Saskatoon? Really? Why? If ONE more person says this to me, I’m going to make them say Saskatchewan 10 times really fast.
This town, like any town, is what you make it. So here are some tips to get the best out of your time in Saskatoon.
Get a copy of Planet S
The local entertainment magazine is released fortnightly on a Thursday. Pick a copy up as soon as you get to town. Planet S has event listings, gig information, restaurant listings, movie times and what’s showing in the various galleries. It’s not limited to entertainment information either. Look for the boxes on the street or keep an eye out at cafes and businesses around town. There are a few posters for local events scattered about downtown and Broadway and 20th St too.
Walk the Meewasin Valley Trail
The trail follows the South Saskatchewan River. The city has done a great job in preserving the natural river system and there are some nice boardwalks overlooking the river as well as narrow, dusty tracks weaving through the trees. You’ll share the path with geese, gophers, walkers, runners, hikers and bikers. There are several bridges where you can cross and come back down the other side so how long you want to walk for is up to you. Take a snack and take your time.
Explore outside the city centre
Saskatoon’s city centre may have a small-town charm, but at the end of the day, downtown is downtown. Head across the river to Broadway and 
find boutique stores, local arts and crafts, cafes and funky stores such as the alternative bookstore Turning the Tide. Walk west from the centre to 20th Street for an eclectic mix of pawn shops and thrift stores as well as yoga studios, coffee houses, funky galleries such as AKA Gallery and the co-working initiative The TwoTwenty. City Park is a little neighbourhood east of the city centre where you can enjoy walking around the peaceful tree-lined streets.
Visit a gallery
The Mendel Art Gallery is a must. The gallery has a great layout and is known for its quality exhibitions. In May the School Art exhibition showcased an impressive collection of works from local students of all ages. Muse Café is said to have the best coffee in the city and the adjoining conservatory is worth a stroll through. Flyers around town will point you in the direction of other exhibitions and galleries in town. The AKA Gallery had an interesting display: artist Heather Passmore turned 10 years worth of rejection letters into an exhibition.
Eat local
The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market is held at River Landing every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. If you miss it, well bad luck. It’s held year-round, but expands into the surrounding Market Square in summer. Don’t worry about breakfast or lunch before heading down – there are a couple of cafes serving scrumptious delights such as local-made pie, waffles and salads. The market features fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, lots and lots of home baking, jams, spices, desserts, bread, crafts, photography….oh so much.
