07 March 2023

Slow down in Saskatchewan, Canada

With its wide-open spaces, unspoilt nature and diverse experiences, it pays to slow down and spend longer in Saskatchewan. Here’s what to expect...

3 mins

Culture

From cutting-edge galleries to fascinating Indigenous culture, Saskatchewan has so much to inspire. Admire the incredible art collection at the Remai Modern, Saskatoon’s contemporary art gallery, which has more than 8,000 works by artists ranging from Emily Carr to Pablo Picasso. Just a 20-minute drive away is Wanuskewin Heritage Park, where you can learn about First Nations culture and try your hand at Indigenous crafts, see dance performances and sleep overnight in a tipi. Further south, in Regina, the RCMP Heritage Centre opens up the history of Canada’s world-famous police force, the Mounties, with exhibits covering everything from the Gold Rush to modern-day manhunts. Alternatively, travel back in time at the Batoche and Fort Walsh National Historic Sites, or head for the T.rex Discovery Centre in Eastend, where you can see Scotty, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered.

Nature

Saskatchewan is famous for its prairies but its landscape is more varied than you might expect. Prince Albert National Park covers a vast area of 3,874 sq km, encompassing wild hills, glittering lakes, wildlife-filled wetlands and more than 150km of hiking trails. For something more adrenaline-fuelled, pick up a paddle and head off on a multi-day rafting trip down the Churchill River, where you might well spot moose, osprey, beavers and even wild bears wandering along the riverbanks. Elsewhere, spend a day paddleboarding or sunbathing at Manitou Beach, or soak yourself in the salty, mineral-rich waters of Little Manitou Lake, which is said to have healing properties. Finish with a night under canvas in Grasslands National Park, which is known for its dark skies, making it the perfect spot to gaze up at the stars.

Gastronomy

Saskatchewan has a fine reputation for its food and drink scene. In Saskatoon you can sample foraged ingredients at Hearth Restaurant, which specialises in classic prairie dishes, such as baked trout and bison tartare, or try the very best of farm-to-table fare at Odla. In Regina, Skye Cafe & Bistro sources its organic produce direct from local farms, or for a unique night out, try Avenue, which is run by Dale MacKay, a winner of Top Chef Canada, who learnt at the apron strings of Gordon Ramsay and Daniel Boulud. For liquid refreshment, sink a few local brews at the city’s Rebellion Brewing Co, or take a trip outside Saskatoon to try the beers of Nokomis Craft Ales or to visit Black Fox Farm & Distillery, which distils its own fruit, flowers and grain into gins, whiskies and liqueurs. Cheers!