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City
of Saskatoon Saskatoon is a busy hub of commerce and industry, but it has a laid-back charm that enhances its cosmopolitan hustle and bustle. Originally a Temperance Colony, its founder John Lake gave Saskatoon its name after sampling "misaskwotomin," the purple berries that grew along the river. Much of the city’s appeal comes from the river running through it. Here, recreational paddlers find enjoyment, and concerts are regularly held in riverside parks. Saskatoon’s most-prominent landmarks, the castle-like Delta Bessborough Hotel and the University of Saskatchewan greystone buildings, overlook the river. Riverboat cruises and guided canoe tours offer more detailed information about the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The river is also popular with rare white pelicans. Along the riverbank you’ll find the Meewasin Valley Centre, which provides a glimpse into the city’s history and people through displays, slide shows and historic walking tours. The Ukrainian Museum of Canada highlights Ukrainian culture with magnificent displays of textiles, handcrafts, including brilliantly colored Easter eggs and inlaid woodwork, and special seasonal exhibits. The Mendel Art Gallery is well-known for both its outstanding permanent collection and its changing exhibitions, and the adjacent Civic Conservatory. For an insight into the past, head to the Western Development Museum, which boasts a priceless collection of antique automobiles and tractors, plus "1910 Boomtown" - a recreated main street from yesteryear and reportedly one of the longest indoor streets in North America. Wanuskewin Heritage Park, just outside the city, provides an amazing interpretation of more than 6,000 years of Northern Plains Indian culture. Saskatoon also shines for sports fans, with everything from Thoroughbred racing at Marquis Downs on the Prairieland Park exhibition grounds, to the Great Northern River Roar Formula I Powerboat Races. The powerboat races coincide with Taste of Saskatchewan – great food and entertainment on the riverbanks. There’s also the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team, junior hockey with the Saskatoon Blades, stock car and drag racing, and an amazing array of golf courses for every expertise level. Nature lovers enjoy the Saskatoon Zoo Forestry Farm Park with more than 70 species of mammals and birds, and nature trails and outdoor activities at the Beaver Creek Conservation Area. The city has the lively ambiance that people expect of a college town. With many craft shops and galleries, a fine symphony orchestra, four professional theatre companies and a very active amateur theatre community with six companies, the arts are alive and well here! Summer is festival time, with Folkfest, the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, and the Saskatoon International Fringe Festival all taking place over a two-month span. Another event of note is the Canada Remembers International Air Show in August. Winter brings the Enchanted Forest and Festival of Trees. The younger set are never forgotten in Saskatoon; FLICKS International Film Festival for Young People comes around in September and the Northern Saskatchewan International Children’s Festival takes place in June. Additionally, Saskatoon is said to have more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Canada. Saskatoon has a number of historic associations with Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker. The Diefenbaker Canada Centre on the university campus contains the memorabilia and archives of "The Chief," as he was fondly dubbed, and his gravesite is close by. Also on campus are a number of museums and galleries covering diverse fields, such as biology, the natural sciences, antiquities and the arts. The new Canadian Light Source - the only Synchrotron facility in Canada - will be launched in the spring of 2004. Tourism
Saskatoon is located in the old CPR station at
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