 |
¡¡ |
| ¡¡ |
Saskatoon, SaskatchewanSaskatoon is a vibrant, trendy city: a university town filled with craft shops, galleries, attractions and festivals, ranging from jazz to cinema to river races. Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits. ¡¡ During the US Prohibition era in the 1920s, frequent trips were made to Saskatchewan from the Midwestern border states of Montana and North Dakota by US residents seeking to stock their homes with the beer and other alcoholic beverages whose sale the US had banned. While smuggling a bottle or two of beer or whiskey back across the Canadian border, they would also bring in a supply of the much sought after misaskquatoomina, the delicious wild, purple berries whose Cree name translates to Saskatoon. Ironically, Ontario Methodists had founded the town as a temperance colony in 1883 and had named it after the berry that grows there in abundance. ¡¡ Straddling the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is known as ¡°The City of Bridges¡± because of the seven spans connecting its banks. It also is home to the University of Saskatchewan, which is building a reputation for research and development in science, medicine and agriculture. The Diefenbaker Canada Centre on campus showcases memorabilia of Canada's 13th prime minister. ¡¡ The Local History Room within the Frances Morrison Library, serves as a research facility for information that focuses on prairie history relating to Saskatoon. Collections include more than 60,000 historic photographs, thousands of books, pamphlets, maps, artifacts and periodicals. An art gallery is next to the room. The Saskatchewan Railway Museum is operated by the Saskatchewan Railroad Historical Association and displays old railroad buildings and artifacts, including locomotives, cabooses and streetcars. ¡¡ Enjoy the Western Development Museum, Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Saskatoon Zoo and Wanuskewin Heritage Park. ¡¡ The Centennial Auditorium, is for conventions, as well as being a cultural and civic center. The auditorium is home to the Saskatoon Symphony and the site of traveling shows throughout the year. The Meewasin Valley Centre, features interpretive displays pertaining to the area's history. Saskatchewan Place features rock concerts; trade shows; hockey, basketball and baseball games; and other sporting events. The facility is on the north side of the city next to highways 2 and 16. ¡¡ For a different perspective of the Saskatoon, the Shearwater Properties Boat Cruise offers sightseeing tours on the South Saskatchewan River. The Meewasin Valley Trail, following the South Saskatchewan River through the heart of the city, has bicycle and jogging trails, picnic areas and playgrounds and provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice skating. Recreational activities are available at nearby Pike Lake and Blackstrap provincial parks. ¡¡ Population: 196,811 Elevation: 1598 feet Time Zone: Saskatoon is in the Central Time Zone. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City (EST), it is 11:00 AM in Saskatoon. Daylight saving time is not observed. Location: Saskatoon is centrally located in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada 780 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, a little over 520 kilometers southeast of Edmonton, and just over 300 kilometers north of the U.S. border. Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the south Saskatchewan river which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits.
Average Temperatures: ¡¡
¡¡ ¡¡ Local Seasons: This region has long, severe winters and relatively short summers with moderate rainfall. There are many sunny days throughout the year. Winter snowfall is comparatively light and is swept away by strong winds. The transition from season to season often occurs very quickly without the interim seasons of fall and spring such as are found in more temperate climates. ¡¡
National Holidays: New Years Day January 1 Good Friday Varies Easter Monday Varies Victoria Day Monday preceding May 25 Canada Day July 1 The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day when July 1 is a Sunday. Labour Day First Monday in September Thanksgiving Day Second Monday of October Remembrance Day November 11 Christmas Day December 25 Boxing Day December 26 ¡¡ Arriving: ¡¡ Saskatoon airport (YXE) is located about 10 minutes from the city centre, provides links to all national and international destinations. By car Visitors traveling by automobile and arriving in Saskatchewan from the south may enter the province at any one of a dozen border crossings. But the best road is the one leading from Minot, ND (#52), through North Portal to Estevan, SK (#39) and on to Regina (#39 and #6). From Regina, capital of the province and national home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, head north on #11 (twinned highway) to Saskatoon, and then on to Prince Albert (#11) and Waskesiu (#2). For those arriving in Saskatchewan from the east or west, the TransCanada