26 Exciting Things to do in Saskatoon, Canada

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This travel guide includes all the best things to do in Saskatoon, Canada. From the more exciting activities to the best places to eat, we cover it all in this guide.

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Ahh Saskatoon, Canada! It’s often not high on most Canadian bucket-lists when it comes to deciding what cities you want to visit. But surprisingly, this small city in central Canada is a favorite of ours.

Between the never-ending fields, friendly locals, and the amazing food, one thing is for sure – there’s plenty of awesome things to do in Saskatoon! But the truth is that most blogs that cover the best activities in Saskatoon miss so much.

In fact, while I was researching for Dan and I’s upcoming trip to Saskatoon all I could find were blogs about museums. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against going to the odd museum when I visit a new city – I just don’t want that to be all I do.

So I started to think, ‘surely there are some more exciting things to do in Saskatoon than just visiting museums.’

Well, after lots of research, chatting to my friends and family who call Saskatoon home, and exploring the city for myself, I actually found 26 interesting and exciting things to do in Saskatoon, Canada!

So, let’s check out just what we got up to in Saskatoon and hopefully inspire your upcoming trip too!

Things to do in Saskatoon, Canada

1. Tour the LB Distillery

This is my personal favorite activity in Saskatoon! The LB Distillery is Saskatoon’s best distillery and famous around Canada. For that reason, we just had to pop by for their distillery tour to try it for ourselves!

There are a few reasons I enjoyed this distillery tour so much. The first was that the tour is actually really fun and interesting! It went for about 40 minutes and our guide showed us around the distillery in detail. We learned about how they make vodka, gin, and whiskey as well as the history of the company and why they’re lucky ba#ta%ds!

Oh, and did I mention the FREE samples?!

That’s right, not only is the tour free but the samples they give you during and after the tour are also free! As your guide is showing you around a server will bring out samples of the spirits they make. After the tour, you’ll be able to sample other spirits as well as enjoy a cocktail at their beautiful onsite bar. Unfortunately, the cocktails aren’t free though!

Drink recommendation: The cocktail I loved the most was their Ceasar. They make it with Dill Pickle Vodka and bacon bitters. It’s delicious!

You should book your tour on LB Distillery’s website online in advance. It is free but be prepared, you will love their spirits so much that you will likely buy a bottle (or two.) For a bottle of 7-times distilled vodka (Grey Goose Vodka quality), expect to pay around $34 CAD, not a bad deal if I say so myself.

2. Go for a swim at Manitou Lake

Manitou is a gorgeous little town just over an hour’s drive from Saskatoon. A visit makes for a great day trip from Saskatoon, or if you have more time, you could also spend a night!

The town is on the edge of Manitou Lake which is known as “the Dead Sea of Canada.” This is the main attraction here and a very cool place to visit.

You might be wondering why it’s called the Dead Sea of Canada?

Well, the lake has such high salt content that you can actually float in it similar to the Dead Sea! Although a little weird at first, the experience is really fun.

At the lake, there are some picnic tables and a beach area. There are bathrooms with hot showers as well as some little shops and restaurants.

If you walk along the road next to the lake (to the right if you’re facing the lake) you’ll find some really unique antique shops. Across the road from the antique shops, there is a store the sells the biggest ice cream cones in Canada. For only $3.50 you’ll get a scoop of ice cream almost as big as your head!

I only visited Manitou on a day trip from Saskatoon, but to be honest, I would’ve spent a night or two if I had known beforehand how nice it is! There are a few hotels in town that are within walking distance to the lake including the Manitou Executive Suites.

The Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa actually takes water from the lake for their indoor pool. The water is heated so you can float in it any time of year (the lake is very cold even in the summer.)

You can visit the pools for $16 CAD per person, or if you spend the night at the hotel you’re entrance is free!

I recommend staying at Manitou Executive Suites, or even renting an entire cottage such as this particular lakefront cottage.

For more lakes, head over to Moose Jaw where there’s plenty of fun things to do and places to explore.

3. Spend a day at the Marquis Downs Horse Races

Watching the horse races at Marquis Downs is considered one of the best things to do in Saskatoon according to the locals! At Marquis Downs, there is a thoroughbred racetrack where you can watch (and bet if you’re the gambling type) the horse races.

