a drive-through light show at Forest Farm Park. This event is held as Christmastime arrives. This 2.5-km trip features illuminated trees and computer-animated character displays.

╣Dakota Dunes Golf. This is one of seven courses in the city that are designed for novice and expert golfers. Dakota Dunes Golf was ranked highest by Golf Digest and SCOREGolf magazines.

╣Holiday Park Golf Course offers you 18 holes to challenge the champion in you. An exclusive 9-hole course is beautifully placed along the South Saskatchewan River valley where you can both play and relax.

╣Other golf courses around the area. For example, The Legends Golf Club at 415 Clubhouse Boulevard; Moonlake Golf and Country Club at 905 Valley Road; Silverwood Golf Course at Wanuskewin Road North; Wildwood Golf Course at 8th Street East; and The Willows at Cartwright Street.

TOURISTS SHOULD KNOW

Saskatoon is a highly populated city and that is what makes the city extremely lively. If you are in for a year of festivities, celebration of culture and diversity, and non-stop food trips, Saskatoon is a great city to visit. You can also find several parks and museums. One stop in Saskatoon takes you to a culture you will love.