Welcome to Saskatchewan

Known mostly for its endless miles of uninterrupted prairie and equally endless horizons, Saskatchewan has a done a stealthy job of staying off most travelers’ itineraries. Those in the know prefer it that way, because a visit to this central Canadian province is truly a case of “more than meets the eye.” Boasting 100,000 lakes, some of the country’s best freshwater fishing, expansive national parks and a couple of bustling gateway cities, you’ll be surprised at just how much the so-called “Land of Living Skies” has to offer.

Making Mounties

Bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway, the “Sas” engages visitors in places like the fast-growing capital city of Regina, a place perhaps best known for the iconic Mounties — the Royal Canadian Mounted Police — that train there. The Wascana Centre — one of the largest urban parks in North America — and Victoria Park add to the city’s reputation as a welcoming introduction to the prairie province. If you really want to visit like a local, join the rabid supporters of the Roughriders, a Canadian Football League team whose big games draw the attention of the entire city.

Saskatoon — renowned as the City of Bridges — is the vibrant sister city to Regina on the banks of the Saskatchewan River. With miles of trails and well-maintained green spaces, a visit here means you’ll never be far from nature. The city is also home to a lively country music scene that draws visitors to the bars and venues around the downtown River Walk. Stop by the Western Development Museum for a glimpse back in time — 1910 to be exact — to explore a full-scale replica of the city’s boomtown streets.

Out in About

Saskatoon is also a great jumping off point for northern exploration — namely, the Prince Albert National Park, which occupies 1,496 square miles in the province’s north-central Boreal forest. The park is home to bison, moose, wolves and untouched aspen groves that mesmerize visitors. On the banks of pristine Lavallee Lake, you’re likely to see bald eagles and white pelicans preening under dramatic blue skies.

Speaking of wilderness, nestled against the U.S. border with Montana, you’ll find Grasslands National Park, where you can dig for dinosaur fossils, spy on prairie dogs in the Frenchman River Valley and gaze at more stars than you can count in the largest Dark Sky Preserve in Canada.