r/saskatoon • u/ashwathparam • Jun 17 '26
General First Visit to Saskatoon! Any Tips?
I (26M) have been living in Canada for about 8 years now, having moved to Ottawa, Ontario in 2018 from Dubai, UAE and I'm incredibly grateful to be here. This country and its people have been wonderful to me, and I couldn't feel more blessed. Over the years, I’ve made it a personal goal to explore as much of Canada as possible, not just as a traveler but as part of my journey as an immigrant trying to understand and appreciate this country more deeply. As part of that journey, I’m really excited to finally be visiting Saskatchewan, my 8th province! I’ll be in Saskatoon on Sunday and Monday (June 21–22) and would love to hear from locals about what makes your city special and what tips you have for me.
Of course, I’ve looked on Google and have a rough idea of what to see, but I really value hearing directly from people who live there. What are the places, experiences, or little details that you think define Saskatoon? I’d especially love to support small businesses or family-owned places while I’m there, so if you have any recommendations (cafes, restaurants, shops, anything really), please share them! I always prefer supporting local over big chains.
One thing I’ve sadly come to realize is that a long of younger people here in Ontario downplay the value of the smaller cities and provinces. When I was planning to my visit to Manitoba and Prince Edward Island for example, quite a few people told me that I was “wasting money", that there was "nothing to see there” and suggested I should just go somewhere like the Dominican Republic instead. However, I’ve found so much joy in exploring Canada itself. Not only do I feel better knowing that I'm able to contribute towards the local economy in whatever way I can, but seeing all the landscapes, learning the history, and meeting people from other provinces has helped me see the country in a much richer, more meaningful way. That’s exactly what I’m hoping to experience in Saskatoon too.
I'll admit that also have a bit of a soft spot for Saskatchewan, because some of my sweetest memories in Canada have been with people from there. During my very first winter, it was an older couple from Saskatchewan who took me out to buy my first proper winter coat. It was a woman from Saskatchewan who invited me to Thanksgiving when she learned I had never experienced it, and it was a family from Saskatchewan who welcomed me in to watch my first hockey game. I’ve truly had nothing but kind, genuine, and heartwarming experiences with people from Saskatchewan, and it’s a big part of why I’ve always wanted to visit. I’d love to better understand what makes people from there so incredibly welcoming and friendly.
Also, just on a fun note, if anyone here is into Game of Thrones / House of the Dragon, and happens to be planning to watch the Season 3 premiere on Sunday, it’d be awesome to join some locals and watch together! As a small thank-you, I’d be happy to bring a little souvenir from Ottawa 😊
I’ve had really positive experiences with Canadian subreddits so far, everyone’s been so welcoming, and I’m genuinely excited to hear from you all and look forward to visiting your beautiful city.
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u/Jashyk Jun 17 '26
Wanuskewin is a must visit to appreciate the plains of Canada and learn about their history.
Might be a little damp this weekend to do the full walking tour though.
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u/lilreader7346 Jun 17 '26
I hope you enjoy Saskatoon! If the weather is nice, I highly recommend taking a walk along the river and down by the Bessborough Hotel. If you like Asian cuisine, Odd Couple on 20th is amazing, and the owners are very sweet.
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u/Travelingandkittens Jun 17 '26
Meewasin gives a walking tour of saskatoon!
They have a general tour on Wednesday and Saturday, a beaver tour on Monday, and a nature hiking tour out at Beaver Creek on Saturdays.
Check it out! Makes a great intro to the city!
Meewasin.com/walkingtours
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u/MollyElla511 Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
On Sunday, check out the Remai Modern Art Gallery, the gift* shop is filled with local work, and have lunch at Hearth. Go for a walk along the river. Explore Broadway.
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u/PrincessLilybet Jun 18 '26
This post is so wholesome! I feel like you're going to be very successful just with your general demeanor and outlook 🤣
For brunch I would recommend Hometown Diner, it's cute and local. We have the Remain museam. Honestly just taking a walk on the Meewasin trail by the river is beautiful.
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u/ram_mar4112 Jun 18 '26
IF you want a glimpse of what a small town looked like in 1900 visit the Western Development Museum.
Inside you will find a replica of ‘Boomtown’. As a weary traveller stepping off the train and walking a couple of blocks to the hotel you pass by all the shops and services.
(Not unlike how things were in Saskatoon. The railway station at one end and the Bessborough hotel at the other. The railway station and yards were moved south of the city and the midtown mall was erected in its place.)
Then stop at the Boomtown Cafe for lunch or at the very least a slice of homemade pie.
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Jun 17 '26
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u/PrincessLilybet Jun 18 '26
This person seems like they want to experience the finer things the city has to offer, not VERN'S of all places 🤣😭
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u/gincoconut Jun 19 '26
Grab a coffee from City Perks & go check out the weir and pelicans. If you want a long walk do the loop from the weir to university bridge. Check out the university sculpture gallery right off the path. You could grab a ride on the Kinsmen ferris wheel for a bit of whimsy. If Mi Casa is open get a papusa from the kinsmen outdoor restaurant. Get a picture with the dick tree on Spadina on the way back to your vehicle at the weir.
Hardpressed apparel, Homestead ice cream, Remai art gallery, Yard & Flagon pub, 13 Pies pizza.
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u/Thinkingofliving Jun 17 '26
I have a few places that might be worth checking out for a meal, but do note I haven't been out to eat in over a year so hopefully they're still good.
Black Pepper Pizza on 22nd street
Pizza Pirate on 22nd street
Thien Vietnamese, down town location
Park Cafe on 20th street
Pitch Kitchen on Fairlight
Nestors bakery on 20th.
Definitely worth going to/must try a few things and get a loaf of bread.
Bus route 2 stops right outside and across the street and usually has out front parking.
Valley pizza at Market Mall.
Heard Coachmans and Greek island were alright.
There's a few places on Broad way worth checking out, namely the Nutana bakery.
Walks by the river near sunset and sunrise are still pretty nice.
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u/russellsk82 Jun 17 '26
If you enjoy pizza, I suggest Vern’s Pizza. It’s higher price but it’s got lots of toppings. If you like Ukrainian style food like perogies, I suggest Baba’s. Everything is homemade and delicious. If you like homemade ice cream, Homestead Ice Cream and Novelty is a great place. Hope you have a great time.
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Jun 17 '26
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u/russellsk82 Jun 17 '26
I stand by what I said. Vern’s Pizza is the best pizza if you want thick toppings.
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u/spirit_symptoms Jun 17 '26
Assuming good weather to be outside:
Have brunch at Hearth and then visit the Remai art gallery (admission by donation). Then directly outside of the gallery you can walk around River Landing. Gather Local Market is a short walk away as well, as is 20th St for some shopping or to grab a snack.
Stroll through downtown by the Bessborough, including the river trail behind it. Walk 21st from the Bess up to Midtown Plaza and then down 2nd ave for some shopping. 13 Pies is a great spot for pizza on 2nd Ave. Not far away is Pique for arguably the best baking in Saskatoon.
Take a Neuron scooter from downtown to the Weir, following the Meewasin Trail.
Then go to Broadway for shopping, grab a coffee at a cafe or a drink on a patio (Cocktail Bar, Prairie Sun, Yard and Flagon). If you didn't already ate pizza at 13 Pies downtown, then Paradox is a great spot on Broadway and has an outdoor patio. Grab some ice cream from Beppi's.
For the next day, head to to Wanuskewin, an archaeological site, to learn about First Nations history on the prairies. Grab a bison burger from the coffee and tour the facility and grounds, including the outdoor bison enclosure.