With some of the longest hours of sunlight during the summer, Saskatchewan will let you make the most of each day. Also known as, “The Land of Living Skies,” the prairies and rolling hills lead to a wide horizon with stunning sunsets. While exploring Saskatchewan this summer, there is a wonderful mixture of fun activities for you to enjoy with friends or family!
Prairie River Cruise
Situated along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, Prairie River Cruises offers the chance to get out on the water and see Saskatoon from a new perspective. Hop aboard The Prairie Lily, a 118-passenger riverboat that traverses the river. Tour options vary and include sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, special event cruises and even Sunday Brunch cruises.
The Meewasin Valley
Meewasin comes from miýwâsin meaning “It is beautiful,” in Cree and offers over 105 kilometers of trails in and around Saskatoon. The trail runs along both sides of the South Saskatchewan River, winding under the bridges, and through beautifully landscaped parks and natural areas. Residents and visitors flock to the trail to cycle, jog, stroll or simply gaze at the scenery.
Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
With its humble starts as a tree nursery, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is now a National Historic Site with carefully crafted gardens, restored heritage buildings, an outdoor playground, fishing pond, and Saskatchewan’s only zoo. This is a distinctly-Saskatchewan experience, where you will also find meerkats, grizzly bears, Arctic wolves, and the two playful cougars – Malcolm and Jethro.
Prince Albert National Park
This massive 3,875 square kilometer national park is home to beautiful lakes, a variety of hiking trails, and hordes of wildlife. It is also home to the famous cabin of Grey Owl – a world-acclaimed naturalist, author, and orator from the early 1900s. Located just a 2.5-hour drive north of Saskatoon, this is a great place for getting into nature. You will find this space extremely popular in the summertime but is also a wonderful place in the winter with fun activities, such as dogsledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more. With Canoo, you can get free daily admissions to the park!
Wanuskewin
Wanuskewin has been a gathering place for over 6400 years for the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. From guided trail hikes, Indigenous cuisine, art galleries, and dance presentations in the summer, Wanuskewin highlights all elements of Indigenous culture in a meaningful and authentic way. Guests are also invited to learn about the grassland conservation efforts and the special ties that the bison herd has to the sacred site.
Manitou Beach
If you find yourself between Saskatoon and Regina, you must stop at Manitou Beach to witness and experience Canada’s version of the Dead Sea. Located in central Saskatchewan, the resort village of Manitou Beach is home to Little Manitou Lake, best known for its healing mineral waters and buoyant salinity. Whether you come for a quick dip, to spend the night, or marvel at one of the spectacular sunsets (and potentially even the northern lights), this place is well worth the visit.
Wascana Centre
Located in the heart of Regina, this park is named for the history of the city. Before the city was called Regina, its name was Wascana. The city was once a treeless flat plain with a small spring run-off called Wascana Creek. Today, Wascana Centre is home to some of the best Regina activities and scenery. As a centerpiece to the massive park, Wascana Lake is a beautiful place to go for a walk, jog, or bike ride, featuring water fountains, bridges, and trails.
Saskatchewan Science Centre
If you are travelling with kids, you need to stop at the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Conveniently located in Wascana Centre, they offer ever-changing interactive exhibits, daily programming, stage shows and much more. The Kramer IMAX Theatre also features science, travel, and nature-oriented documentary films on its giant screen.
Legislative Building
Completed in 1912, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building is an elegant building with influences from around the world. The designs are inspired by architecture of the English Renaissance and the era of Louis XVI of France. With expansive grounds and a beautiful garden in front, the Legislative Building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005. We recommend taking the time to stop in and view the building’s Grand Staircase, Rotunda, and Legislative Assembly Chamber with daily tours available in both French and English.
Royal Saskatchewan Museum
Saskatchewan’s natural history is on full display at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. The museum is pay-by-donation and home to a life-size cast of the world’s largest tyrannosaurus rex! Also, the home to a leading research institution in paleontology, sustainability, Indigenous studies, and biology, the museum houses collections that are a part of Saskatchewan’s past and present. This helps scientists and visitors learn more about the natural world.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
The first interprovincial park in Canada, Cypress Hills offers something for every visitor. Through the towering hills, lush forest, and fescue grass prairie, you will find an array of breathtaking views. The park offers several campgrounds, including an equestrian campground in the rustic West Block wilderness area. For those looking for more of a glamping experience, the Centre Block of the park is the spot for you! Here, you’ll find a resort, swimming pool, hiking trails and one of the largest Dark Sky Preserves in the world. (What is a Dark Sky Preserve? This region protects the beauty of the stars and the night sky by eliminating light pollution.)
RCMP Heritage Centre
The RCMP Heritage Centre is located on the doorstep of the RCMP Academy “Depot” Division. This is the only training academy for the Mounties in all of Canada. For tours, you can hop aboard their electric ‘people mover’ and enjoy a ‘behind the gates’ tour of the Training Academy. Stops include the RCMP Chapel, dormitories, classroom buildings, drill hall, armoury, firearms building, driving track, and so much more. With virtual reality additions and arcade games, this can be a day out for the whole family. If you want to learn all about Canada’s iconic national police force, the RCMP Heritage Centre is the place to go!
Stone Hall Castle
The castle is unlike anything seen on this side of the Atlantic. Adorned with 16th, 17th and 18th century museum quality furniture, tapestries and original oil paintings by the Old Masters, this castle is open for tours and even overnight stays! While in Regina, it is a must-see attraction. The commitment to detail and historical accuracy makes this castle a rare gem.
Look for Live Music
With the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, the Craven Country Jamboree, and other events happening every summer, you can find live music anywhere! Across all genres, the local music scenes in Regina, Saskatoon and around will fill your soul. And the outdoor festivals make the most of the beautiful summer days.
Attend a Roughrider Game
If you like American Football, then you don’t want to miss a CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders home game. Saskatchewan is known for being home to the most passionate fans in the league. It is fun, energetic, and a thrill to be among the 30,000 fans at Mosaic Stadium. Wear the green, black, and white colours, grab a cold beer, and cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders to make a nice summer night perfect.
Visit Moose Jaw
There is so much to do and see in this miraculous city! Moose Jaw is in southern Saskatchewan where colourful murals showing scenes from the city’s history adorn buildings downtown. Don’t forget to explore the underground Tunnels of Moose Jaw to learn about the rumoured Al Capone connection. There is also the famous Mac the Moose roadside attraction. Standing 32 feet (9.8 m) tall, it is the largest moose on Earth!
Saskatchewan is an unforgettable destination that holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit. Its breathtaking landscapes, warm-hearted people, and unique cultural experiences create an enchanting tapestry that creates memories.