Entry is $5 per person and the races are on every Friday and Saturday night from June to September.

Once you’re at the track you can go to one of the few onsite restaurants, get a drink, have a snack from the concession stands, or just sit back and relax! Overall, the Saskatoon races are a great way to spend a summer night in Saskatoon!

4. Take in the views on the Prarie Lily Cruise

Saskatoon is a city built right on the South Saskatchewan River. Therefore, one of the best ways to explore Saskatoon is on a cruise right on the river!

The Prairie Lily is a large 118-passenger riverboat that offers daily cruises on the river. You can go on a scenic cruise for as little as $28 CAD a person, or you can go on a dinner cruise for $65 CAD that includes a buffet dinner.

We only had time for the day cruise but we loved it. However, I have heard the dinner cruise is amazing and you’ll get to be on the water at sunset! Our cruise was one of our highlights in Saskatoon and a relaxing (and scenic) way to explore the area.

Cruises depart daily at 2, 4, and 6 pm and often book up on weekends. Be sure to view their schedule online and book in advance!

5. Go shopping on Broadway

In summer or winter, shopping is a great idea! But instead of the typical mall, visit the beautiful street of Broadway Avenue and check out all of the unique shops Saskatoon has to offer.

Broadway Ave is lined with tiny privately-owned stores and restaurants. Go for a stroll and stop-off wherever your heart desires.

Some of my personal favorite stores on Broadway include:

Handmade House: This store is full of handmade crafts. All of the products are high-quality and locally made. My advice is to head here for the perfect gift or souvenir.

Prarie Proud: This local clothing company donates a portion of its profits to local charities. You can get great shirts made with quality fabrics and support local charities at the same time.

Hats & That: Need a new hat? Hats & That is a small store with tons of hats for all occasions as well as some really neat accessories and jewelry. You’ll find some really old-school hats that could make a great souvenir or trendy addition to your closet!

Broadway is a beautiful area of Saskatoon with lots to explore. Booking a hotel near Broadway Ave would be a great idea and a lovely place to stay. The Colonial Inn is only a couple of blocks away while the Marriott Bessborough and Marriott Saskatoon Downtown are in the center of the city, but just across the river from Broadway!

Love to shop? Then be sure to make the trip to the West Edmonton Mall which has more than 800 stores for you to explore!

6. Walk or Ski the Meewasin Trail

The Meewasin Trail is a trail that runs along both sides of the river in Saskatoon. There are over 80 kilometers of trail that connects parks, bridges, and various other tourist attractions.

In the summer months, this trail is a beautiful place to go for a stroll (especially at sunset!) And in the winter you can still enjoy the trail – on skis! Particular areas of the trail are made for cross country skiing during the winter months making it that much more interesting!

7. Explore the Saskatoon Zoo

The Saskatoon Zoo is the place to go if you want to see some true Canadian animals. This zoo doesn’t have elephants, tigers, and gorillas. Instead, its main features include grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and cougars.

When I went to the Saskatoon Zoo I must admit, I didn’t have high expectations. But, after walking around and seeing the wide variety of animals I was actually impressed. They really showcased Canadian wildlife and even had some extras to check out such as Australian Dingos and monkeys.

The zoo wasn’t busy and chaotic like most zoos are, it was actually a peaceful way to spend an hour or so outside walking around.

The zoo is open all year round but lots of animals aren’t out on display in the winter. For this reason, during winter the entrance to the zoo is by donation only whereas in the summer it costs $12 CAD per adult with discounted rates for children and seniors.

8. Enjoy fresh produce at the Farmers Market

Let’s face it, Saskatoon is a city surround by a lot of farms! So, it only makes sense that they have a really incredible farmers market.

And the best part?

The Saskatoon Farmers Market runs all year round! That’s right, it isn’t just a things to do in Saskatoon in summer!

Every week of the year on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm, Sundays 10 am- 3 pm, and Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm you can visit the farmers market and pick up fresh LOCAL produce.

But it isn’t just fresh fruit and veggies you’ll find at the markets. There are food trucks and tons of other goodies as well as handmade crafts to check out. It’s a great place to go if you want something made (or grown) locally!

