25 EXCITING Things to do in Saskatoon, Canada

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

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

After lots of research, chatting with my friends and family who call Saskatoon home, and exploring the city for myself, I actually discovered 25 interesting and exciting things to do in Saskatoon, Canada! From the best local breweries to walking the iconic Meewasin Trail, there’s something for everyone on this list.

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

The Best Things to do in Saskatoon, Canada

1. Tour the LB Distillery

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

There are a few reasons I enjoyed this distillery tour so much. The first was that the tour was actually really fun and interesting. It went for about 40 minutes and our guide showed us around the distillery in detail. We learned all about how they make vodka, gin, and whiskey as well as the super interesting history of the company.

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!

The cocktail I loved the most was their Caesar. They make it with Dill Pickle Vodka and bacon bitters. It’s delicious! For a bottle of 7-times distilled vodka (Grey Goose Vodka quality), expect to pay around $30 CAD, not a bad deal if I say so myself.

You can find LB Distillery in downtown Saskatoon, and 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). Their tours run from 12 pm to 6 pm Monday to Saturday.

2. Day trip to Manitou

Manitou is a gorgeous little town just over an hour’s drive from Saskatoon. A visit makes for a great day trip from Saskatoon, and a great chance to see a little more of the countryside outside of the city!

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 a 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 also 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 that sells the biggest ice cream cones in Canada. For only $3.50 CAD, you’ll get a scoop of ice cream almost as big as your head!

Looking for ultimate relaxation? Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa actually takes water from the lake for its beautiful indoor pool. The water is heated so you can float in it any time of year (while Manitou Lake is very cold even in the summer).

Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, tickets for the mineral pool cost $18.50 CAD per person, although it is free if you decide to stay at the resort!

Related Read: Haven’t got enough of the lakes in Saskatchewan? The city of Moose Jaw is just a short road trip away and is full of beautiful lakes and so much more!

3. Take in the views on the Prairie Lily Cruise

Saskatoon is a city built right on the South Saskatchewan River. So it’s only right that one of the best ways to explore Saskatoon is on a cruise right on the river!

The most iconic riverboat cruise in town is aboard the Prairie Lily, a large 118-passenger riverboat that offers daily cruises. You can go on a scenic cruise for as little as $29 CAD a person, or you can go on a dinner cruise for $85 CAD that includes a delicious 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.

Running from May through to mid-September, the scenic cruises run once or twice a day. Be sure to view their schedule online and book in advance!

4. Go shopping on Broadway

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

Broadway Ave is lined with tiny privately owned stores and restaurants that are such a joy to wander through. My tip is to 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, which I think would make the perfect gift or souvenir! All of the products are high-quality and locally made, and the owner is super friendly too.

Prairie 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. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

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!

Staying near Broadway Avenue

Broadway is a beautiful area of Saskatoon with lots to explore, so booking a hotel near Broadway Ave would be a great idea and a lovely place to stay!

The Colonial Inn is a fantastic budget-friendly option, with an on-site restaurant and even a gym for you to enjoy. But the real treat is the location, as you’re less than a 5-minute drive from Broadway! A Queen room starts as low as $96 CAD per night, while their Business King rooms start at $114 CAD.

Related Read: Love to shop? Then be sure to make the trip to the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, which has more than 800 stores for you to explore.

5. Walk or Ski the Meewasin Trail

The Meewasin Trail runs along both sides of the river in Saskatoon. There are over 80 kilometers (50 mi) of pathways that connect parks, bridges, and various other tourist attractions. When we were last here, we passed by The Weir to see the American White Pelican fishing, visited The Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink, and even got to enjoy walking along the iconic River Landing.

In the summer months, this trail is a beautiful place to go for a stroll (especially at sunset!). 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!

They also run frequent guided tours along sections of the trail, stopping at different points of interest along the way. There’s the wildflower walk, which runs through June and July, as well as regular walking tours, just to name a couple.

You can learn more about the trails and view an interactive map here on their official website.

6. Explore the Saskatoon Zoo

The Saskatoon Zoo is the place to go if you want to see some truly Canadian animals! This zoo doesn’t have elephants, tigers, and gorillas. Instead, it focuses on showcasing native creatures, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and cougars. But that’s not all they have!

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. A little surprise for Dan!

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.

Some of the animals, like the grizzly bears, are best seen in the summer months, while the snow leopards and lynxes thrive in the wintertime! Tickets cost $15.75 CAD per person, and their opening hours do vary by season. You can find the latest opening times on their webpage here.

7. Enjoy fresh produce at the Farmers Market

Let’s face it, Saskatoon is a city surrounded 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 summer-only activity.

