Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
Saskatchewan River—home to parks, walking trails, numerous festivals and the popular River Landing development in the south downtown ( www.tourismsaskatoon. com ). For a diff erent 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 Outfi tters is the go-to source for guided trips, equipment rentals and advice ( www.churchillrivercanoe.com). They are members of the Canada Nature Escapes Co-operative, off ering an array of nature- based trips and experiences such as horseback excursions and dogsledding ( www.canadanatureescapes.ca). The fi shing in Saskatchewan is legendary, where trophy-sized catches are practically taken for granted. For the ultimate experience, head to a remote fl y-in lodge for a combination of exceptional fi shing and resort-style pampering in pristine forested lakelands. The Saskatchewan Outfi tters Association lists sport fi shing operators that meet high standards ( www.soa.ca ). Situated on the Central North American Migratory Flyway, Saskatchewan is a birdwatcher's dream. Among the easiest hotspots to visit is Chaplin Lake, right beside the Trans-Canada Highway. The lake is so signifi cant 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. SPECIAL EVENTS FEBRUARY • CANADIAN CHALLENGE DOG SLED RACE, LA RONGE APRIL • SPRING CELEBRATION POWWOW, FIRST NATIONS UNIVERSITY, REGINA MAY • YORKTON FILM FESTIVAL—GOLDEN SHEAF AWARDS JUNE • POTASHCORP CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL OF SASKATCHEWAN, SASKATOON • SASKPOWER WINDSCAPE KITE FESTIVAL, SWIFT CURRENT • SASKTEL SASKATCHEWAN JAZZ FESTIVAL, SASKATOON JULY • BACK TO BATOCHE FESTIVAL, BATOCHE • COUNTRY THUNDER SASKATCHEWAN, CRAVEN • NESS CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL NEAR BIG RIVER • SASKATCHEWAN FESTIVAL OF WORDS, MOOSE JAW • WOOD MOUNTAIN SPORTS & STAMPEDE JULY – AUGUST • RCMP SUNSET RETREAT CEREMONIES, REGINA AUGUST • REGINA FOLK FESTIVAL • SASKATCHEWAN PREMIER'S WALLEYE CUP FISHING TOURNAMENT, NIPAWIN SEPTEMBER • POTASHCORP FIREWORKS FESTIVAL, SASKATOON NOVEMBER • CANADIAN WESTERN AGRIBITION, REGINA SASKATOON • SHUTTERSTOCK/JEFF WHYTE RCMP SUNSET RETREAT CEREMONY, REGINA • CTC/ASYMETRIC/FINN O'HARA www.saskatchewan-events.com SK 78