Travel Guides to Canada

Development Museum is the most prominent chronicler of Saskatchewan's early years (www.wdm.ca). The Hepburn Museum of Wheat, a half-hour north of Saskatoon, makes it easy to experience that most iconic prairie symbol—the traditional wooden grain elevator. Other key historic markers include the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP), established for three reasons: to protect Canada's borders from American encroach- ment, engage in diplomatic efforts with Indigenous communities, and maintain order among settlers and traders. Their formation gained urgency after the Cypress Hills massacre, leading to the establishment of Fort Walsh, a historic site commemorating their pivotal role in Canadian frontier history (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortwalsh). Visitors are always awe-struck by the remarkable rare book collection at the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, just south of Regina. It houses the largest collec- tion of 13 th to 17 th century books and manuscripts in Canada—everything from original treatises of philosophers and saints to handwritten decrees by popes and kings. To really go back in time, over 6,400 years, head to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in a scenic valley on Saskatoon's northern outskirts (www.wanuskewin.com). It remains Canada's longest archaeological dig (over 40 years) of pre-contact occupation sites on the North American Great Plains. Ancient archae- ological finds including two bison kill sites meld with a vibrant present-day Indigenous culture. Wanuskewin Heritage Park has been added to Canada's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ENJOYING THE BEST Given that Saskatchewan is a major food producer, it is not surprising that folks here like to eat well. With a cuisine reflecting local products and the province's diverse ethnic makeup, there are more food-centred events than you can shake a skewer stick at. Try Mortlach's Saskatoon Berry Festival (www.mortlach.ca) or take in the Foodtruck Wars Street Festival (www.foodtruckwar syxe.com) where top food trucks from across Saskatchewan face off in Saskatoon. Calling Saskatchewan golf-crazy is an understatement; the number of courses per capita is among the highest in the country. Choose from hidden gems in small communities to famous award-winners such as Dakota Dunes Golf Links (www.dakota dunes.ca), Saskatchewan's #1 Ranked Public Course according to SCOREGolf. For an extensive listing, see www.saskgolfer.com. WHAT'S NEW Wapaha Sk̄a Oyate: Living Our Culture, Sharing Our Community at Pion-Era (WDM Saskatoon) is a new permanent exhibit on display at the Western Develop- ment Museum. In collaboration between the Whitecap Dakota First Nation and WDM, this exhibit shares both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives (www.wdm.ca/exhibits/whitecap). At Remai Modern, Views from the Blue House: The Remai Modern Collection is a dazzling collection of 8,000+ works, including Henri Masson's iconic "The Blue House." For lunch, enjoy fine views as you dine at the new restaurant Hearth (www.remaimodern.org). Experience a unique teepee sleepover at the Wanuskewin Tipi Village. Relive the stories of the Northern Plains peoples who came to hunt bison, gather food and medicines and escape the winter winds (www.wanuskewin.com). Join Meewasin conservationist Jamie McMillan for an adult-only evening of delicious local food and beverages with a tour that takes a light-hearted look at the mating and courtship strategies of the wildlife at Beaver Creek Conservation Area. Piloted last season and back by popular demand, it runs on alternative Thursdays from July 11 through August 22 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (www.meewasin.com/naughty-by-nature). CITY LIGHTS Regina's heart is Wascana Centre, one of the largest urban parks in North America. It is home to several key attractions including the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, lined by an impressive summer flower garden; the Saskatchewan Science Centre and Kramer IMAX Theatre; and the Royal Saskatchewan SK 47 RCMP HERITAGE CENTRE • CHRIS HENDRICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY/TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN

• Cover