20+ Best Things to do in Saskatchewan, Canada 

The province of Saskatchewan is home to 100,000 lakes and rivers, 250 villages, 146 towns, and 16 cities. These impressive numbers can tell you what it has to offer in this lesser-visited Canadian province – beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, unique history and culture.

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Located in the prairie region of Canada, the province’s varied natural terrain takes you from the rocky Canadian Shield Plateau in Northern Saskatchewan to the famous grasslands of Southern Saskatchewan. Parts of Saskatchewan are designated as reserve lands, as the province is home to 72 of Canada’s First Nations.

Today, most of the population is concentrated in the southern half of the province. Its two biggest towns are Saskatoon and the capital, Regina. Because of an influx of immigrants in the 19th century, there are a lot of multicultural influences here, the most common being European, First Nations, Métis, Ukrainian, and Chinese.

It may not be as popular as the other tourist destinations in Canada, but those who venture to Saskatchewan are bound to enjoy this Land of Living Skies, charming, rural prairie town vibes and endless nature and outdoor activities. 

Saskatchewan, Canada
On the road in Saskatchewan
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We recently spent 10 days adventuring around Saskatchewan and returned with a newfound appreciation for this beautiful province. It offered much more than we expected and proved to be a destination worth visiting! If you’re curious about what to see and do in the prairie province of Saskatchewan, keep reading for our recommendations!

How to Get to Saskatchewan

By Air 

The two international airports, in Regina and Saskatoon, connect Saskatchewan to many destinations within Canada, US, Europe and beyond. 

Regina International Airport (YQR) 

Regina International Airport serves several airlines, including Air CanadaWestJet, and Sunwing Airlines. It offers flights to major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, popular U.S. destinations such as Las Vegas and Orlando, and seasonal flights to international destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean.

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE)

Saskatoon airport is well-connected to major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton through airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Flair Airlines.

Saskatoon Airport also offers seasonal direct flights to popular US destinations like Minneapolis, Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as vacation spots in Mexico through airlines like Sunwing Airlines.

By Car

Driving to Saskatchewan by car offers various scenic routes, depending on your starting location. Major routes include the Trans-Canada Highway from Calgary or Winnipeg and the Yellowhead Highway from Edmonton, leading to key cities like Regina and Saskatoon. U.S. travellers can enter Saskatchewan through border crossings from Montana or North Dakota.

Driving in Saskatchewan
Driving in Saskatchewan
Distance from Saskatchewan to Major Cities in Canada:

Vancouver: 1,681 km (1,044 mi)
Calgary: 722 km (448 mi)
Edmonton: 528 km (328 mi)
Winnipeg: 901 km (559 mi)
Toronto: 2,895 km (1,799 mi)

By Campervan

Take your long drive to the next level with a campervan! The drive inland is long and scenic, making for a great road trip. 

By Train

The cross-Canada rail network connects central Saskatchewan via VIA Rail. Several types of passes are available, and the most popular routes are Toronto to Saskatoon, Vancouver to Saskatoon, and Winnipeg to Saskatoon. 

From the US, VIA Rail can be booked via AMTRAK.

How to Get Around Saskatchewan

If you’re staying within the cities, say downtown Regina or Saskatoon, the areas are generally very walkable, and you won’t have trouble exploring on foot. Public transportation is always an option, too, whether you want to hop on a bus, taxi, or even rent a bike or scooter.

But if you want to go outside the cities—and you should!—you’ll definitely want to rent a car.

By Car

There are many vehicle rental options in Saskatchewan, with vehicles starting at CAD $50 on average. The convenience of exploring by car allows you to go outside of the cities and enjoy the nature and scenery of the prairies. It’s well worth it! 

By Taxi/Ridesharing Apps

You won’t have a hard time flagging down taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Riide, a locally-owned alternative in cities like Regina and Saskatoon.

things to do in saskatchewan
On the road to Saskatchewan

Best Time to Visit Saskatchewan

Summer (June to September)

Saskatchewan sees about 2,000 to 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, making it Canada’s Sunniest Province—and a great place to visit in the summer. Daytime temperatures range from 20 to 25°C (68-77°F), though on particularly hot days, it can reach high 30s (80°F). Street fairs, festivals, and outdoor activities keep the cities busy during the warm summer months.

