Saskatchewan Travel Guide - Explore The Best City to Live in Canada

Next to Alberta, Saskatchewan is a province often overlooked by many tourists, but you are wrong. Those who take the time to explore it are rewarded with wide-open spaces, stunning natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.

It is not the place for rushing in Saskatchewan. It's a spot to stretch out in a field and watch a herd of geese pierce the unending blue sky, or it's a location to hide from the throng in the city and enjoy a tranquil getaway on a large farm. 

With this extensive Saskatchewan travel guide to many activities, you'll be well-prepared to visit the province's cities, badlands, and all points in between!

Why Visit Saskatchewan?

it is certainly not a metropolitan city like Toronto, nor is it a coastal city like Vancouver, but it is beautiful in its vastness and variety. The province boasts of endless prairies, serene lakes and thriving cities such as Saskatoon and Regina which you will not get anywhere in Canada.

A slow-paced lifestyle with one of the best fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing getaways in Canada makes it a secret. Saskatchewan provides a pleasant tour of the Canadian heartland with more than 100 000 lakes, massive national parks, and large communities of Aboriginal people.

Saskatchewan Travel Guide - Top things to do in Saskatchewan, Canada

Explore Saskatoon: The City of Bridges

The largest municipality in Saskatchewan is Saskatoon which is called the Parris of the Prairies due to its many bridges as well as the South Saskatchewan River which flows through the municipality.

You can find the South Saskatchewan river, the phenomenal Wanuskewin Heritage Centre, a cool vibe, abundance of Art Nouveau buildings and the lowest populations in the ages of all Saskatoon people. Saskatoon is a great destination when it comes to food and beverage consumption since there are literally tons of award winning restaurants.

• Wanuskewin Heritage Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada that showcases the culture and history of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. Experience interactive exhibits, walking trails, and authentic teepee stays.
• Meewasin Valley: A nature lover’s paradise, the Meewasin Valley offers scenic walking trails along the riverbank, perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply taking in the views.
• Remai Modern: Art enthusiasts should not miss the Remai Modern, a contemporary art gallery that houses an impressive collection of Picasso linocuts.

Meewasin Valley

Prince Albert National Park

The next place in Saskatchewan travel guide is head to Prince Albert National Park. This enormous 3,875 square kilometer national park is home to many hiking paths, stunning Northern lakes, and a plenty of animals. Additionally, Grey Owl, a well-known naturalist, writer, and orator from the early 1900s, had a notable cabin there. Situated around 200 km north of Saskatoon, this location is ideal for spending time in the great outdoors.

Though it gets a lot of attention in the summer, it's also a great spot to go in the winter for exciting sports like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. If you do find yourself in Waskesiu during the winter, we heartily suggest lodging at Elk Ridge Resort's winter playground.

Prince Albert National Park

Grasslands National Park

The relative size of a larger park, Grasslands National Park however has become one of the best national parks in Canada. There are no doubts that you will also come back to this place on a regular basis after a year due to the distinct hiking opportunities, rare animal species, and dark skies. The true off-the-beaten-path and a source of great nature is the Grasslands National Park. It is so unique compared to the rest of the Canadian parks and it has some of the rarest animals in the country.

This is an amazing place to visit as far as you would like to get the actual feel of what it feels like to be within natural grasslands, badlands and prairies. Besides, one can find a lot of trails, cliff-hanging drives, and camping options as well as an opportunity to spend the night in a comfortable oTENTik or in a tipi. Grasslands National Park is an outstanding place to observe the stars, the planets, the Milky Way since it is considered one of the darkest in Canada Dark Sky Preserves.

Grasslands National Park

Climb the Great Sand Hills

The Great Sandhills of the southern Saskatchewan have a unique and 1,900 sq. km area under active sand dunes that are desert like. This is a sight that cannot be left out in your Saskatchewan traveling guide. Among the dune formations grow native grasses and small sects of trees like aspen, willow and sagebrush and populations of mule deer and antelope abound in the area.

Before you move on to the dunes, visit the Great Sandhills Museum in Sceptre (open mid-May to Labor Day weekend) to have an idea of the natural and human history of the region, and get a directions map.

The hanging Cowboy boots near the Great Sand Hills

Check out Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Canada's first interprovincial park, has plenty to offer every kind of tourist. There are many amazing sights as you travel through fescue meadow, lush forest, and towering hills.

Several campgrounds are available in the park, one of which is for horseback riders in the rustic West Block wilderness region. The park's Center Block offers one of the biggest Dark Sky Preserves in the world, a lodge, a swimming pool, hiking paths, and ziplining for those seeking contemporary conveniences.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

Before Traveling - Prepare Yourself A Saskatchewan Travel Guide

Where is Saskatchewan located?

Saskatchewan is located in the central part of Canada, within the Prairie Provinces. It is bordered by Alberta to the west, Manitoba to the east, and the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota to the south.

How to get to Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan can be reached through air, road and rail. Saskatoon and Regina are served by major airlines that land at the John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (Saskatoon YXE) and the Regina International Airport (Regina YQR). By car you can drive along highways that connect the province with Alberta, Manitoba and the American states of Montana and North Dakota.

• How to go to Saskatchewan from Toronto: To travel from Toronto to Saskatchewan, the most convenient option is to fly. Major airlines like Air Canada and WestJet offer direct flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Saskatoon (YXE) or Regina (YQR), with a flight time of about 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Manitoba to Saskatchewan: Drive from Winnipeg to Saskatchewan, which takes about 6 to 8 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway. Alternatively, you can take a bus, but it will take longer.
• Regina to Saskatchewan: Drive from Regina to other parts of Saskatchewan (e.g., Saskatoon takes about 2.5 hours), take a bus, or check VIA Rail for train services.

Travelers can easily travel to Saskatchewan

Best time to visit Saskatchewan

Summer months between June and August are the best months to visit Saskatchewan as weather conditions are warm and ideal to do hike fishing, camping, and others. Temperature is averagely between range 15C to 30C (59C to 86C) during this period. Autumn (September to October) is also beautiful and you will find beautiful foliage coupled with mild weather and the winter (November to March) sees people visit the place for skiing and other winter activities. Every season has its own experiences, but the summer and the beginning of fall are especially popular to the travelers.

Conclusion

Saskatchewan offers a unique blend of nature, history, and culture, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic Canadian experience. Whether you're exploring the urban charms of Saskatoon and Regina or venturing into the wilds of the province's national parks, Saskatchewan has something to captivate every traveler.

Hope this Saskatchewan travel guide will help you in some way before traveling to this place. Ready to apply for Canada e-visa, we will help you to get your travel document in a few days. With its friendly locals, wide-open spaces, and unspoiled beauty, your journey through Saskatchewan is sure to be an unforgettable one.