What is Saskatchewan famous for?

Saskatchewan is a premier destination for astrophotography. Renowned as the “Land of Living Skies”, the province attracts photographers and nature-lovers from around the world with its fiery sunsets and starry skies.

Sunsets

One third of Saskatchewan territory is covered in vast prairies. Southern Saskatchewan landscapes are flat, with no tall mountains or trees, providing uninterrupted 360-degree views of the skies. In addition, the absence of big cities contributes to keeping air and light pollution low. When the fiery reds, oranges, purples and pinks reach the atmosphere at sunset, clouds reflect and scatter them creating a spectacular show in the limitless horizon.

We’ve asked Michaela A. from Tourism Saskatchewan about the best places to watch a sunset on a holiday to Saskatchewan, and here is what she shared with us:

“If you ask me for one place in Saskatchewan that nobody expects, I send people to the Big Muddy Badlands. Glaciers carved this valley, and thousands of years of wind and water have been working on it ever since. What's left is a maze of coulees and eroded hills, striped in layers of red, ochre and grey. The first time I stood at the edge of it, I had to remind myself I was still in the prairies.

"The easiest and most impressive way in is Castle Butte. It rises 60 metres straight out of the valley floor, a lone monolith that has served as a landmark for generations, long before anyone thought to put it on a map. You can walk right up to it, and you should.

"My tip: plan your visit around the light. In the last hour before sunset, the butte glows warmer by the minute. Sunrise, though, is the real reward. In summer the sun climbs over the lowest point of the valley and hits the rock face head-on, and for a few moments the whole butte turns a deep, fiery red. Bring a coffee, get there early, and give yourself time to simply watch.”

Stargazing

At night, the ink-black skies cover in a glittering blanket of stars. Saskatchewan is home to two designated Dark-Sky Preserves, Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, where visitors can observe the Milky Way, meteor showers and constellations. In fact, Grasslands is often called the home to “Canada’s darkest skies”.

Northern Lights

While remote northern parts in Saskatchewan sit right under the aurora oval, places such as Prince Albert National Park in central Saskatchewan offer top easily accessible spots to witness the natural phenomenon.

Grasslands National Park

Prepare to be captivated by the sheer scale, dramatic terrain and rare wildlife of Grasslands National Park.

Located in the southwestern corner of the province, the park is split into two blocks, approximately two hours apart and each boasting distinct landscapes and experiences.

The West Block, near the village of Val Marie, is dominated by rolling hills, deep coulees and the vast Frenchman River Valley. This is one of the last remaining expanses of untouched mixed-grass prairie in North America, home to incredible wildlife, including herds of plains bison, pronghorn antelope, and charming black-tailed prairie dogs.

The East Block is near Wood Mountain and features dramatic clay Badlands and rich dinosaur fossil beds.

Both blocks offer hiking trails, scenic drives, guided tours and camping options, including RV, tent and Equestrian camping alongside Parks Canada cosy oTENTik tents.

Spending a night at Grasslands National Park is a signature Saskatchewan experience, as the park is a designated Dark-Sky Preserve, offering absolutely breathtaking views of the stars above.

ALSO READ: A road trip through Saskatchewan

Prince Albert National Park

For a different but equally stunning landscape, head north to Prince Albert National Park. This park is a breathtaking transition zone, where the southern prairie meets the northern boreal forest. Here, you can paddle across pristine lakes, hike through dense woodlands, and keep an eye out for wildlife like elk, moose, and even wolves.

The park is also home to the famous cabin of Grey Owl, one of Canada's most renowned early conservationists. Whether you're an avid adventurer or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this park delivers an exceptional experience.

Ranching heritage and the Historic Reesor Ranch

Saskatchewan ranching heritage is alive and well, offering visitors a fantastic opportunity to connect with the land and experience authentic Western hospitality.

Step back in time at the Historic Reesor Ranch, a working ranch that has been in the same family for over a century. Located in the beautiful Cypress Hills, this is your chance to join real cowboys and wranglers as they go about their daily work. You can saddle up for a horseback ride through stunning landscapes, help with cattle drives, and finish your day with a hearty, home-cooked meal. It's an unforgettable experience that connects you directly to the heart and soul of the Canadian West.

