13 Top-Rated Places to Visit in Saskatoon for Tourists

Saskatoon is known as the "Paris of the Prairies" because of its stunning brass-colored bridges. It also catches up with Paris in terms of historical and cultural attractions. With Saskatoonians coming home from larger towns, this Saskatchewan community has grown in population and appeal while maintaining its beauty. 

Cafés are busy with visitors and residents, and riverbank pathways provide stunning city views and picturesque neighborhoods. This little city has several sightseeing options and activities with a big-city vibe throughout the year. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to visit in Saskatoon, ensuring you make the most of your time in this captivating city.

Explore the best places to visit in Saskatoon for travelers

Explore the top 13 Saskatoon tourist attractions for travelers

1. Western Development Museum

Western Development Museum is a great place to visit in Saskatoon

Western Development Museum is the best place to go in Saskatoon and one of the top museums in Canada. Saskatoon's historic railway origins have helped it evolve into the vibrant industrial hub it is now. In 1908, a railway line brought European settlers to the Western plains, changing the region's identity.

The Western Development Museum transports you back in time with a life-size model of 1910 Boomtown, complete with buildings such as a school, church, laundry, and feed store, all adorned with authentic items.

The road starting from the railway station is adorned with vintage streetcars, old tractors, and carriages, providing visitors with a glimpse of the past. An authentic train is also available for boarding. Within the "Winning the Prairie Gamble" exhibit, guests are guided through the journey of an immigrant family spanning multiple years, from their arrival to enduring the challenges of the Great Depression and beyond. The exhibit creatively showcases replicas of their living spaces and farmland, offering an immersive experience.

The museum also has a section dedicated to agricultural and scientific breakthroughs that originated in Saskatchewan. If the Wild West inspired you, stop by the Boomtown Photo Studio for a black-and-white portrait of yourself dressed in early twentieth-century attire.  

Address: 2610 Lorne Ave, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

2. Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is the best beautiful park in Saskatoon, Canada

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is one of Saskatoon’s tourist attractions. A short trip up the river leads to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. This planned UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada will serve as a non-profit cultural and historical center dedicated to better understanding the region's indigenous people.

Wanuskewin, a Cree phrase, means "living together in harmony." The park's grounds are home to the country's longest-running archeological dig, with 6,000-year-old antiquities uncovered every day. Among the significant archaeological discoveries is a 1,500-year-old "medicine wheel" utilized in bison hunting, on which the First Nations people relied.

Sculptures depicting a small herd of bison stand in front of the park's main structure, which features educational displays and galleries displaying indigenous artists' work. The institution provides guided tours, hoop dance classes, tipi construction, and traditional art courses.

Visitors may explore the hallowed grounds of Wanuskewin Heritage Park and even sleep in a tipi overnight. In 2019, the park reintroduced bison to this region in conjunction with Parks Canada.

Address: RR 4 Penner Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

3. University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan is one of the great Saskatoon tourist attractions

Situated in the core of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the best places to see in Saskatoon. It is the province's most expansive educational institution and the pioneer in establishing a college devoted to Agricultural Sciences.

The Peter MacKinnon Building is at the heart of the university campus, recognized as a National Historic site. This notable structure showcases Collegiate Gothic-style architecture reminiscent of the buildings at esteemed universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, and various American academic institutions.

The walking property features a sculpture park, a theater, and an observatory. On Saturday nights, people may view the stars and planets via the telescope for free. The observatory also has a modest museum dedicated to our solar system, the history of astronomy, and the mystery of black holes.

While on campus, stop at the Museum of Antiquities, which has a diverse collection of Egyptian, Roman, and Greek antiquities. Admission to the museum is free, and it is open every day except Sunday.

Address: 105 Administration Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

4. Ukrainian Museum of Canada

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is a beautiful place to travel in Saskatoon

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, one of the best places to go in Saskatoon, located in central Saskatoon, maintains and commemorates Ukrainian Canadians and their distinct cultural heritage via artwork, fabrics, weavings, wood carvings, and stunning pysanky (Easter eggs).

Founded in 1936 as a memorial to the 170,000 families who came to Saskatchewan, this tiny museum with three rooms chronicles their laborious trip and the trials and tribulations they faced in their new home.

A gallery next to the historical exhibitions showcases artwork created by members of the local Ukrainian community. Take home a keepsake from the gift shop, which includes cookbooks, Easter eggs, embroidered linens, paintings, and music.

If your visit left you hungry for Eastern European cuisine, head to Baba's Homestyle Perogies, the world's only drive-through pierogi business.