You can find the Saskatoon Farmers Market location here.

Another awesome Farmer’s Market that’s well worth visiting is located in Regina, Saskatchewan. Read about all of the different things to do in Regina!

9. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

There is a company called Sundance Balloons that offers hot air balloon rides in Saskatoon. Sure, the prairie landscape might not be the most picturesque place in the world to go up in a hot air balloon, but the views of the river and city will still take your breath away.

Hot air balloon rides in Saskatoon go for as little as $190 CAD per person which is very cheap! Of course, balloons only go up in ideal weather conditions so be sure to give yourself a couple of days in Saskatoon in case you need to reschedule due to the weather.

10. Eat Gelato at Beppi’s

This place came recommended to us by my cousin (a Saskatoon local!) She claims to have tried all of the gelato available in Saskatoon and this place is the best! So we gave it a try for ourselves on our recent visit, and we have to agree – they have some good gelato!

There is one other thing that is special about Beppi’s – they are dog-friendly. This means that if you’re visiting Saskatoon with your dog you can bring him or her in and they will even give your dog their own little ice cream cone! How cute!

Beppi’s is located just off Broadway Avenue and it costs about $4 for a large-sized cone.

11. Explore Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a unique experience in Saskatoon. The grounds are a national historic site with over 6,000 years of history. In fact, some of the oldest artifacts found in all of North America were found in Wanuskewin.

Today, Wanuskewin is a place for people too visit and learn about the country’s first people, their culture, and the land. There is a large building featuring many different exhibits. There are also many trails in the park to explore.

Wanuskewin is located only 5 kilometers from Saskatoon. It is open all year round Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission for an adult is $10 CAD and children are $7. You can check their website for events or programs.

12. Visit a local farm

Saskatoon is a city surrounded by farmland, so naturally, one of the best things to do in Saskatoon is to get out of the city and immerse yourself in a little farm life!

And the best place to do that? At Wander’s Tiny Farm! Wander (the owner) and his family have recently transformed their production farm into a really unique and fun place for people to enjoy.

Located about a 25-minute drive from Saskatoon, this farm is the perfect place for families to experience farm animals and a ton of different activities. Besides the cutest goats you’ve ever seen (just see the picture above!), at Wander’s Tiny Farm, you’ll also find sheep, geese, chickens, calves, and rabbits. You can even try feeding the calves a bottle of milk!

On the property there is also a large outdoor playground with a huge sandpit complete with toys. If it is a rainy day, don’t worry, they also have a covered sandpit! The grain bin has recently been converted into what the owners call the “fire shack” where guests can take advantage of the complimentary marshmallows for roasting.

Wander’s Tiny Farm is open in Spring, Fall, and Summer from 10 am to 5 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In the winter, they are open for other winter activities like snow tubing! The entrance fee is only $6 CAD per person, and infants under 12 months are free.

13. Attend an annual event or festival

Contrary to what many people think, there is actually a lot going on in Saskatoon. It is a vibrant city with plenty of events and festivals happening all year around. From concerts to cultural festivals to an annual Pride festival, there is a wide range of events for everyone!

You should check out if any special events are happening while you’re in Saskatoon. Check out the tourism Saskatoon website for the event schedule and more info. This list includes hockey games and all other events that could be on during your visit to Saskatoon, Canada.

14. Go mountain biking (in Blackstrap Provincial Park)

You don’t need huge mountains to go mountain biking. In fact, you can go mountain biking just outside of Saskatoon in Blackstrap Provincial Park. Here, there is a large man-made hill called Mount Blackstrap.

While the park isn’t the steepest or most challenging, they are great for beginners or anyone looking to try something a little different.

In the winter, this same area serves skiers and snowboarders.

Mount Blackstrap Park is located 32 kilometers from Saskatoon.

Downhill mountain biking is also a very popular thing to do in Revelstoke, BC. If you’re headed that way be sure to give it a go!

15. Go to a Hockey Game

It’s no secret that Canadians love hockey, and well, the people of Saskatchewan (the province of Saskatoon) love hockey just as much (if not more!) than most Canadians!