Fall (September to early November)

The prairies take on deeper colours this time of year, and the weather gets more unpredictable. Nighttime temps can fall to 0°C (32°F) but rise to 14°C (57°F) in the morning, so be prepared with sunscreen, a lightweight jacket, and an umbrella just to be safe.

Winter (December to March)

Winter hits extreme cold temperatures, particularly in January and February. Considering the notorious wind chill, it can get as low as -30 to -40°C. Daytime temperatures range from -5 to -15°C (23 to 5°F) and can drop to -15 to -25°C (5 to -13°F) at night. While this is good news for winter sports and cross-country skiing enthusiasts, you’ll want to pack thick and warm layers to enjoy Saskatchewan in the winter.

Spring (March to June)

Colour returns to the prairies as the days grow longer and the weather warms up. Spring is greeted by annual festivals and the return of outdoor activities—sports, hiking, and patio season! 

Good to know: Saskatchewan has a Seasonal Camping Program with long-term campsites that can be reserved for the entire summer. The camping season typically runs from the long weekend in May until September 30 unless stated otherwise. If you want to have a go-to camping spot for the summer, this is a must — but make sure to book ahead! Slots open in April on a first come, first serve basis and typically get filled fast!

Wanuskewin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Summer in Saskatchewan

Top 22 Things to Do in Saskatchewan

Regina and Around

Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and the second-largest city in the province after Saskatoon. It’s a family-friendly city with many parks, bike paths, outdoor recreational areas, museums, cultural centres, and civic buildings.

Wascana Centre feels like the heart of the city and one of the largest urban parks in North America. Close by, you’ll find some of the most important buildings, museums, galleries, and more. 

Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan

Here are some of the must-dos around Regina:

1. Visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum  

This natural history museum was founded in 1906, making it the first museum not only in Saskatchewan but also among all three Prairie provinces. One of the highlights is the life-sized replica of Scotty, the world’s biggest T. Rex and Canada’s biggest dinosaur, discovered in Saskatchewan. Scientists say he must have roamed Saskatchewan around 66 million years ago. Research shows he lived up to the ripe age of 28, making him the oldest T. Rex specimen in the world.

The museum also features exhibits on Indigenous cultures, geology, and local wildlife.

Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina
Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina

2. Explore Wascana Park 

Apart from being the centre of some of the city’s most important buildings, Wascana Centre Park offers beautiful walking trails, gardens, and picnic areas, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities and relaxation. The 2,300-acre urban park welcomes 276 species of birds, 36 species of mammals, 6 species of fish, 4 species of amphibians, 2 reptiles, 300 trees and shrubs, 100 annuals and 100 perennials!

It also houses several important landmarks, including the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Mackenzie Art Gallery, Saskatchewan Science Centre, and more.

If there is one place you have to visit during your time in Regina – it’s here!

Wascana Park, Regina
Wascana Park, Regina

3. Visit the RCMP Heritage Centre 

The RCMP Heritage Centre (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) holds over a century’s worth of Canadian history and is a popular spot for anyone interested in Canadian history. A mix of traditional and modern exhibits tells the story, starting in 1873 when the North-West Mounted Police were formed and continuing to the modern-day Mounties. There are interesting interactive exhibits with virtual and augmented reality experiences and even some live events. 

The museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 11am-5pm (regular hours) and at 10am-5pm during the summer. Tickets are $10/each for adults.

4. Stay at Hotel Saskatchewan 

If you want a taste of old-school Saskatchewan glamour, check into the Saskatchewan Hotel — one of the most iconic hotels in Canada! It’s one of the original Canadian Pacific Railway hotels, built in 1927. Royalty, political figures, and celebrities are just some of the esteemed guests who have stayed here over the years.

The elegant hotel has been beautifully renovated and, to this day, offers a glimpse into life in the early 1900s. Rooms are furnished with pillowtop mattresses, impressive décor, and high-speed WiFi, plus you get gorgeous views of Victoria Park, too! 

Cocktails at Circa 271 Lounge are not to be missed, and the event space, The Burrow, is currently being converted to a new pop-up restaurant. 

Hotel Saskatchewan is conveniently located downtown, near Mosaic Stadium, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the University of Regina, and other recreational and shopping areas.

Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina
Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina

5. Have a meal at Avenue Restaurant and Bar 

If there is one restaurant you have to try while in Regina – it’s Avenue. It’s upscale, but their food is incredible, and the cocktails are great too. The Beef Wellington is a must-try, along with the La Ronge Walleye–a typical Saskatchewan catch of the day.

Avenue Restaurant and Bar 
Avenue Restaurant and Bar 

Grasslands National Park

Grasslands may be one of the most underrated national parks in Canada! The park, located in southern Saskatchewan, is a unique and vast landscape of vast prairies, buttes and grasslands. Grasslands National Park spans 900 sq kms and preserves native prairie grasslands, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. 

The park is split into two sections: East Block and West Block. We visited both and found them to offer distinct wildlife and landscape attractions.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Driving into Grasslands National Park

6. Visit Grasslands National Park East Block

East Block in Grasslands National Park is the more remote section, but it offers amazing sights and a dynamic landscape with buttes. 

The closest town to the East Block is about 45 minutes away, and facilities inside the park are very limited. The Rock Creek Campground inside the East Block offers campsites and oTENTik Glamping Tents, fully equipped with BBQ facilities, chairs, and basic essentials.

The best time to visit this section of the park is from May to October. 

  • Drive the Badlands Parkway, an 11km single-lane paved road with six awesome viewpoints overlooking Rock Creek’s vast grasslands and badlands.
  • Hike the Valley of the 1,000 Devils trail. The hike is long (10km return) but beautiful with coulees, mixed-grass prairie scenery and the rugged badlands with the large, iconic clay buttes.
  • There are also easy to moderate hikes along the East Block, like the Rock Creek Trail, which is a 1km walking trail loop, and the Creek to Peak Trail, a 1.5km return that takes you up along the hill. 
Grasslands National Park East Block
Grasslands National Park East Block
Max at Grasslands National Park East Block
Max at Grasslands National Park East Block
Grasslands National Park East Block
Grasslands National Park East Block

7. Visit Grasslands National Park West Block

You may be surprised to hear that the West Block in Grasslands National Park sees 5x more visitors than the East. And that’s purely because the West Block is easily accessible from the town of Val Marie. Facilities in the town include a campground, the Convent Inn hotel, a grocery store, and even a few restaurants. 

The West Block is known for its prairie-like landscapes and, of course, the wildlife! Massive prairie dog colonies can be found all around the West Block, as well as a native bison herd, coyotes, pronghorn antelopes, deer, and plenty of raptors!

  • Ecotour Scenic Drive is a 20km self-guided driving tour that cuts right through the West Block and offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. The drive takes about 2 hours and passes through the Frenchman River Valley, with green landscapes and lots of opportunities to spot wildlife. 
  • Hike the 70 Mile Butte Trail. This 2km loop and takes about an hour to complete and offers a breathtaking view of the Frenchman River Valley. 
  • Hiking enthusiasts will find lots of alternative trails at West Block. Eagle Butte Trail, Riverwalk Trail, Top Dogtown Trail, and Larson Trail are some of the easier ones and shouldn’t take you more than an hour.
  • Drive the backcountry loop. If you have a few hours to spare and want to escape the mid-day heat, hop in your car and drive the backcountry loop that veers off from the Frenchman River Valley. There are no stops along the way and no major attractions, but we absolutely loved it and treated it like a bit of a safari. Over the course of our 2-3 hours drive, we spotted a few coyotes, plenty of prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, and deer. 
Grasslands National Park West Block
Grasslands National Park West Block
Grasslands National Park West Block, things to do in saskatchewan
Grasslands National Park West Block

8. Stay at the Convent Inn

This unique B&B is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Canada! The convent was built in 1939, and used to be a high school operated by The Sisters of Assumption. After closing, it stayed vacant for 18 years before it was rediscovered and renovated into an inn in 1996. It’s homey and cozy, with oak interiors and impressive woodwork.

The Inn offers private bedrooms with shared bathrooms, along with a shared living and dining space. Breakfast is served daily and comes with plenty of local advice and fascinating stories from the host and owner, Adam.

