Page 43 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to Canada

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RCMP HERITAGE CENTRE • CHRIS HENDRICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY/TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN
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
encroachment, 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
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, 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
archaeological finds including two bison kill
sites meld with a vibrant present-day Indige-
nous 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 com-
munities to famous award-winners such
as Dakota Dunes Golf Links (www.dakota
dunes.ca). 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).
There's a new Pêmiska Tourism area in
Saskatchewan's Treaty 6 Territory offering
authentic Indigenous-led experiences. Learn
about the rich nehiyaw (Cree) culture, history,
and adventure and come away with a deeper
understanding and appreciation of Indigenous
heritage (www.pemiska.ca).
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. It runs in
summer. (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