Although Saskatchewan does not have a professional hockey team, hockey is still alive and well in the province as it is a popular place for junior hockey stars.

The Saskatoon Blades are part of the WHL (Western Hockey League) and they play regular games in Saskatoon. The skill level is very good and the games are entertaining to watch. The best part about this league is that it isn’t as hard to score tickets compared to an NHL game and the tickets are much more affordable.

In fact, you can actually score tickets for as little as $10 CAD! Buy tickets on the Saskatoon Blades website in advance.

16. Visit a comedy club

Looking for something to do in the evening other than drink at a bar? Consider hitting up Yuk-Yuks, the local comedy club.

Every Friday night at the Park Town Hotel there is a stand-up comedy show by Yuk-Yuks. The comedians change from week to week featuring local favorites as well as internationally recognized comedians. Tickets should be bought in advance to avoid missing out!

Hot tip: Consider booking a room at the Park Town Hotel for your night of comedy so you are staying only a few steps away from the show!

17. Dog sledding

Dog sledding in Canada is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. And, about 230 kilometers north of Saskatoon the company called Sundogs actually runs dog sledding excursions for visitors!

Now, this is a little far from Saskatoon, so it is best done on a multi-day trip from the city (spend a night in Prince Albert.) But from what I’ve heard, the journey is totally worth it!

You’ll meet the dogs and get familiar with everything before you head off with your guide on the snow and ice!

Sundogs offer half-day excursions and well as longer overnight experiences. No matter what you choose, one thing is for sure, it will be an adventure to remember!

18. Go on a food tour

Saskatoon is a city with some very special restaurants. There are tons of unique locally-owned restaurants that offer food you’ll never get anywhere else. Of course, there are also places serving up Canadian classics like Ceasars and Poutine!

I am a huge fan of food tours in any city. I find that they are generally a good way to get to know a city and eat at the best places (that typically only locals know about.) Plus, if you really want to get to know a culture then trying their food is a great place to start.

In Saskatoon, there is only one company that offers a food tour, Saskatours. The food tour is really a great experience and you’ll be sure to leave with a full belly. On the tour, you try a few savory dishes as well as sweets. Make sure you don’t eat before you go!

You can book on their website here.

19. Canoe the South Saskatchewan River

For a bit of excitement on a nice day, rent a canoe and paddle along the South Saskatchewan River right through the heart of Saskatoon. A company called Canoe, Ski, Discovery rents canoes for visitors to use and also runs a shuttle service. This means there’s no need to paddle upstream!

For those looking for a bit of adventure, consider going on a multi-day trip. Canoe, Ski, Discovery can help you plan your route and provide all required safety equipment.

20. Get lost in a Corn Maze

This is a highly seasonal activity, but if you happen to be Saskatoon in the late summer to early winter (August to October) this could be the perfect thing to do!

Corn Mazes are life-sized mazes made from tall corn plantations. It is a family-friendly activity and a fun way to spend a few hours. If you’ve never been to a corn maze before then this is definitely a must-do!

The largest corn maze and closest to Saskatoon is at Strawberry Ranch & Maze at 325 Valley Road. Hours vary on the season so be sure to check out their website before you go. Adult admission is $9.50 CAD per person.

21. Have Saskatoon’s best burger at Ace Burger

Saskatoon’s hottest burger joint is actually brand new! Ace Burger was once just a food truck, but it got so popular that it recently opened its very own restaurant on Broadway Ave, and it has been packed ever since!

The locals who already have to wait to get a table will hate me for telling visitors this, but Ace Burger is arguably the best burger in Saskatoon.

Ace has a large selection of burgers for a reasonable price as well as a large patio. If you don’t want to wait for a table (it is that popular that you generally do have to) you can actually order your burgers for takeaway.

If you love burgers then you’ll consider this one of the best things to do in Saskatoon!

22. Go Berry Picking

You can’t visit Saskatoon without trying Saskatoon Berries, right?! So, head over to the Rhodes’ Raspberries and Blackcurrants to pick some fresh Saskatoon Berries (or whatever else they have in season) for yourself.

The season to pick berries in Saskatoon is typically early July to late September.

