Saskatoon: A Piece of the Prairies

	A Saskatoon Berry Bush

In 1882, a group of 35 people from an Ontario temperance movement, settled on lands that had been inhabited by the Cree. Legend has it, that John Lake, the leader of the settlers, was handed some local berries by a member of this First Nations tribe. Lake was suitably impressed, and asked what the name of the berries was. In the Cree language the berries were called the misaskwatomin - this somehow became 'saskatoon' and Lake decided to name the settlement Saskatoon in honour of these berries. The jams and pies made from them are a still a local specialty. With the arrival of the railway in 1890 a town started to grow on the other side of the river from the original settlement, this was also named Saskatoon. In 1906 the town was given its charter, and all communities were united to become the town of Saskatoon. Local businessmen lobbied to get more railways, and the town soon became a railway hub. Growth and development was steady until the Depression, when Saskatchewan suffered greatly from the downturn in farming. Since that time, Saskatoon's economy has diversified, and today the largest employer is the University of Saskatchewan. Relatively near to Saskatoon are large uranium and potash deposits, so the city is also a centre for the mining industry. Meatpacking and agricultural processing are also important industries here.

CLIMATE

Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon

Saskatoon's climate is typical of the Canadian Prairies. Winters can be very cold, and summers can get fairly hot. Saskatoon has facilities for all seasons, and so a visit here at any time of year can be enjoyable. The Meewasin Valley Trail is groomed as a cross country ski trail in the winter, and ice skating is also available. In the summer the trail is a great hiking and biking path. The river offers various opportunities for water sports. Many of Saskatoon's noteworthy places can be seen from the river, so a river cruise is a great way to view these. There are many pleasant parks for picnics, barbecues and other leisure activities. The fall is a particularly beautiful time in Saskatoon. The area is full of trees, many of which change to magnificent shades of red and gold. Take an autumn stroll down trendy Broadway Avenue, with its lovely restored homes, arts and craft stores and classic theatre.

TRANSPORTATION

Saskatoon is located on the Yellowhead Highway, and this connects to other major North American routes. There is bus service to major centres that allows for easy connections from all over Canada and the U.S. Saskatoon is served by VIA Rail train service. Saskatoon's airport has flights from all major cities in Western Canada and to Toronto, and so worldwide connections are easy. The airport is at most 20 minutes drive from the downtown.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

	Tipis at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is set on 290 acres along the South Saskatchewan River, and is located 17 km (10.5 mi)northeast of downtown Saskatoon, in the very scenic Opamihaw Valley. Wanuskew is a National Historic Site, and the area was home to Aboriginals at least 6000 years ago. The park focuses on the rich native heritage of the area, through cultural, archaeological, historical, and geographical interpretation. Twenty-one archaeological sites have been uncovered, and these are of great significance to scholars from all over the world. The sites include tipi (teepee) rings, and a medicine wheel. There are self-guided trails around the grounds of the park that take in the archaeological sites, as well as allowing visitors to appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the park, the wildflowers and shrubs, and the many songbirds and other wildlife. The interpretation centre is perched on the edge of a buffalo jump, and here the history of the local First Nations is covered with audio-visual presentations, and hands-on computerized displays and exhibits. One of the highlights of the park is the 500-seat amphitheatre where Aboriginal dances and songs are performed, and enthralling stories are told. The outdoor activity area enables visitor to learn such things as constructing a tipi, tanning a hide, or how to cook bannock and other First Nations cuisine. There is also a restaurant specializing in Aboriginal cuisine. It is even possible to spend the night in the park - in a tipi of course. Arrive early to get the full benefit of a day here.

Throughout Canada there are many museums with a pioneer and heritage theme. One of the best is Saskatoon's Western Development Museum, and while it is not on the same scale as many of the large outdoor heritage museums and parks, a visit here is well worth a few hours of your time. As you walk through the entrance here you will be amazed to find that you are on Main St, Prairie Town, in the year 1910. It seems like an indoor movie set, and is incredibly authentic. It is fascinating to stroll for a few hours and look at the stores and businesses, a hotel, a printing shop and various transportation artifacts and agricultural machinery. The relics and memorabilia all around, add greatly to the atmosphere of the museum, and help to set the Western Development Museum apart from similar places.

	Bessborough Hotel and Downtown Saskatoon

An annual event in Saskatoon is the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival. This is becoming a much-celebrated event, and runs for two months every summer. The festival is held in tents, on the west bank of the river in downtown Saskatoon, just north of the Bessborough Hotel. The works of the Bard are conducted in a variety of settings, ranging from traditional Elizabethan to the highly contemporary and even futuristic. It is advisable to book early as this is a very popular event. There are daily evening performances with additional afternoon matinees on weekends.