Every week of the year on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm, you can visit the farmers market and pick up fresh LOCAL produce. They do occasionally adjust their opening hours to account for holidays, so don’t forget to double-check their website for the latest times.

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, or are just feeling a bit hungry!

Related Read: 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!

8. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

For a super unique experience, why not take to the skies and see the city from a whole new perspective?

There’s a company in town called Sundance Balloons that offers scenic hot air balloon rides in Saskatoon. Sure, the prairie landscape might not be as dramatic as the mountains and valleys of BC, but the views of the river and city will still take your breath away.

Their hot air balloon rides last for approximately 1 hour, and they’re followed by a traditional champagne celebration, so if you’re celebrating a special occasion, this could make for a very unique experience!

The flights run between May and October, and start from $325 CAD per person, with discounts for groups of 4 or more. 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.

9. Eat Gelato at Beppi’s

Beppi’s 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 great 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!

With tons of amazing flavors, it was a little tricky to decide what to go for! I tried the toasted almond flavor which was sooo good, while Dan had their signature ‘Big Dog’. Safe to say, we’ll definitely be back.

You can find Beppi’s just off Broadway Avenue, and it costs about $4 CAD for a large-sized cone.

10. Explore Wanuskewin Heritage Park

The Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a pretty 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 to 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.

Between June and September, you can actually book a one-night stay in a Tipi here at Wanuskewin! You’ll relive the stories told by people who walked the earth over 6,000 years ago, learning all about the First People and their way of life. I think this could be a super fun activity for families looking for a truly memorable experience.

Wanuskewin is located only 5 km (3.1 mi) from Saskatoon. It’s open all year round, Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission for an adult is $14 CAD, and you can check their website for the latest events or programs.

11. 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 year-round from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. In the winter, they are open for other winter activities like snow tubing! The entrance fee is only $7.50 CAD per person, and infants under 12 months are free.

12. 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 round. From concerts to cultural festivals to an annual Pride festival, there is a wide range of events for everyone!

From dance festivals to the latest ice hockey games, and art exhibitions to birdwatching tours, if you’re stuck with what to do before your trip, why not see what’s on offer?

You can 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.

13. 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.

You can find Blackstrap Provincial Park about 32 km (20 mi) from Saskatoon, and while the park isn’t the steepest or the most challenging, it’s great for beginners or anyone looking to try something a little different. In the winter, this same area serves skiers and snowboarders.

If you love camping, Blackstrap Provincial Park is also a great place to do so! With sites along the banks of Blackstrap Lake, it’s perfect for water activities and enjoying some outdoor fun. They even have glamping sites here, which if you didn’t know, is like staying in your own hotel room out in nature!

Related Read: 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.

14. Go to a Hockey Game

It’s no secret that Canadians love hockey, and well, the people of Saskatchewan famously 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 games are held in the SaskTel Center, are super entertaining to watch, and 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 $20 CAD! You can buy tickets on the Saskatoon Blades website in advance.

15. Visit a comedy club

Looking for something to do in the evening other than grabbing a 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 that’s held by (you guessed it) Yuk-Yuks. The comedians change from week to week, featuring local favorites as well as internationally recognized comedians.

Tickets typically cost $25 CAD per person, but you can find deals as low as $6 CAD! These should be bought in advance to avoid missing out. You can check out the latest shows online here.

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!

16. Dog sledding

Dog sledding in Canada is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. And, about 230 km (142 mi) 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 (we recommend spending a night in Prince Albert). The journey is very scenic with lots to do along the way – we do love a good road trip.

Kicking off back in 1997, Sundogs is run by Bradley and Andrea, two of the friendliest people you could meet. And talking of new acquaintances, you’ll also meet the super cute dogs, which was easily one of the top highlights for me!

You can choose from one-hour, half-day, and even overnight tours, so if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, dog sledding is a must. Their 1-hour session starts from $135 CAD per adult, with different price points available.

No matter which experience you choose, one thing is for sure, it will be an adventure to remember!

17. Go on a food tour

No matter where we visit, Dan and I love trying out as many local restaurants as we can to find the hidden gems, and Saskatoon is no exception! There are tons of unique, locally-owned restaurants in the city that offer food you’ll never get anywhere else. Of course, there are also places serving up Canadian classics like Caesars and Poutine!

I am a huge fan of food tours in any city. I find that they are a great 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.

This self-guided tour from Saskatoon’s official website is the perfect place to start. You’ll visit Riversdale, one of the best areas in the city for all things food, where you’ll enjoy all sorts of international and local flavors. I’m talking Persian, Italian, and let’s not forget a sweet dessert!

18. Canoe the South Saskatchewan River

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

Your rental will also include all the necessary safety equipment, like your life vests and rescue rope, plus the friendly folks running the rentals are also more than happy to give you tips and things to look out for as you pass down the river.