If you aren’t visiting Saskatoon during the right season it is still worth a visit to Rhodes’ Raspberries and Blackcurrants. They have jams and other goods to buy in-store made from Saskatoon Berries.

23. Watch a Car Race

Watching car races is another popular thing for Canadians to do. In Saskatoon, they have their own race track with regular events! The season begins at the end of May and runs all summer until September.

The track hosts monster trucks, vintage car races, NASCAR events, and more.

Head over to Wyant Group Raceway to watch a few races. They have their full schedule up online so you can see what’s going on while you’re in town.

24. Sample Craft beer at a local Brewery

Craft breweries are getting very popular all over Canada, and in Saskatoon, it is no different. There are a few different breweries around the city where you can try craft beer. 9 Mile Legacy Brewing is one of the most popular as with Prarie Sun.

You can visit the breweries directly to try the beer or even just go to a local pub (most bars feature a couple of local beers on tap.) Both breweries mentioned serve great food and if you love beer you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good they are at brewing tasty and unique beer!

25. Go ice skating

A true Canadian classic – ice skating! In the winter there are many places where you can go ice skating in Saskatoon. There are indoor rinks with public skate sessions, outdoor rinks scattered throughout the city, as well as the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval open in the winter.

The oval is open from December to March and is free to skate on! You will need to bring your own skates though. Either rent them in town or by an old pair from a thrift store.

26. Go hiking at Cranberry Flats Conservation Area

Cranberry Flats Conservation Area is a nice place to go for a stroll at any time of the year. You’ll see prairie land, the South Saskatchewan River, sandy banks, and some forest. There are walking trails that can be completed in only an hour to two.

In the winter you can even go snowshoeing or cross country skiing here!

The area is dog-friendly and free to visit. It is located about 14 kilometers from the city.

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Where to Stay in Saskatoon, SK

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Canada Travel Essentials

Before you decide to head off and explore the gorgeous mountains, lakes, towns, and cities around Canada it’s important to have the right equipment. Of course, it’s likely you’ll have most of the basics already but there are some common items people forget that I never travel without.

Crampons: In winter, crampons are super handy, but what people don’t realize is that they come in handy in summer too. In fact, up until mid-July, you can still expect icy conditions in the mountains. The pair I use is only $37 CAD and they have lasted me 3 seasons so far!

Waterproof shell: Most people will have this item but I thought I’d include it anyway since it’s so handy in Canada. The Columbia waterproof jacket is a lightweight windproof jacket that will seriously save you in many situations. The best part, though? It comes in pink!

Bear bells: These are a must, and for the price, you shouldn’t hike without them. The bear bells I use are only $9 CAD and they come with a silencer (a must) so you can easily travel with them.

Scent-proof bag (for bears): Most people think you only need to keep the smell of food away from you when you’re overnight camping. However, bears can smell the food in your bag while you’re hiking and the best way to avoid an encounter is to use a scent-proof bear bag. Basically, you put your food in the bag and the bear cannot smell it while you’re hiking. This is one item most people never have (I never hike without it) but it could save you and the bear.

Buff: I love my buff! Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. There are a few brands around but I always buy the original Buff (you know, the one from Survivor!) They’re a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying.

Dry bag: I have expensive camera equipment, so I always travel with a dry bag large enough to fit some of my equipment. It can be a camera, book, binoculars, or even my keys. Regardless, a dry bag gives me peace of mind! The MARCHWAY bag is really good quality, and when not in use, takes up only a small amount of room.

Binoculars: I love my binoculars! Seriously they have come in handy so many times, especially when I’m looking for wildlife. The best part is, I use a set that only costs $25 CAD and they serve my basic needs without any issues!

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Before you go…

So it is true, there really are 25 exciting things to do in Saskatoon, Canada! We really hope this blog has helped you plan your trip to Saskatoon. If you have any questions please leave them below and we will get back to you!

Also, if you loved this travel guide be sure to jump over and check out all our Canada blogs here or the related articles listed below!

Enjoy your visit to Saskatoon and I hope you have a fun time!

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How to take better travel photos – looking to improve your travel photos? Then check out our post for a few easy tips to instantly improve!

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