Address: 910 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

5. Saskatoon Farmers Market

Enjoy at Saskatoon Farmers Market is a great thing to do for tourists

Walk along the river from downtown to the Riversdale area, which holds the Saskatoon Farmers' Market every Sunday year-round.

This indoor and outdoor market is the province's oldest, most significant, and finest place to sample the region's nutritious foods. Vendors provide fresh veggies, fruit, spreads, gourmet delicacies, and pickerel harvested in Northern Saskatchewan's rivers.

Local artists display their wares in temporary and permanent booths. Don't pass up the opportunity to sample the local favorite fruit recognized for its high antioxidant content—the Sea Buckthorn berry—at a kiosk offering everything from gelato to jams produced from this superfood.

Address: 414 Avenue B South Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

6. Beaver Creek Conservation Area

A great spot for families and friends is Beaver Creek Conservation Area

If you're looking for a day trek near Saskatoon, go beyond the Beaver Creek Conservation Area, located 13 kilometers south of the city. Beaver Creek, part of the Meewasin Valley Park system, is a protected natural reserve perfect for outdoor exploration.

Several accessible hiking routes meander over short-grass prairie, providing views of deer, foxes, and other small creatures.

In the warmer months, you may hear songbirds chirping in the trees and shorebirds and ducks exploring the stream valley. In the winter, some of the paths are used for cross-country skiing.

The longest is the Orange Trail, which runs four kilometers over grassland prairie plains along the South Saskatchewan River.

Address: Chief Whitecap Trail, Corman Park No. 344, Division, No. 11, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

7. Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park

Nutrien Playland is one of the most beautiful in Saskatoon, and scenic views

The city of Saskatoon operates Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, a modest collection of amusements ideal for families traveling with children. For a bird' s-eye perspective, ride the 20-meter Ferris wheel; if heights aren't your thing, enjoy a leisurely trip on the carousel.

If you want to explore the remainder of Kinsmen Park but don't want to walk, take the Canpotex Train, a freight train model suitable for all ages. In addition to the amusement attractions, there are several play facilities, including climbing equipment and water play areas.

8. Remai Modern Museum                                                                                                       

Remai Modern Museum is the most visited museum in Canada.

Remai Modern Museum is top places to visit in Canada with friends and family. The Remai Modern Museum, which overlooks the South Saskatchewan River, houses the most extensive permanent collection of Pablo Picasso's linocuts, with over 406 works. 

The structure, inaugurated in October 2017, bears tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie design. It resembles his Fallingwater skyscraper in its glass-and-wood piled façade and the subtle copper-colored grid that surrounds it to regulate inside temperature.

The atrium has a long fireplace with the museum's name inscribed in local languages and a massive, permanent work of hanging cubes made from Venetian blinds by artist Haegue Yang.

In addition to Picasso's linocuts, which occupy part of the 11 gallery spaces, the museum houses Fred Mendel's private art collection from the now-closed Mendel Art Gallery.

The museum provides summer art camps for children to help them develop creative confidence and creativity via drawing, sculpting, painting, and printing. The sessions are at the art studio and galleries, among unique artwork.

Teens and adults may also participate in classes such as birch bark basket-making and linocut creation, where they will learn to express their creativity using various techniques.

Address: 102 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

9. Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is the place to go for families at the weekend

If you're still wondering what to do in Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a fantastic spot to explore and have fun. A century ago, it began as a tiny tree nursery. In 1990, it expanded to become a National Historic Site with beautiful gardens, restored historical buildings, and Saskatchewan's first recognized zoo.

This famous attraction houses over 90 species of birds and animals in communities that mimic their natural environments, including capuchin monkeys, grey wolves, Chinese red pandas, and Madagascar ruffed lemurs.

In the winter, visitors to the Kinsmen Bear display can see grizzlies Mistaya and Koda playing. Families may enjoy the beautifully designed park and McDonald's Playground, a nature-themed entertainment area for children of all ages.

During the summer, you could witness a cricket game or two on one of the fields and residents grilling and celebrating significant occasions. This volunteer-run park also offers children's and adult educational programs and seasonal events like the annual Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour.

Address: 1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

10. Meewasin Valley Trail

Meewasin Valley Trail is great for hiking, jogging, roller blading and biking 

The 60-kilometer Meewasin Valley Trail travels along both banks of the South Saskatchewan River, passing under bridges and through municipal parks, as well as key tourist destinations and historic sites.

