Page 51 - 2022-2023 Travel Guide to Canada

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LA REATA RANCH, KYLE • DESTINATION CANADA
A RICH LEGACY
With locations in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw,
North Battleford and Yorkton, the Western
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. Two national historic sites, Fort
Walsh and Fort Battleford, bring to life the early
days of the North-West Mounted Police, and
their role in establishing law and order in the
West (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortwalsh;
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/battleford).
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
collection of 13th to 17th 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, as much as 6,000
years, head to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in
a scenic valley on Saskatoon’s northern
outskirts (www.wanuskewin.com). It is
considered among the best examples of pre-
contact occupation sites on the North
American Great Plains. Ancient archaeo-
logical finds including a bison kill site and
medicine wheel meld with a vibrant present-
day Indigenous culture. Wanuskewin
Heritage Park has been named to Canada’s
tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage sites
in 2025.
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 Battle of
the Prairies where top food trucks from
across Saskatchewan and Manitoba face off
in Moosomin.
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
Nutrien Wonderhub is Saskatchewan’s
activity-packed Children’s Museum. Attrac-
tively situated on the banks of the South
Saskatchewan River near downtown
Saskatoon, it fosters creativity and discovery
through hands-on exhibits, programs and
special events (www.wonderhub.ca).
Glamping Resort on Buffalo Pound Lake
north of Moose Jaw provides the opportunity
to camp in style without the fuss of bringing
or setting up your own gear. Choose from
well-equipped geodesic domes, yurts, or
trapper tents (www.glampingresorts.com).
Near Saskatoon, the very spiritual Wanuskewin
Heritage Park—winner of the 2019 National
Indigenous Tourism Award—added a bison
herd in 2019, as well as new exhibits, art
galleries and a revitalized trail system in 2020.
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
Museum, interpreting everything from the
Age of Dinosaurs to Saskatchewan’s diverse