Saskatoon and Around

9. Stay at Alive Sky Lodge 

Another unique accommodation we checked into during our time in Saskatchewan was the Alive Sky Lodge. They offer unique rooms like a converted luxury Grain Bins, Bunkhouses, and Guesthouses, all on an expansive canola farm. 

We stayed in their Bohemian Bin, a cozy grain bin that has been transformed into a chic, bohemian-inspired unit with a kitchen, living room, and bathroom as well as a queen bed and a set of bunks upstairs. The unit came with a private 2-person hot tub, access to a fire pit, and a spectacular view of the prairie vista. Relaxing outdoors after a long day was the perfect way to enjoy rural Saskatchewan. At night, the sky lit up with the most beautiful stars. It was here that we understood why Saskatchewan is often called the Land of the Living Skies!

Alive Sky Lodge, Saskatchewan
Alive Sky Lodge, Saskatchewan
Alive Sky Lodge, Saskatchewan
Our room at Alive Sky Lodge, Saskatchewan

10. Discover Wanuskewin Heritage Park 

Wanuskewin roughly translates to “seeking peace of mind,”. This area, just outside of Saskatoon, has been a sacred site and gathering place for more than 6,000 years. 

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a cultural complex with museums, exhibits, and events, educational trails, offering an insight into the culture and the people of the Northern Plains. 

There is a lot to do and see in Wakuskewin. You’ll also find a conservation herd of bison, brought back in partnership with Parks Canada in 2019. Wanuskewin bison once roamed the land years ago, but they went extinct in the late 1800s. Today, the free-roaming plains bison continue to grow and restore balance back to the land. 

Wanuskewin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Wanuskewin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Wanuskewin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Bison spotted at Wanuskewin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

11. Attend the Han Wi Moon Dinner

This one-of-a-kind transformative culinary experience takes place at Wanuskewin only a few times a year (around end of July), as a celebration of the culture and people of the Northern Plains. 

The evening starts with a guided walking tour around the site, where guests learn about the culture, history, and science of the land. The meal is served in a beautiful setting at the tipi village and consists of seasonal dishes foraged from the prairies and served in 3 courses. The experience comes to a close with a cultural presentation, with a view overlooking the beautiful South Saskatchewan River and Opimihāw Valley. 

This meal was one of our favourite culinary experiences during our time in Saskatchewan and is an experience we highly recommend.

Han Wi Moon Dinner
Han Wi Moon Dinner

12. Visit Black Fox Farm and Distillery 

Located just 10 minutes outside of Saskatoon, the Black Fox is one of Canada’s most well-known distilleries and one of the few farm-to-still distilleries in North America. The Farm grows 90% of what it uses in its products, including honey, haskap berries, pumpkin flowers and much more. 

Visit the farm for a glimpse of their beautiful and unique distillery process that combines traditional farming with modern technology. You can pop by without a reservation, stroll around the farm and taste some of their cocktails and spirits (try their Canadian gin, liqueur, and the award-winning SE Eleven Canadian Whiskey), or book a farm tour, u-pick experience in season and more. 

 

Black Fox Farm and Distillery 
Black Fox Farm and Distillery 
Black Fox Farm and Distillery 
Oksana at Black Fox Farm and Distillery 

13. Join a Meewasin Valley River Tour 

If you want to learn a bit more about Saskatoon, join the guided Meewasin Valley River Tour. The tour takes you through Meewasin Valley, Canada’s largest urban conservation centre and offers insight into the valley’s history, which naturally intertwines with the city’s. We were fascinated to learn about the work of the Meewasin organisation and to understand how this small but mighty team is working towards a future that creates a balance between human use and conservation.

14. Walk or Bike the Meewasin Trail

The Meewasin trail, a scenic pathway that winds along the South Saskatchewan River, spans over 80 kilometres and is one of the top walking and cycling trails in Saskatchewan. The trail connects various parks, cultural sites, and natural areas and is a year-round destination, with activities like cross-country skiing in winter and vibrant foliage in the Fall. 

15. Visit Remai Modern 

This contemporary art museum is a must-visit in Saskatoon. The space holds more than 8,000 artworks and presents and collects local and international modern and contemporary art. It also has a Picasso gallery, plus a theatre and an onsite restaurant, Hearth, which is well worth a visit. 

