On most trips across Canada, the Prairies are often considered a dull but necessary part of the journey. Sadly, many travellers don’t take time to explore Saskatchewan. Yet, this little-known province is fascinating and definitely worth a visit! Here, you can watch the sky come alive like nowhere else! The province’s slogan, also printed on its licence plates, is the “Land of Living Skies” — and for a good reason! The Northern Lights are omnipresent, so keep an eye out after dark!
As soon as you arrive in Saskatchewan, you’ll be awestruck by a horizon that stretches as far as the eye can see. Plus, the air is so clean! It’s crazy to think that the soil of this region was once an ocean floor separating two continents that merged millions of years ago. Can you believe that there are also remnants of indigenous peoples inhabiting the province as early as 10,000 BCE? It goes to prove that this part of the country was already steeped in human history long before the arrival of the first Europeans. Today, Saskatchewan is home to people from all over the world who’ve chosen to live in the heart of Canada. Add a visit to Saskatchewan for fantastic food, welcoming people and breathtaking landscapes!
To make the most of your time there, here’s an itinerary that’ll allow you to cross the province all the while enjoying the unique activities this region has to offer.
Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a must-see stop during any journey across Canada! Abounding with bars and cafés, the city exudes blues and jazz. Strangely, it’s nicknamed the Paris of the Prairies because of its many bridges. You can easily visit the downtown core on foot since everything revolves around the river!
What to Do in Saskatoon?
Venture into the Broadway district: a hip neighbourhood filled with street art! Don’t be afraid to stroll in the back alleys to see more street art, including that of local artist JoVan @prairiepaint. In the evening, take the opportunity to catch a live music show in one of the city’s numerous bars.
Lumsden
On the road between Saskatoon and Regina, explore Qu’Appelle Valley and make a stop in the cute village of Lumsden! Time seems frozen here, like in a vintage movie! Also, you’re in the right place to spoil your inner foodie!
What to Do in Lumsden?
Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner! The Prairies are Canada’s pantry, and food is centre stage in Saskatchewan. Many restaurants apply the “Farm to Table” philosophy of relying on local, in-season produce. Book a visit to Over the Hills Orchards and Winery for a unique dining experience. Young chefs from the region team up to create a 3-course meal based on what’s fresh and locally available. You can also take part in wine tasting, enjoy the terrace and go on a tour of the vineyard.
Try beef jerky made from the traditional method at the famous Jerky Boys Meat. Make sure to restock for an on-the-go snack for the rest of our trip!
Regina
You can’t leave Saskatchewan without exploring Regina, the provincial capital! This little oasis in the heart of the Prairies has a family feel and student vibe. The large Wascana Centre Park is the city’s lung. It encircles Wascana Lake, the perfect place for a picnic or an early morning jog. You can discover many more parks in Regina. It’s so nice to be surrounded by greenery and tall trees that contrast with the distinctively flat fields of the Prairies. With only 200,000 inhabitants, Regina, the province’s capital, is a big city with the vibe of a village. Most of the main neighbourhoods can be explored on foot.
What to Do in Regina?
Visit the Cathedral Neighbourhood and admire the murals, drink the tastiest coffee in town at 33 1/3 Coffee and stock up on sweets at Dessart Sweets.
Check out Scotty, the world’s largest T-Rex, which was discovered in the Prairies and now rests at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.
Rain or shine, catch a movie at the Saskatchewan Science Centre’s IMAX cinema. It’s the best way to take a break from your epic travels across Canada.
Go on a museum tour! Don’t miss the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to find out more about the region’s natural history. If you want to see the works of local artists, stop by the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Head to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Museum to learn all about mounted police. You can also visit the Saskatchewan Legislature, the Civic Museum of Regina, which reveals the history of the city and finish your museum tour at the Lieutenant Governor’s House.
Make sure you go to the famous Regina Farmers’ Market at City Square Plaza (intersection of 12th Avenue and Scarth Street) to discover and test local specialties. Check the schedule, but normally the market is on every Wednesday and Saturday morning. You can meet and chat with local producers like Je Ranch, Sacred Earth Soaps, Zee-Bee Honey, Crave Kombucha, Pure T Organics, Baechu Kimchi, Golden Prairie Wild Boar Meat and Klassic Kulfi. Big up for the Hungarian-style Chimney Cake!
Where to Eat in Regina?
With loads of restaurants and fresh produce to choose, Regina will spoil you when it comes to food. For brunch, make your way to Skye Café and Bistro, Tangerine Café or Hunter Gatherer (vegetarian). At lunchtime, take your pick from the many food trucks at the Regina Farmers’ Market. For dinner, you’ll be able to feast at one of the following restaurants: Bushwakker’s Brewpub, Victoria’s Tavern, Leopold’s Tavern, Bodega Tapas and Wine Bar or Jack Keaton’s BBQ and Grill. Just outside of Regina, about 30 minutes away, you’ll find the trendy 641 Grill and Motel, which makes the best Bloody Caesars in the area!
Where to Sleep in Regina?
Take some time to relax at HI Regina. It’s the meeting point for backpackers in town! This large white heritage mansion is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the city. You’ll be just a two-minute walk from the famous Wascana Lake and several other landmarks in the city.
Park, Lakes and Beaches
Regina boasts many nearby lakes, including those in Buffalo Pound Provincial Park and Last Mountain Regional Park where you should definitely take advantage of Regina Beach during the summer. If you still have free time before resuming your journey across the country, explore the wilderness of Prairie National Park, near the U.S. border, or continue on to northern Saskatchewan to discover Prince Albert National Park.
With its sunbathed wheat fields, pretty little towns and plethora of parks, Saskatchewan is an underrated province that absolutely deserves a visit. We think everyone should experience the Canadian Prairies at least once in their life!
What should we add to our list of activities to discover Saskatchewan?
Check out our other destinations across Canada
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