highway is the fast route. From Regina, head north on #11 to Saskatoon. An alternative route is the Yellowhead Highway (#16). It links Edmonton, AB, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, MB., spanning Saskatchewan to the north of the TransCanada. More scenic than its southern counterpart, the Yellowhead is the preferred route for many tourists arriving from the east or west. Rail Saskatoon is served by VIA Rail (1-800-561-8630). Arrivals from eastern Canada are on Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 1:55 a.m., and from western Canada on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 2:40 a.m. Taxi service is available from the station, located about 15 minutes from the city centre. Bus There are bus connections to Saskatoon from all points. During summer months, there's daily bus service from the downtown bus depot (933-8000) to the park village of Waskesiu. In Waskesiu, however, you'll have to find a ride to the trailhead, located 30 kms from the village. Beaver Creek Conservation Area 8 miles s. on Hwy. 219 (Lorne Ave.) Saskatoon, S7K 3G5 CAN (306) 374-2474 Free Daily 9-9, July-Aug.; daily 9-5, May-June; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. and holidays noon-5, Sept.-Oct.; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. noon-5, rest of year Beaver Creek Conservation Area is 13 km (8 mi.) s. on Hwy. 219 (Lorne Ave.). Self-guided nature trails and interpretive displays are offered.. ¡¡ Diefenbaker Canada Centre
101
Diefenbaker Pl. (306) 966-8384 Admission charged. Mon.-Fri. 9:30-4:30, Sat.-Sun. and holidays noon-4:30; closed Jan. 1, Good Friday, Nov. 11 and Dec. 25-26 Diefenbaker Canada Centre is on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The archives and personal belongings of prime minister John Diefenbaker are housed at the center; his grave site is on the grounds. The museum also offers changing exhibits about Canadian history, art, politics, science, culture and current affairs. ¡¡ Gladys' Doll House 4 km (2.5 mi.) n. on Hwy. 12 from 71st St., then 1.6 km (1 mi.) e. and 1 km (.6 mi.) n. Saskatoon, S7K 3J7 CAN (306) 933-2638 Admission charged. Daily 1-7, June-Aug.; by appointment rest of year More than 1,000 new and antique dolls are featured. Each group of dolls is displayed depicting a scene best describing its history and background. ¡¡ Mendel Art Gallery and Civic Conservatory
950 Spadina
Crescent E. (306) 975-7610 Free Daily 9-9; closed Dec. 25 Mendel Art Gallery And Civic Conservatory is at 950 Spadina Crescent E. in a park between Queen and 25th Sts. This attractive complex overlooks the South Saskatchewan River. In the art gallery are exhibitions of international, national and regional works, including historical and contemporary art. Visitors may view the display of tropical and native plants in the conservatory. Programs and activities are presented in combination with each series of exhibitions. ¡¡ Mus¨¦e Ukraina Museum 202 Ave. M. South Saskatoon, S7K 3H5 CAN (306) 244-4212 Admission charged. Mon.-Sat. 11-5, Sun. 1-5 Mus¨¦e Ukraina Museum is next to St. George's Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral at 202 Ave. M. South. Ethnographic collections represent the spiritual, material and folkloric cultural heritage of Ukraine. Interpretive tours portray Ukrainian civilization from prehistory to the commencement of emigration. The adjacent cathedral, with its Ukrainian Eastern Byzantine Rite architecture, art and iconography, may be viewed upon request. ¡¡ Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre
120 33rd St.
E. (306) 373-9901 Free Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30. Tours are given Tues.-Wed. by appointment The center is dedicated to preserving First Nations cultures in Saskatchewan such as the Woodland, Swampy and Plains Cree; Dene; Saulteaux; Dakota; Lakota; and Nakota. Exhibits include historic artifacts as well as contemporary arts and crafts.
Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corp. Emerald Casino Ruth St. W. & Lorne Ave. S. Saskatoon, S7K 4E4 CAN (306) 683-8840 Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4 a.m., Sun. noon-2 a.m.; closed Easter and Dec. 24-25 Casino games and entertainment. ¡¡ Saskatoon Zoo and Forestry Farm Park
1903 Forest
Dr. (306) 975-3382 Admission charged. Zoo and park open daily 9-9, May 1-Labour Day; 10-4, rest of year Displayed in settings resembling their natural habitats are 350 species of birds and animals native to Saskatchewan and western Canada. The park offers a children's petting zoo, a reptile and tropical fish display, stocked fishing pond and nature walkways. The Kinsmen Express train provides a tour around the park and zoo. ¡¡ Shearwater Boat Cruises off Spadina Crescent opposite Kinsmen Park, at the Mendel Art Gallery dock. Cruises depart daily at 2:30, 4 and 5:30, May 12-Sept. 30. Schedule may vary; phone ahead Saskatoon, SK S0J 1A0 CAN (888) 747-7572 Scenic 1-hour cruises aboard the Saskatoon Princess take in the downtown waterfront and include commentary about the city's history. ¡¡ Ukrainian Museum of Canada
