housesk.ca). Regina is famous as home of
the RCMP, where Mounties have trained
since 1885. The RCMP Heritage Centre show-
cases the history of this world-renowned police
force (www.rcmphc.com).
Saskatoon's most defining feature is
its beautiful riverbank along the South
Saskatchewan River—home to parks, walking
trails, numerous festivals and the popular
River Landing development in the south
downtown (discoversaskatoon.com). For a
different perspective of the heart of
Saskatoon, climb aboard the Prairie Lily
riverboat for a one-hour river cruise, or opt
for a Sunday brunch or dinner cruise
(www.theprairielily.com).
Moose Jaw has capitalized on its Roaring
Twenties' past when it was a hotbed for
Prohibition-era bootlegging and gangster
activity. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw runs
tours recreating this colourful time when Al
Capone was rumoured to have been a regular
visitor (www.tunnelsofmoosejaw.com).
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Saskatchewan is known as a stellar canoeing
destination with everything from adrenaline-
pumping whitewater to tranquility in
stunning wilderness. Churchill River Canoe
Outfitters is the go-to source for guided
trips, equipment rentals and advice
(www.churchillrivercanoe.com). Get a
taste for ranch life in Cypress Hills' cowboy
country where the Historic Reesor Ranch
offers everything from trail rides to cattle
drives (www.reesorranch.com).
The fishing in Saskatchewan is legendary,
where trophy-sized catches are practically
taken for granted. For the ultimate experience,
head to a remote fly-in lodge for a combina-
tion of exceptional fishing and resort-style
pampering in pristine forested lakelands. The
Saskatchewan Commission of Professional
Outfitters lists sport fishing operators that
meet high standards (www.scpo.ca).
Situated on the Central North American
Migratory Flyway, Saskatchewan is a bird-
watcher's dream. Among the easiest hot
spots to visit is Chaplin Lake, right beside
the Trans-Canada Highway. The lake is so
significant that the Western Hemisphere
Shorebird Reserve Network named it a Site
of Hemispheric Importance. Each spring, a
hundred thousand migrating shorebirds of
some 30 species stop here to feed on their
northward migration, including half the
world's sanderlings. Learn more from the
exhibits at the Chaplin Nature Centre or take
in a tour (www.naturesask.ca).
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
Follow driving tours through the Trails of
1885 to relive a challenging era in the
development of the West, when disappear-
ance of the buffalo and the increasing pace
of settlement led to unrest by some Indigen-
ous bands and the Métis under Louis Riel
(www.tourismsaskatoon.com/plan-your-
trip/suggested-itineraries/the-trails-of-1885).
A great way to get in touch with
Saskatchewan's contemporary Indigenous
culture is to attend a powwow. Powerful
drumming, chanting singers and swirling
dancers in brilliant outfits make for an
unforgettable experience. Powwows carry on
traditions, but also serve as social gatherings
and dance competitions. Above all, they are
a lot of fun. One of the biggest is the annual
Spring Powwow at Regina's First Nations
University (www.fnunivpowwow.ca).
Saskatchewan culture is defined by its rich
mixture of ethnic backgrounds. Saskatoon's
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, for example,
chronicles the contributions of this prominent
segment of Saskatchewan's makeup
(www.umcnational.ca). In south central
Saskatchewan, join a farming community
where certified organic fruit growers like Over
the Hill Orchards have a true prairie paradise
(www.overthehillorchards.ca).
SK
48
Museum, interpreting everything from the
Age of Dinosaurs to Saskatchewan's diverse
landscapes and wildlife, and Indigenous
Peoples link to the land (www.wascana.sk.ca).
Government House, with its impressive
Edwardian Garden, captures a bygone era
when this was the residence of the
Lieutenant Governor (www.government
Special Events
JANUARY
• WINTERRUPTION FESTIVAL, SASKATOON,
REGINA, SWIFT CURRENT
FEBRUARY
• CANADIAN CHALLENGE SLED DOG RACE,
LA RONGE
MARCH
• CANADIAN WHEELCHAIR CURLING
CHAMPIONSHIP, MOOSE JAW
APRIL
• FIRST NATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CANADA
POWWOW, REGINA
MAY
• SASKATCHEWAN HIGHLAND GATHERING
AND CELTIC FESTIVAL
JUNE
• NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY
TRADITIONAL POWWOW,
NORTH BATTLEFORD
• CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL OF SASKATCHEWAN,
SASKATOON
• SASKPOWER WINDSCAPE KITE FESTIVAL,
SWIFT CURRENT
JULY
• COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL,
CRAVEN
• NESS CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL NEAR
BIG RIVER
• SASKATCHEWAN FESTIVAL OF WORDS,
MOOSE JAW
• SASKTEL SASKATCHEWAN JAZZ FESTIVAL,
SASKATOON
• SUNSET CEREMONY, REGINA
AUGUST
• SASKATCHEWAN PREMIER'S WALLEYE CUP
FISHING TOURNAMENT, NIPAWIN
SEPTEMBER
• NUTRIEN FIREWORKS FESTIVAL,
SASKATOON
OCTOBER
• OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND AT PRAIRIE ART
ROAD TRIP VENUES, WEST-CENTRAL
SASKATCHEWAN
NOVEMBER
• CANADIAN WESTERN AGRIBITION, REGINA
www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/
things-to-do/events
LAC LA RONGE PROVINCIAL PARK • CHRIS HENDRICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY/TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN
