Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, Home of the Prairies. From over here in Australasia, we don’t encounter the word ‘prairie’ often - our only connection with the concept is a series of John Wayne movies! You might have a good idea of the Prairie if you remember that wonderful scene from the Oscar winning movie, ‘Dances with Wolves’ where Kevin Costner walks through the field of grass waving his hands over the top of the waist-high grasses. Too many people dismiss Saskatchewan because of the misplaced profile of the prairies, claiming it to be too ‘flat’ or too ‘dull’. Generally that means they’ve never left the highway, because Saskatchewan is not just prairie, with the added bonus of the diverse boreal forest that makes up the ‘Canadian Shield’ located north of Saskatoon.

On first impressions, Saskatchewan seems the home of funny names with Saskatchewan often being confused with Saskatoon, and then you have gems like Wanuskewin and Veregin to tease your tongue with! Saskatchewan lives by the label the ‘Land of Living Skies’. In a prairie landscape, magnificent sunsets and thundering clouds are showcased like nowhere else.

Whilst many will dismiss the prairies as ‘flat and boring’ their history was anything but. The unifying railway was originally meant to cross this part of Canada much further north, but due to faulty agricultural reports by a second surveyor the railway pushed through in its current position. This led to much speculation with land booms unprecedented even to today. The region was also the battleground for the Red River Rebellion between the Canadian government and First Nations led by Louis Riel.

The capital of Regina and the ‘Pretty City’ of Saskatoon are two major highlights when visiting Saskatchewan. When in Regina, you may want to visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre. The unfoldment of the west was critical in the history of the world famous Mounties, and Regina remains the central point for Mountie training, graduating 1,000 new candidates every year. In the same vein, you can visit the First Nations Gallery and Wanuskewin Heritage Centre to connect with the spiritual view of Canada through the eyes of the Northern Plains Indians.

It’s not Canada without Cowboys and Saskatchewan’s longest running consecutive rodeo in the Hills is worth a look at the Murraydale Stampede and Picnic (located at Maple Creek).

Saskatoon, named after a berry, is a true jewel of the province. Located on the South Saskatchewan River, this beautiful city was originally formed as a ‘dry’ (no alcohol) settlement. Whilst famous for its bridges the lush trees that stand through the Meewasin Valley Trail are the most photographed aspect of this lovely spot. Coming from the Cree word for beautiful, this trail is one of the highlights making this the most popular city to live in Saskatchewan. A great event held here is the annual city exhibition held in August at Prairieland Park. If you love Canada, you love Hockey so if you have time drop in and catch a Saskatoon Blades game.

Whilst in Saskatoon you will likely want to stay or visit the Bessborough Hotel. Now under management by Delta Hotels, this chateau like railway hotel was the last of the grand railway hotels built by the Canadian National Rail. Its completion coincided with the Great Depression and, sadly,  the end of an era. Now, after many decades and a $9,000,000 refit, this Bavarian style hotel is a local landmark that is worth a look, and a stately cup of tea!

Once you head north of Saskatoon, the landscape changes dramatically from big sky prairie to the boreal forest of the ‘Canadian Shield’. As you head north, you’ll encounter Prince Albert National Park. This band of frontier wilderness is home to free-ranging wild buffalo, Canada’s only protected white pelican colony, and the lakeside cabin (‘Beaverlodge’) of the enigma of local history ‘Grey Owl’.

My suggestion while you’re there? Go horseback riding with a local guide. Head out in hopes of catching a view of the buffalo herd. Other activities include picnicking, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife spotting – be on the lookout for moose!

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