Discover Saskatoon Winter Visitor Guide

Table of Contents Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that we are guests on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis peoples. We reaffirm our relations bound together by our ancestors through Treaty, seeking mutual benefit from and on this land for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.

We honour Elders and Survivors, bring awareness to Indian Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Two-Spirit, and the long-term repercussions felt by Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.

Winter in Saskatoon is magic. This guide is an invitation to discover Saskatoon and all it has to offer during one of our most special seasons.

Saskatoon is more than a city—it’s a feeling, one you won’t soon forget. As the temperatures drop, activities heat up, with countless events and experiences that celebrate the diversity and distinctness of this land. Saskatoon is the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Whether you’re skijoring the Meewasin, wandering our storied city streets, or tucking into a dish of prairie

fresh ingredients, the memories and connections you’ll make here will last a lifetime.

It is our pleasure and privilege to welcome you to this land. We are shaped by and grateful to the Indigenous and Métis peoples who have lived here for thousands of years. To know this place is to recognize its history. We affirm our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, to the MMIW25 Calls for Justice, and to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Whether you’re from near or far, we wish you a safe, healthy, and satisfying stay.

Welcome to Saskatoon!

Whether you’re a first timer,

honorary Saskatonian,

in between, we’ve designed

a Saskatoon

help

full

kinship, connection, and fun. From dining to shopping, sightseeing to exploring, our riverside city has something for every kind of traveler to enjoy.

Welcome to Treaty 6 Territory and traditional homeland of the Métis. We are a thriving, growing city, shaped by the beauty of the Meewasin River Valley. We have cultural experiences, world-class music and art festivals, museums, and fantastic local restaurants for you to enjoy.

Message from Mayor, Charlie Clark

On top of the beauty and culture of our city, the warmth of our people is what makes visiting here most memorable. I am so grateful to be part of this community, and I truly hope you enjoy your stay and get to experience some of what Saskatoon has to offer.

Charlie Clark Mayor of Saskatoon

from Mayor Charlie Clark

About Discover Saskatoon

On behalf of the entire Discover Saskatoon team, allow us to be among the first to welcome you to the City of Saskatoon.

As the city’s destination management organization—one of only a handful in Canada to be internationally accredited—we have the honour and responsibility of sharing the stories of Saskatoon with the world. We are a membership-based, non-profit visitor and convention bureau, inspiring people from near and far to choose Saskatoon as their preferred destination for business and leisure.

We support convention and event attraction, media relations, member services, and more. We work collaboratively with our 400+ members to craft unique, memorable experiences that showcase Saskatoon, instilling

a local sense of pride and strengthening our economy by increasing visitation. This is what we’re here to do.

With the support of our primary funding partner, Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Inc. (SDMH), we offer endless opportunities to work, learn, stay, and play.

Have a question about your visit? Get in touch with us at 306.242.1206.

Experiences

New name. Same promise.

After 45 years, we’ve rebranded from Tourism Saskatoon to Discover Saskatoon. We are proud of our brand’s legacy, but as both tourism and Saskatoon evolve, the time was right for us to evolve, too. Our new brand is an invitation to discover and to delight in the sights, sounds, and people of Saskatoon.

So many ways to seize the snow.

Whether you’re

outdoor

prefer indoor indulgences, a visitor or a local, we have immersive experiences ready and waiting for you. Between river adventures, community showcases, seasonal festivals, and culinary journeys, let us help you create unforgettable memories this

in

Discover Saskatoon’s winter experiences

Eat & Drink

Jenn Sharp is the author of Flat Out Delicious, a guide to Saskatchewan’s food artisans, as well as the host of Flat Out Food, a six-episode documentary series that traces unique Saskatchewan ingredients from field to plate.

Sharp has dedicated her life’s work to help small-scale farmers increase their revenue by effectively marketing their story through her Happy Farmer 7-week Program.

jennsharp.ca

What makes Saskatoon unique is its close connections to rural life. Many of us—myself included—grew up on a family farm. Saskatoon’s culture combines many residents’ ties to agriculture with global tastes found at the city’s growing list of independent restaurants.