RECOMMENDED HOLIDAY: Ranchlands & Prairies

Saskatoon and Regina – Saskatchewan’s vibrant cities

Saskatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city often called the “Paris of the Prairies” and the “City of Bridges”, romantic nicknames earned because of its seven scenic bridges crossing the South Saskatchewan River. It is a vibrant cultural and art hub also famous for:

• Innovative farm-to-table dining
• The Meewasin Trail - a scenic multi-use river path
• The Remai Modern - a museum housing contemporary art and the world's largest collection of Pablo Picasso linocuts
• Wanuskewin Heritage Park – a cultural centre and ancient gathering place for Northern Plains Indigenous peoples

Regina, is the capital city of Saskatchewan best known for:

• Historic architecture, including the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and the Stone Hall Castle
• Wascana Centre – one of North America’s largest urban parks
• RCMP Heritage Centre – one of the best places to learn about the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and an active training academy for new cadets
• Royal Saskatchewan Museum – home to the world’s largest T. Rex skeleton

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

A short 20-minute drive north of downtown Saskatoon, is the iconic Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig. The historic site has been a gathering place for Northern Plains Indigenous peoples for over 6,000 years. It is a living cultural centre where you can explore archaeological dig sites, walk scenic trails, and learn about the rich traditions and history of the Indigenous communities. You can participate in workshops, watch traditional dance performances, and hear stories that have been passed down through generations. Wanuskewin offers a powerful and moving connection to the land and its first peoples and has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Historical and training capital of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Saskatchewan has deep historic connections to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, (RCMP), Canada’s national police service commonly known as “The Mounties”. If you want to learn more about its legendary story and how it has evolved to become the cultural icon it is today, then Saskatchewan is one of the best places to start.

RCMP Heritage Centre

The RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina is a state-of-the-art facility located at the historic "Depot" Division, where every Mountie has been trained for over 140 years. Through fascinating exhibits and multimedia displays, you'll learn about the iconic red serge, the famous Musical Ride, and the brave officers who have served Canada. It's an inspiring look at a truly Canadian institution.

Fort Walsh National Historic Site

Journey to the Cypress Hills to visit Fort Walsh National Historic Site, the very place where the North-West Mounted Police were established to bring law and order to the Canadian West. You'll learn about the infamous Cypress Hills Massacre and the crucial role the Mounties played in the region. Costumed interpreters will guide you through the reconstructed fort, sharing stories that make the history of this place come alive.

The “Tunnels of Moose Jaw”

In the historic city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan there is a vast network of underground tunnels that came first to fame in the early 20th century. The city proximity to the Canadian Pacific Railway and American Soo Line Railroads turn Moose Jaw into a buzzing hub for alcohol smuggling bootleggers during the Prohibition era. Legends claim that the tunnels have been a hiding place for the notorious American gangster, Al Capone and earlier, for Chinese immigrants. Actual history and urban legends blend and come to life in what is today a must-visit Saskatchewan attraction.

Daniel Lopes, one of our Canada Travel Experts, has visited the tunnels on a guided theatrical tour during his trip to Saskatchewan and here is what he says:

“The Tunnels of Moose Jaw was a fascinating experience I highly recommend. I went on the Chicago Connection tour, which delves into the rumoured ties Al Capone had with Moose Jaw during Prohibition. I was particularly impressed by the storytelling and how the actors really brought the prohibition era to life making this memorable experience entertaining as well as informative.”

ALSO READ: Why Saskatchewan Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Itinerary, our Canada Travel Expert, Daniel Lopes, shares first-hand impressions from his travel to Saskatchewan.

Northern wilderness, boreal forests and over 100,000 lakes

Approximately two-thirds of Saskatchewan territory is covered in dense boreal forests, over 100,000 freshwater lakes, countless rivers, streams, bogs and exposed ancient rocky bedrock further north.

Saskatchewan’s remote northern regions are a premier destination for wilderness canoeing (Churchill River) and fishing (Reindeer Lake and Cree Lake are among the top spots to catch trophy northern pike or lake trout). Avid anglers can choose from numerous fly-in lodges.

From “living skies”, vivid sunsets and Aurora Borealis to vast prairies, boreal forests, dinosaur fossils, wildlife and rich Canadian history, Saskatchewan is famous for a lot of things and promises one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

To recap, this is what Saskatchewan is famous for:

• Dramatic skies and vivid sunsets
• Dark-Sky Preserves
• Aurora Borealis
• Grasslands National Park (native prairies, plains bison and Badlands)
• Prince Albert National Park
• Ranching heritage and the Historic Reesor Ranch
• Saskatoon and Regina – Saskatchewan’s vibrant cities
• Rich Indigenous heritage and the Wanuskewin Heritage Park
• Historical and training capital of the Mounties
• The Tunnels of Moose Jaw
• Northern wilderness, boreal forests and over 100,000 lakes

If you want to experience the province for yourself, get in touch today with our Canada Travel Experts; we can tailor make your dream holiday to Saskatchewan including all the places you want to visit and activities to try.

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