Winter Fun in Saskatoon
Ready for some frosty fun that will make your cheeks glow? We've pulled together lots of ideas and put them right at your fingertips to plan for the perfect half-day, full-day, and overnight in our winter city. Remember to dress in layers and have fun out there!
When you've only got the morning to spend in Saskatoon...
Start the day off right at Drift Cafe in Riversdale. Crepes, sandwiches, and specialty coffees and teas will fill you up and give you the energy needed to skip across the snow!
Right next door to Drift Cafe is Escape Sports. Here you will find all your winter toys: kicksleds, snowshoes, cross country skies, snow skates, the list goes on! Gear up and get out onto the Meewasin Valley Trails, which you will find right across the street, for a morning or afternoon of snow-venture!
A Full Day of Winter #Saskatooning!
Skating at the Meewasin rink is an absolute must-do during winter in Saskatoon. Located next to the iconic Delta Hotel by Marriott Bessborough, skate rentals are by donation and there is a charming warm-up building to lace up in before you venture outside. With river views and in the heart of downtown, you'll put it on top of your list the next time you're here for a winter adventure.
If you are a true skating enthusiast, check out this blogpost by Ashlyn George for more suggestions around the city.
Just a quick trek from the Meewasin rink is Living Sky Café, a fabulous lunch spot located at 245 3rd Avenue South. This locally owned and female-driven restaurant specializes in brunch and lunch accompanied by tantalizing coffees and cocktails.They pride themselves on sourcing local, sustainable ingredients while being conscious of the environmental footprint.
Need a little break from all this outdoor excitement? Bring it inside for some artistic enrichment. In addition to its galleries, the Remai Modern art museum houses the world's largest comprehensive collection of Picasso linocuts, many of which are included in rotating exhibitions. Tours are available, as is drop-in artmaking in their studio. Don't forget to stop in at the fabulous gift shop for that unique gift!
Did someone say beer and tacos? What a perfect way to end your day of winter #Saskatooning! Just down the street from the Remai Modern, located at 255 2nd Ave S, is Shelter Brewing Company. The Scandi-inspired interior, the intriguing line-up of beers, and a platter of Cam and Dylan's renowned tacos will satisfy all your cravings.
Photo credit Ashlyn George
We're so happy you can stay overnight!
Let's get the blood pumping and start the day off with a hike out at Beaver Creek Conservation Area. Located 13 km south of Saskatoon on Highway 219, this true microcosm of prairie habitat has four beautiful nature trails you can explore. Feeding the chickadees by hand is a particularly enchanting activity for young and old. Make sure to stop in at the interpretive centre and learn more about the Meewasin Valley.
Since you are going to be at Beaver Creek for a little while exploring, why not bring some lunch and have it outdoors! Prairie Grazer provides artisanal and locally-sourced snack and charcuterie boxes for pick-up. Since the items are fresh there is no wrapping to discard, but please do not leave the boxes behind and let's keep Beaver Creek free from litter!
You've learned quite a bit so far about the prairie landscape, and our climate too! Now we suggest a trip to the Western Development Museum for an interactive and fun learning experience about life on the prairies. As you walk down 1910 Boomtown Street and wander in and out of the replica buildings, you'll get a keen sense of prairie life. The exhibit "Winning the Prairie Gamble" brings all the hardships, and all the joy, into clear focus as you move through time with the displays.
Take a quick drive from the Western Development Museum to the historic Broadway District. Here you will find a wide array of unique shops and hole-in-the-wall pubs where you can take your time shopping and stopping for a sip! No one wants to hurry you along like they do in outlet malls. You are here on Broadway for the experience: the friendly service and the smiles.
Got some of your energy back? Time to slip and slide outside at Optimist Hill - Saskatoon's winter recreation destination! Not far from the Broadway district and located in Diefenbaker Park, Optimist Hill's facilities offer a full range of activities for children and adults. The affordable equipment rental and ski/snowboard lessons make outside play easy and accessible. With 5 tubing lanes and the Magic Carpet Conveyor Lift, it will be hard to pull the family away!
You've worked hard at having winter fun today, so treat your bod to a carb fest at Primal. This popular Riversdale restaurant's chefs are passionate about using Saskatchewan heritage grains in their pasta and using whole animal butchery techniques. Primal provides comforting, time-honoured Italian cuisine with integrity and authenticity.