Researching my book, Flat Out Delicious: Your Definitive Guide to Saskatchewan’s Food Artisans, ignited my own passion for local food and a drive to share what our chefs and farmers quite literally bring to the table.

Saskatoon’s farm-totable food scene

Written by: Jenn Sharp

Eating Farm-to-Table

Enjoy culinary experiences that delight the senses and ignite imagination? You’re in the right place. Saskatoon has countless stories to share about the origins of our food and drink.

Discover the true tastes of Saskatoon

Many Saskatoon chefs have relationships with farmers producing delicious ingredients, from heritage Red Fife wheat to pastured pork and organic vegetables. These relationships make it easy to taste prairie terroir, which changes with the seasons. Temperatures here range from hot, dry summers to drops of -30°C or below in the winter. The animals and plants that thrive here are hardy, which means our ingredients burst with flavour.

Winter in Saskatoon means comfort food. Think slow-roasted meats and root vegetables washed down with craft brews and artisan cocktails. It’s also a time to savour tastes from summer in preserved fruit jellies and jams, and fermented products like pickles and sauerkraut.

Jenn Sharp

Spirits and brews, Saskatoon style

An international award-winning micro-distillery, Black Fox Farm and Distillery offers year-round tastings. Their SE Eleven whisky begins with Saskatchewan-grown triticale, and they’re one of only a few distilleries in the world to age their whisky outdoors. Saskatoon’s drastic temperature changes helps impart a one-of-a-kind taste of place.

For rustic Italian with seasonal ingredients and nose-to-tail butchery, try Primal Calories Restaurant is another favourite for showcasing heirloom ingredients in inventive dishes. Co-owned by Farm One Forty, Odla is the city’s truest expression of a farm-totable restaurant. Last, but certainly not least, head to Hearth for their humble yet creative interpretations of prairie cuisine.

Make sure you give Shelter Brewing’s beer/mead combo a try, along with a brew featuring ingredients like juniper that gives each sip a signature prairie grasslands taste. Prefer cider? Take a short drive out to Crossmount Cider Company for a tour and tasting of their Flatlander Ciders. Don’t forget to bring your skates! They turn their pond into a skating rink to celebrate winter.

Highlights

1. If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine (and who isn’t, really?) head to Kashmere where delectable curries and other Kashmir-inspired dishes are made from scratch using locally-sourced ingredients.

2. After a classic steakhouse experience at Cut Casual Steak & Tap, keep the night going with a craft cocktail tour. Favourites in and around downtown include Ayden Kitchen & Bar, Odd Couple, Saint Tropez Bistro, and Parlor

3. For me, Sundays mean brunch!

Living Sky Café is one of my go-to’s, as is the sunlit, tropical-plant-filled Drift Sidewalk Café and Lounge

The Capitol Music Club also delivers a hearty, classic breakfast. Make a second trip in the evening for live bands and local music.

Indigenous and Métis Culture

Celebrate Saskatoon’s Indigenous and Métis Peoples and Culture

Tânisi, a ni n, háu!

Long before any bridge or building, the land now called “Saskatoon” was a gathering place for the original peoples of this land.

Dakota Dunes Resort

Located on Dakota Whitecap Unceded Territory, Dakota Dunes Resort is one of the province’s premier resort experiences. A short 20-minute drive from downtown Saskatoon, the nationally-acclaimed resort welcomes you with traditional décor, sweeping views, and year-round cultural programming.

Today, Saskatoon is located on Treaty 6 Territory and continues to be the proud gathering place of the Plains Cree, Dakota, Salteaux, Nakoda, and Métis nations. The heart of Saskatoon’s story comes from these peoples—musicians, entertainers, entrepreneurs, artisans, and neighbours.

Here are a few of our favourite ways to immerse yourself in Indigenous history and culture.

Discover Indigenous and Métis culture

Photo credit: Discover Saskatoon/Chris Hendrickson Photography

and Métis

Wanuskewin

Heritage Park

A nēhiyawēwin (Cree) word for “peaceful gathering place,” Wanuskewin is a true embodiment of peace and harmony. Home to the longest ongoing archeological dig site in Canadian history, Wanuskewin plays a crucial role in heritage preservation and documenting the peoples that have called this land home for more than 6,000 years. After winding through the facility’s art galleries and cultural installations, bundle up and take in over 6km of pristine groomed trails perfect for snowshoeing, kick sledding, and long winter walks.