Remai Modern is open on Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am-5pm, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Delicious salad at Hearth, Remai Modern restaurant
Delicious salad at Hearth, Remai Modern restaurant

16. Go Paddle Boarding on the South Saskatchewan River

The South Saskatchewan River was once an iconic waterway used by the Indigenous Peoples. Today, it’s a calm recreational area loved by locals and visitors of all ages. 

Paddleboarding is one of the most popular activities to do in the river, and many go for the 25 km route from Saskatoon to Warman. The water is typically calm, and the route takes about 4-5 hours to complete.

You can reach the South Saskatchewan River from multiple points in the city, such as Victoria Park, Poplar Bluffs Conservation Area, and Rotary Park.

17. Have Dinner at Odla

Odla is one of the newer restaurants in town with a unique farm-direct mission. They believe your food shouldn’t travel farther than you do, so most of the ingredients in their kitchen come from their partner, the holistically managed Farm One Forty. Order the Chef’s Choice 4-Course Meal for a taste of seasonal dishes made with fresh, local flavours. Prepare to be blown away!

Odla restaurant
Odla restaurant, Saskatoon

Other Things to Do in Saskatchewan

Despite our long stay and a full itinerary, there were a few destinations we didn’t get a chance to visit on this trip to Saskatchewan. But in the spirit of creating a detailed guide to this beautiful province, we decided to include them on our list! 

Here are some more fun things to do in Saskatchewan that we’ll make time for on our next visit

18. Prince Albert National Park 

Prince Albert National Park is a famous million-acre park in Saskatchewan, where you’ll find pristine wilderness that transitions from prairie grasslands to parklands and boreal forests. The impressive wildlife here includes timer wolves and 195 species of birds. It’s another great spot for wildlife and bird-watching, hiking, and camping.

If you have time, check out Waskesiu Lakewhich is located on the east side of Prince Albert National Park. The Lake offers lots of recreational activities no matter the season. In the warmer months, spend time in the lake and try out water sports, such as boating, fishing, or even swimming. 

Explore the surrounding area and go for a hike in the northern boreal forest, or spend a day on the Waskesiu Golf Course, which is one of Canada’s Top 100 premiere golf courses.

In the winter, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing are the main attractions.

19. Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Located between Alberta and Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills became Canada’s first inter-provincial park in 1989. Here, you’ll find rare wildflowers, 220 species of birds, and 47 mammals, among them moose, elk, deer, and antelope. The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park also has its own T. Rex Discovery Centre, a national historic site, a cultural and historical centre, and a prairie heritage conservation area.

20. Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park

About 100 km along the south shore of Lake Athabasca is the largest active sand surface in Canada. The Athabasca sand dunes are known as Canada’s “most unlikely landscape,” with unique natural sand dune formations—some even as high as 30 meters! The ecosystem in this park is very unique, with lots of rare and endemic plants. 

Getting here requires a bit of effort, as Athabasca is accessible only via float plane. 

21. Go for a Float at Little Manitou Lake

About a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Saskatoon or Regina is Manitou Beach, where you can find Little Manitou Lake. Known as the “Dead Sea of Canada,” it’s well-known for its healing waters and natural buoyancy. The lake water has 5x more salt than ocean water, and it’s one of 5 lakes in the world where dissolved salt precipitates in deep water. The town is also known to have amazing sunsets, sometimes even with glimpses of northern lights!

22. Go Fishing at Milton Lake Lodge

If you’re looking for a fly-in fishing destination where you can fish to your heart’s content, check out Milton Lake Lodge in northeast Saskatchewan. It’s a great place to fish for massive northern pike, lake trout, and arctic grayling. They have lodge and outpost camps, impressive boats and equipment, plus delicious dining options.

READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan

The Bottom Line

Our recent visit confirmed our assumptions: Saskatchewan is Canada’s well-kept secret, with lots of adventures and stunning scenery to impress nature lovers and urban enthusiasts alike. 

If you’re looking for a road trip destination that offers a mix of nature, urban landscapes, rich history and First Nations culture, Saskatchewan is it! It’s not a province we ever have at the top of our bucket list, but it’s one we will definitely come back to explore again and again! 

Ok, Saskatchewan. You got us! 

 

Disclaimer: Our visit to Saskatchewan was arranged courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan. All opinions expressed in this article are our own. 

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