910 Spadina
Crescent E. Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5; closed Jan. 1 and 7, Good Friday, Ukrainian Good Friday, Victoria Day, Labour Day and Dec. 25 Admission charged. Exhibits include folk and fiber art, domestic and agricultural tools, and documents and photographs of Ukrainian immigrants. Guided tours are available. ¡¡ Wanuskewin Heritage Park Wanuskewin Heritage Park is 5 km (3.1 mi.) n. on Hwy. 11, 3 km (1.9 mi.) s. on Warman Rd., then 2 km (1.2 mi.) e. on Penner Rd. Saskatoon, S7K 3J7 CAN (306) 931-6767 Daily 9-9, Victoria Day weekend-Labour Day weekend; 9-5, rest of year. Closed Good Friday and Dec. 25 Cree for ¡°seeking peace of mind,¡± Wanuskewin is a 290-acre First Nation heritage park that traces more than 6,000 years of area history. The park showcases 19 archeological sites where such artifacts as a medicine wheel and tipi rings have been unearthed. An interpretive center overlooks a valley where stampeding bison plunged over a cliff to their death. Hands-on exhibits, computer-activated displays and two audiovisual presentations portray the Northern Plains Indian culture. An outdoor activity area allows visitors to help build a tipi or tan a hide. Native performers present Indian dances, songs and storytelling in a 500-seat amphitheater. Self-guiding trails meander through the park and feature interpretive signs explaining past uses of the land. Food is available. ¡¡ Western Development Museum's 1910 Boomtown
2610 Lorne
Ave. Admission charged. Daily 9-5, Apr.-Dec.; Tues.-Sun. 9-5, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1 and Dec. 25 Western Development Museum's 1910 Boomtown is at 2610 Lorne Ave. This indoor representation of a typical prairie town features more than 30 buildings. Displays include transportation artifacts and vintage agricultural equipment. Food is available. Gladys' Doll House 4 km (2.5 mi.) n. on Hwy. 12 from 71st St., then 1.6 km (1 mi.) e. and 1 km (.6 mi.) n. Saskatoon, S7K 3J7 CAN (306) 933-2638 Admission charged. Daily 1-7, June-Aug.; by appointment rest of year More than 1,000 new and antique dolls are featured. Each group of dolls is displayed depicting a scene best describing its history and background.. ¡¡ Saskatoon Zoo and Forestry Farm Park 1903 Forest
Dr. (306) 975-3382 Admission charged. Zoo and park open daily 9-9, May 1-Labour Day; 10-4, rest of year Displayed in settings resembling their natural habitats are 350 species of birds and animals native to Saskatchewan and western Canada. The park offers a children's petting zoo, a reptile and tropical fish display, stocked fishing pond and nature walkways. The Kinsmen Express train provides a tour around the park and zoo. ¡¡ Western Development Museum's 1910 Boomtown 2610 Lorne
Ave. Admission charged. Daily 9-5, Apr.-Dec.; Tues.-Sun. 9-5, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1 and Dec. 25 Western Development Museum'S 1910 Boomtown is at 2610 Lorne Ave. This indoor representation of a typical prairie town features more than 30 buildings. Displays include transportation artifacts and vintage agricultural equipment. Food is available. ¡¡ Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre 120 33rd St.
E. (306) 373-9901 Free Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30. Tours are given Tues.-Wed. by appointment The center is dedicated to preserving First Nations cultures in Saskatchewan such as the Woodland, Swampy and Plains Cree; Dene; Saulteaux; Dakota; Lakota; and Nakota. Exhibits include historic artifacts as well as contemporary arts and crafts. Events
Early February Cattle Congress
Early March Annual Collector¡¯s Show ¡¡ Mid-March Juvenile Provincial Curling Playoffs 613 Park St. Saskatoon, S4N 5N1 (306) 780-9202 ¡¡ Late March Gardenscape ¡¡ Late March FLICKS: International Film Festival For Youth ¡¡ Early April Flicks International Film Festival for Young People
Broadway Ave.
& 7th St. E. (306) 956-3456 This 3-day festival features the best in the world's cinema for families. ¡¡ Mid-late April Canada Dairy Expo
Early June Northern Saskatchewan International Children¡¯s Festival
Mid-June Annual Cameco Victoria Park Summer Festival
Late June- early July SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
Early July Canada Day Celebrations
Early July ¨C Late August Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival
Mid-July Pion - Era 2004
Mid-July Great Northern River Roar
Mid-July Taste of Saskatchewan ¡¡ Mid-July Ness Creek Music Festival
Late July Saskatoon Berry Festival
Late July-early August Annual Saskatoon International Fringe Festival ¡¡ Mid-August Saskatoon Exhibition
Mid-August Clarica Mid¨CSummer Masters Horse Show
Mid-August. Annual Folkfest ¡¡ Late August Canada Remembers International Air Show
Late August Ukraine Day in the Park
Late August Annual Cruise Weekend
Mid-October Canadian Cowboys Association Rodeo Finals
Late November Saskatoon City Hospital¡¯s Festival of Trees
Early December Sundog Hand ¡¡ |
Copyright 2009 City Profile All Right Reserved