Every year, Wanuskewin also hosts Kôna, a 1-day winter festival. With all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities including tea and bannock making, a 3-person hand drum contest, and dog sledding, you’ll find fun for the whole family.

Remai Modern

Since opening its doors in 2017, Remai Modern has upheld its commitment as a leader in Indigenous art and cultural discourse. With 11 galleries and a 150-seat theatre, the museum is home to an impressive collection of traditional and interactive art works that reflect the peoples of this land, both past and present.

Indigenous Cuisine

Saskatoon is known far and wide for its culinary experiences. This is in no small part due to the many exceptional Indigenous-led restaurants and eateries in and around the city.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Restaurant

You’ll find mouth-watering dishes designed to celebrate local Indigenous ingredients at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Restaurant . Treat yourself to a cup of Wanuskewin’s signature Bison Blend coffee and sample from a full menu of hearty meals and, of course, a serving of bannock.

Bannock Express

Bannock is a staple food around these parts, and no one does bannock better than Bannock Express. Their new dine-in location takes Indigenous cuisine to a new level, with fish fries, allyou-can-eat bannock tacos and burgers, delectable soups, and more on the menu.

Moose Woods Home Fire Grill

Located at Dakota Dunes Resort , Moose Woods Homefire Grill mixes traditional Dakota ingredients with bold, modern flavours to create a farm-to-table experience your taste buds won’t soon forget.

Photo credit: Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Photo

Family Fun

Christine is a proud mama to two little ones, a woman of Métis and Filipino roots, and the founder of Awasis Boutique. The boutique, whose name means “child” in Cree, is the first Indigenousinspired baby and kids fashion line in Canada. Follow her on Instagram @awasisboutique

Written by: Christine Marie

Walking in a Memory Wonderland

What do you get when you mix cooler temperatures and family? A whole lot of warm, fuzzy memories. Trust me—there’s fun for all ages here!

Warm drinks, cozy sweaters, crisp winter air, and time well spent with your favourite people. Come stroll along with me as I share a few of me and my boys’ top winter family fun spots to discover in Saskatoon.

Family-friendly restaurants

You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate a good meal! We love visiting The Cave Restaurant for their pizzas; dining in a cave is a truly unique experience my kids can’t get enough of. Top off the experience with dessert from nearby Prairie Ink or D’Lish by Tish Café

Find things to do with kids in Saskatoon

Indoor energy burners

As a busy mom of two, it can be tough to come up with creative ways to help my kids burn off energy when the weather turns cold. Luckily, Saskatoon has an abundance of indoor facilities you and your kids will love. Along with Saskatoon staples like Nutrien Wonderhub and the Western Development Museum, we’re also regulars at Flynn’s Forest and The Park YXE. Prepare for a fun-filled afternoon of exploring, climbing, learning, and jumping!

Christine Marie

Drive through the BHP Enchanted Forest

A magical winter must for us is the BHP Enchanted Forest . One of the longest-running and best Christmas light shows in Canada, your whole family will be treated to stunning lighting displays. Start the car, buckle up, and take in the sights with a cup of hot chocolate and your favourite sweet treat. The lovely staff at Sparrow will hook you up with some of the tastiest eats in the city.

Highlights

1. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is open yearround and the perfect way to spend a day with your family. Be sure to stop by the Nutrien Ark to meet Buddy the Grey Wolf and Kazi the Snow Leopard.

Be part of a heated crowd!

All winter you’ll find us at SaskTel Centre cheering on the Saskatoon Blades and Saskatchewan Rush. Even if you’re not a big sports family, these experiences are ones you won’t want to miss. Snap a photo with the mascots, clap your hands to the music, and grab a Rush jersey in their signature bright green.

Curl up with a good book

My family and I are avid readers, so naturally we spend a lot of time at the library. The Round Prairie Library in Stonebridge is one of our most visited libraries, not only for the selection of books but also for the Métis-inspired artwork and cultural displays you’ll find throughout the building.

2. Bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir after shopping at Wanuskewin Gift Shop on Broadway. Inside you’ll find products for all ages and budgets from authentic Indigenous makers and businesses. Speaking of shopping: you’ll find Indigenous-inspired baby and kids clothing online at Awasis Boutique

3. After a visit to the Western Development Museum, it’s a quick drive along scenic Valley Road to reach the Berry Barn. Treat yourself to a slice of post-museum Saskatoon berry pie!

Arts & Culture

Arts, Culture, and Community

Saskatoon is known for its city-wide celebrations of arts and culture. Inspired by the diversity of our locals and visitors, this city is a welcoming, inviting hub for all.

In Saskatoon, culture isn’t just seen… it’s also felt. With worldclass museums, festivals, foods, and countless bucket-list-worthy experiences, you’ll leave feeling energized, educated, and ready to plan your next trip back.

The sounds of Saskatoon

Located next door to Remai Modern you’ll find the Persephone Theatre. Whether you’re taking in a play or a symphony performance, art comes to life inside these walls.

To keep the music going, head to The Bassment for an evening of jazz or plan a visit to Broadway Theatre. Along with regular musical performances, you can also catch a film cozied up in their plush theatre seating. Love to laugh? Broadway Theatre is also home to the infamous Saskatoon Soaps Improv Comedy group.

Art with a voice

Remai Modern is a cultural fixture in the city’s downtown core, complete with sweeping views of the South Saskatchewan River and an Art & Design Store with a curated, changing selection of art-focused gifts. This museum of modern and contemporary art has attracted international attention for its distinctly Saskatchewan point of view. From local artist showcases to globally-acclaimed exhibitions, Remai Modern tells the story of our past, present, and future.

Discover Saskatoon's arts & culture scene

Fan-favourite festivals

Fall and winter welcome two of our city’s most beloved festivals: Nuit Blanche and Nutrien WinterShines.

Nuit Blanche is a free allaged night-time arts festival. With stunning installations and performances happening throughout Saskatoon’s core neighbourhoods, you’ll see art in a new light.

Indigenous history and heritage

No Saskatoon itinerary is complete without a trip to Wanuskewin. Between the food, bison, rotating art galleries, cultural programming, exhibitions, and valley views, you’ll fall in love with the facility and deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples along the way.

Nutrien WinterShines is an annual celebration of all things winter. With interactive workshops, snow and ice sculptures, and outdoor activities for people of all ages and abilities—including horse-drawn sleigh rides through Saskatoon’s city streets—it’s a beautiful tribute to the season of togetherness.

Highlights

1. Built during the Great Depression, The Roxy Theatre is one of Saskatoon’s most beloved theatres. Decorated in the style of a Spanish village, you’ll feel transported to another time and place from the moment you walk in.

2. For a look into Saskatchewan history, check out the Western Development Museum, Saskatchewan Railway Museum, and Saskatchewan Aviation Museum and Learning Centre.

3. Treat yourself to a latté from Botté Chai Bar and wander through Broadway, Riversdale , and downtown YXE, snapping photos of mural art from talented local artists.

Outdoors

Ashlyn George Ashlyn is an award-winning outdoor adventure travel writer and content creator. When not in the backcountry hiking or camping, you'll find her sharing adventures on her blog The Lost Girl's Guide to Finding the World and on Instagram @thelostgirlsguide

Winter is my favourite season because there are so many great outdoor activities to enjoy, from sliding and gliding to enjoying a warm drink afterwards.

In Saskatoon, the snow likes to hang around from midNovember to March. This means plenty of time for adventure in our winter wonderland!

Kicksledding the Meewasin

When the Meewasin Valley Trails are covered in a fresh skiff of snow, it’s the perfect playground to try out a traditional Norwegian kicksled from Escape Sports While there are 105kms of trails for you to explore, a quick loop around the Chinese Ting Pagoda offers a 180-degree panoramic view of downtown Saskatoon and the South Saskatchewan River.

Riding Optimist Hill

Optimist Hill is the province’s newest winter recreation destination, offering winter activities for snow lovers of all ages. The hill features two lifts, a terrain park, and a five-lane tubing hill. There’s an on-site chalet to warm up in and a snack shack serving hot and tasty bites. Rentals and ski and snowboard lessons are available for an affordable and fun day out for the whole family.