This paved trail is popular with walkers and cyclists all year and dog owners taking leisurely walks with their leashed dogs. Begin at River Landing, a riverside promenade and green space area near downtown's key attractions, then enjoy a leisurely stroll to Friendship Park and Kiwanis Memorial Park. The landing area features seats, covered picnic tables, grass, and a children's water spray park.

Around 20 kilometers of the Meewasin Trail are classified as part of The Great Trail, the world's most significant network of paths. Summer activities include canoe rentals, picnics, fishing, and birding.

Winter offers the opportunity to cross-country ski and skate at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink in Kiwanis Memorial Park, providing free skate rentals.

11. Diefenbaker Canada Centre

No trip to Saskatoon is complete without a visit to the Diefenbaker Canada Centre

The Diefenbaker Canada Centre (DCC), located on the magnificent University of Saskatchewan campus, is a combination archive and museum dedicated to the life and work of John G. Diefenbaker, Canada's thirteenth Prime Minister.

The collection contains reconstructions of the Cabinet Chamber and Prime Minister's Office in Ottawa during his term from 1957 to 1963. The archives house the Prime Minister's personal and professional documents, photos, and audio-visual materials.

The center hosts touring exhibitions linked to his professional interests and educational programs on Canadian history, politics, science, and its place in the world community. Diefenbaker and his wife, Olive, are buried nearby.

Address: 101 Diefenbaker Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

12. Persephone Theatre

Persephone Theatre is one of the best places to see in Saskatoon

Persephone Theater, founded in 1974 by sisters Janet and Susan Wright, is one of the best places to see in Saskatoon. It is a non-profit regional theater group dedicated to delivering high-quality live entertainment. Persephone performs six events at the 400-seat Rawlco Radio Hall and three gigs at the 100-seat Backstage Stage studio space each season, from fall to spring.

The theater started a campaign to make performances more accessible to everyone, including people with hearing and vision impairments. The company also provides "relaxed performances" for those with autism, epilepsy, and other stimulus-affected conditions, during which the doors remain open, the house lights are turned on, and the audience may roam about freely.

The theater offers a robust youth program, including a theater school, and hosts annual community events.

Address: 100 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

13. Prairie Lily Riverboat Cruise

Prairie Lily Riverboat Cruise is regarded as one of the fun places in Saskatoon

Take your loved one on a romantic journey along the river on the Prairie Lily riverboat to enjoy the picturesque city. Enjoy views of the Meewasin Valley's natural splendor, the stunning Delta Bessborough Hotel, known as the "Castle on the River" because of its characteristic fairy-tale turrets, and the brand-new glass-fronted Remai Modern Museum.

On the opposite side, you'll see enormous mansions with groomed lawns and a portion of the riverbank adorned with painted rocks.

Prairie Lily is one of the best places to go in Saskatoon. It provides hour-long guided sightseeing cruises twice daily from May to September, six days a week during the peak season in July and August. The boat also does evening meal excursions at 6:30 p.m. on most weekdays and a brunch cruise on weekends throughout the summer.

What is Accommodation in Saskatoon for Sightseeing?

We recommend the following quality hotels near downtown Saskatoon shops and attractions:

• The James Hotel: this upscale boutique hotel is located on the river and features stylish décor, high-count linens and marble bathrooms.
• Sheraton Knights Inn Saskatoon: this moderately priced hotel with river views is centrally located with a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, and an ice rink nearby.
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Saskatoon Airport: This airport hotel is only 10 minutes from downtown and offers moderate prices, a complimentary cooked breakfast, an indoor pool, and a hot tub.
• Comfort Suites Saskatoon: Visitors may enjoy low-cost rates and facilities such as in-room coffee machines, a pool with a waterslide, and a hot tub.

Getting the Canadian eTA to explore the list of best places to visit in Saskatoon

If you want to visit the beautiful sights of Saskatoon, you should apply for a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization. The Canada ETA is valid for 5 years and you can enter the country multiple times. With the Canada ETA you can stay for a maximum of 180 days per visit. Once you've obtained your eTA, you may go through the list of the top places to visit in Saskatoon.

Saskatoon is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural liveliness, and intellectual prowess. The city is known as the "Berry Capital" of Canada due to its abundance of Saskatoon berries. There is also an annual Saskatoon Berry Festival. Saskatoon is also recognized for the South Saskatchewan River, which passes directly through the city. It's a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Saskatoon boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, with various galleries, theaters, and music venues. With your Canadian eTA, you're ready for an incredible journey in this beautiful Canadian city.