Rentals cost $70 CAD for a 2-person tandem canoe, and you can also rent a 3-person canoe for $80 CAD per day! If you’ve got a little more time to spare, you might also try planning a multi-day experience, with discounted rates for each extra day you rent for.

19. Get lost in a Corn Maze

This is a highly seasonal activity, but if you happen to be in 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’s 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 Strawberry Ranch & Maze. Hours vary on the season, so be sure to check out their website before you go. Adult admission is $11 CAD per person.

20. 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 (their Ace Burger is $8.90 CAD), as well as a large patio. If you’d rather not wait for a table (it is so 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!

21. 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 dropping by if you’re in the mood for some tasty fruit. They have homemade jams and plenty of frozen berries to buy in-store!

22. Watch a Car Race

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

The Sutherland Automotive Speedway hosts monster trucks, vintage car races, NASCAR events, and more. They have their full schedule up online so you can see what’s going on while you’re in town!

Tickets typically cost $22 CAD per person and can be grabbed at the door 2 hours before the races start.

If you fancy hopping in the driver’s seat for yourself, you can actually do this on their Ride and Drive Experience! You’ll be joined by a professional race driver, costing $150 CAD per person, with concessions the more participants you have.

23. 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, alongside Prairie 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!

We dropped by Prairie Sun and loved the light, airy ambiance of the brewery. With plants hanging from the season, it was the perfect vibe as we sat sipping our Prairie Lily’s, their tasty German-style pilsner. Of course, they have so many more beers on offer, so if you love craft beers like we do, definitely stop by!

24. 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. You can find the full list of skating rinks here!

The Oval is open from December to March and is free to skate on! You will need to bring your own skates, though. If you haven’t brought some with you, you can easily rent (or buy) a pair in town or by the rinks when you arrive.

25. Go hiking at Cranberry Flats Conservation Area

The Cranberry Flats Conservation Area is a scenic place to go for a stroll at any time of the year! You’ll experience lots of gorgeous prairie land, and don’t forget to grab some photos of the South Saskatchewan River, its sandy banks, and the beautiful forests. There are also plenty of 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 also dog-friendly (although they must be kept on a leash) and free to visit. It is located about 14 km (8.7 mi) from the city.

Where to Stay in Saskatoon, SK

By now, I’m sure you’ll agree with us that there’s plenty to see and do here in Saskatoon. You could easily spend a few days here, exploring and seeing as much as possible! Of course, you’ll need somewhere to rest your head at the end of a busy day, so here are our favorite hotels based on a range of budgets:

Marriott Saskatoon Downtown – $$$

If budget isn’t such a concern, then the Marriott Saskatoon Downtown is a fantastic choice for your special visit! It’s a gorgeous hotel that’s in arguably one of the best locations in the city. It’s close to Broadway, a range of parks, the river, and downtown.

This place comes highly recommended by many and is the place to stay if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just fancy a luxury stay away. Of course, rooms here are a little pricier, starting from around $214 CAD per night, but with that, you get access to their fantastic facilities and the Marriott service!

You can check out your dates and book your stay away online here.

Hilton Garden Inn – $$

Hiltons are always a great choice and the Hilton Garden Inn in Saskatoon is no different. It’s in a beautiful location that’s close to many attractions, has luxury rooms, and you’ll enjoy that classic Hilton service. With an on-site restaurant serving local spirits, craft beer, and food options, a stay here will be unforgettable!

A one-night stay here at the Hilton Garden Inn is around $160 CAD per night, but it can be very popular in the summer period, so don’t forget to reserve your room at the Hilton ahead of time.

West Wing at Park Town – $$

The West Wing is a good option if you’re after a very beautiful location! It sits both on the river and Kiwanis Park and is still within walking distance of downtown. It’s also not that far from Broadway (which is our favorite avenue in the city for shopping!). They also offer free bike rental and have their own indoor swimming pool, so its safe to say you won’t be stuck for things to do here.

Rooms here at the West Wing start at around $149 CAD per night, and you can check your dates and read their great reviews online here.

Riviera Motor Inn – $

The Riviera Motor Inn is a great budget option that’s located in downtown Saskatoon. It’s one of the cheapest places available but still has plenty of good reviews. Your stay here also includes a complimentary continental breakfast, so you can be fuelled up for the day ahead!

We’d recommend this to those on a tight budget with their own car. Rooms here start at around $105 CAD per night, and you can reserve your room online here.

Thanks for reading!

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. We hope you have a wonderful time visiting Saskatoon!

33 BEST Things to do in Revelstoke, BC

23 BEST Stops on the Drive from Edmonton to Lake Louise

3 BEST Wildlife Tours in Banff National Park