Discover outdoor winter fun in Saskatoon

The Lost Girl’s Guide Winter Shines in Saskatoon

Snowshoeing at Wanuskewin

During the winter months, visitors to Wanuskewin get free access to snowshoes and kick sleds with their admission. The 6km of groomed, looped trails are excellent for taking in the sacred land of the Opimihaw Valley. Warm up afterwards with a hot muskeg tea and fresh-outof-the-oven bannock.

The CamecoMeewasin skating rink is the perfect place to spend a winter day, located along the South Saskatchewan River

Feeding Chickadees at Beaver Creek

Located south of Saskatoon, Beaver Creek Conservation Area is a popular, accredited wildlife site with four nature trails accessible year-round (including a groomed cross-country ski trail). Enhance your experience by picking up seeds from the on-site interpretive centre to feed the chickadees. These cute little birds flit around in anticipation of dining right from the palm of your mitten.

Highlights

One of the most Canadian ways to enjoy the snowy season is to skate one (or more) of Saskatoon’s dozens of indoor and outdoor rinks.

1. Take advantage of free skate rentals and glide beneath the castle-like Delta Bessborough while overlooking the South Saskatchewan River at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink.

2. The outdoor pond at Garden Park at Innovation Place is open to the public and outfitted with a wooden gazebo, outdoor fire pit, and twinkle lights strung across the grounds.

3. If you’re someone with a need for speed, the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval has lanes and room for every level of skater.

Park Town Hotel

924 Spadina Crescent East Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H5 (306) 244-5564

Alt Hotel Saskatoon 480 2nd Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 5R4 1-833-258-4480

Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough

601 Spadina Crescent East Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G8 (306) 244-5521

Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown 405 - 20th Street East Saskatoon, SK S7K 6X6 (306) 665-3322

Stay Local.

Through the Destination Marketing Program, these hotels show their support for tourism in Saskatoon. From intimate gatherings to sports world championships, our hotel partners are ready to make your stay even more comfortable and memorable.

Browse local Saskatoon hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown 90 - 22nd Street East Saskatoon, SK S7K 3X6 (306) 244-2311

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon Centre 315 Idylwyld Dr North Saskatoon, SK S7L 0Z1 (306) 384-8844

Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown 101 Pacific Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 1N8 (306) 986-5000

Sheraton Cavalier

612 Spadina Crescent East Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G9 (306) 652-6770

South

Home Inn and Suites - Saskatoon South

253 Willis Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7T 0V2 (306) 657-4663

Sandman Signature Saskatoon South Hotel

2815 Lorne Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7J 0S5 (306) 518-7263

TownePlace Suites Saskatoon by Marriott

247 Willis Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7T 0V2 (306) 952-0400

Dakota Dunes Resort

203 Dakota Dunes Wy, Whitecap, SK S7K 2L2 (306) 668-1888

East

Best Western Plus East Side

3331 8th Street Saskatoon, SK S7H 4K1 (306) 986-2400

North

Comfort Suites Saskatoon

203 Bill Hunter Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7R 1E3 (306) 955-6565

Super 8 East – Saskatoon By Wyndham

706 Circle Dr. E Saskatoon, SK S7K 3T7 (306) 384-8989

Best Western Blairmore

306 Shillington Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7M (306) 242-2299

1L2

Airport

Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre

2002 Airport Drive Saskatoon, SK S7L 6M4 (306) 242-1440

Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites

317 Aerogreen Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7L 1S4 (306) 986-1514

Comfort Inn Saskatoon

2155 Northridge Drive Saskatoon, SK S7L 6X6 (306) 934-1122

Courtyard Marriott Saskatoon Airport

333 Aerogreen Crescent Saskatoon, SK S7L 1S4 (306) 986-4993

Days Inn – Saskatoon by Wyndham

2000 Idylwyld Drive North Saskatoon, SK S7L 7M7 (306) 242-3297

Sandman Hotel Saskatoon

310 Circle Drive West Saskatoon, SK S7L 2Y5 (306) 477-4844

Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Saskatoon

106 Circle Drive West Saskatoon, SK S7L 4L6 (306) 242-8881