Saskatoon is in the middle of Canada's "Wheat Belt", and the whole region is dotted with grain elevators. They were built so farmers' horse-drawn carts could bring their wheat harvest to nearby train depots, and since the automotive age (not to mention railway cost-cutting) have begun to disappear
Surrounded by greenery, Saskatoon is charming, cosmopolitan and full of museums and parks. Its name is derived from the purple berries, called by the Indians misaskwatomin, which saturate the riverbanks. Pies and tarts are made from these tasty berries, which, since its inception, have been the trademark of the city. The Plains Indians utilized them in the making of pemmican (preserved dried meat) and, today, many countryside housewives preserve them for winter use. |
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
|

Booking.com
Saskatoon is a vibrant, trendy city: a university town filled with craft
shops, galleries, attractions and festivals, ranging from jazz to cinema to
river races. Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan
River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the city limits.
During
the US Prohibition era in the 1920s, frequent trips were made to Saskatchewan
from the Midwestern border states of Montana and North Dakota by US residents
seeking to stock their homes with the beer and other alcoholic beverages whose
sale the US had banned. While smuggling a bottle or two of beer or whiskey back
across the Canadian border, they would also bring in a supply of the much sought
after misaskquatoomina, the delicious wild, purple berries whose Cree
name translates to Saskatoon. Ironically,
Ontario Methodists had founded the town as a temperance colony in 1883
and had named it after the berry that grows there in abundance.
Straddling the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is known as “The City of
Bridges” because of the seven spans connecting its banks. It also is home to the
University of Saskatchewan, which is building a reputation for research and
development in science, medicine and agriculture. The Diefenbaker Canada Centre
on campus showcases memorabilia of Canada's 13th prime minister.
The
Local History Room within the Frances Morrison Library, serves
as a research facility for information that focuses on prairie history relating
to Saskatoon. Collections include more than 60,000 historic photographs,
thousands of books, pamphlets, maps, artifacts and periodicals. An art gallery
is next to the room. The Saskatchewan Railway Museum is operated by the
Saskatchewan Railroad Historical Association and displays old railroad buildings
and artifacts, including locomotives, cabooses and streetcars.
|
|
Enjoy
the Western Development Museum, Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Saskatoon Zoo and Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
The
Centennial Auditorium, is for conventions, as well as being a cultural and civic
center. The auditorium is home to the Saskatoon Symphony and the site of
traveling shows throughout the year. The Meewasin Valley Centre, features
interpretive displays pertaining to the area's history. Saskatchewan Place
features rock concerts; trade shows; hockey, basketball and baseball games; and
other sporting events. The facility is on the north side of the city next to
highways 2 and 16.
For a
different perspective of the Saskatoon, the Shearwater Properties Boat Cruise offers
sightseeing tours on the South Saskatchewan River. The Meewasin Valley Trail,
following the South Saskatchewan River through the heart of the city, has
bicycle and jogging trails, picnic areas and playgrounds and provides
opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice skating. Recreational activities
are available at nearby Pike Lake and Blackstrap provincial parks.
|
|
Search for your Hotel Choose your lodging below |
|
|
|
Hotel Reservations by hotelroomdirectory.com ©
Copyright 2006
Best Value Hotel Rooms
|
|