Overview

Saskatchewan's largest city sits along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, presiding over the province from a central location at the junction of the prairies and the rocky Canadian Shield. Now numbering in excess of 200,000 residents, Saskatoon wasn't founded until the late 19th century and, even then, was slow to prosper. The first settlers (aside from Native Americans, who roamed the land for thousands of years) were a group of Methodists, who took advantage of the abundant land offerings and the opportunity to establish a colony based on temperance. They farmed with moderate success, but the fear of Indian attacks in the aftermath of rebellion prevented the colony from flourishing. After the railroad made its appearance, however, things began to pick up, and the population increased greatly through the 20th century. Nowadays, agriculture remains an enormous part of the economy, although mineral reserves and technology industries also figure prominently. Transportation via rail, highway, and air remains a strong presence too, and the city's many bridges make Saskatoon visually memorable. It also gets a boost from the beautiful stone buildings of the University of Saskatchewan and the magnificent Delta Bessborough Hotel. Character-laden regional attractions include the Diefenbaker Canada Centre, which traces the life and career of Canada's thirteenth prime minister; Boomtown, a living-history museum that re-creates Saskatoon, circa 1910; and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a series of archaeological sites and exhibits detailing Native American culture and history. Additional city features include Forestry Farm Park and Saskatoon Zoo, the caf� and shopping scene along stylish Broadway Avenue, and the abundance of recreational opportunities available throughout the area. You'll also want to take in a few of the city's vibrant festivals (held year-round) and sample the saskatoonberry, the local fruit that not only gave inspiration to the pie but also provided the city its colorful name.

Recent User Activity in Saskatoon