Saskatchewan Holidays

Best time to visit Saskatchewan, Canada

The best time to visit Saskatchewan depends on what you want to do and see.

If you are interested in outdoor activities, the best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. There are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer, such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and swimming.

If you are interested in winter sports, the best time to visit Saskatchewan is during the winter months, from December to April. The province receives plenty of snow during the winter, making it a great place to go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

If you are interested in visiting Saskatchewan to see its many festivals and events, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, which are spring (May and June) and fall (September and October). The weather is still pleasant during these months, but there are fewer crowds.

Highlights of Saskatchewan

What is Saskatchewan famous for:

• Saskatoon
• Regina
• Saskatchewan Prairies
• Lumsden
• Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
• Nicolle Flats

Swipe left or right to learn more about each destination.

Regina

The capital of Saskatchewan, Regina’s beautiful historic buildings and leafy parks make it a delightful place to stay. With excellent shopping and dining, entertainment throughout the year and scenic landscapes just a short drive away, you couldn’t ask for much more.

Regina’s main downtown area sits between Saskatchewan Drive and Victoria Avenue and is home to the Cornwall Shopping Centre, which has a good range of mainstream stores and eateries as well as all the usual downtown amenities. In the centre of this area lies Victoria Park, which is the site of many festivals and events throughout the year and is a pleasant place to relax. Regina has a great farmers’ market during the spring and summer months just north of the park, where you can pick up some fresh produce, tasty homemade goodies and local crafts. Just west of downtown, on and around 13th Street, is the Cathedral Village district which has some quirky boutiques and craft stores as well as cafés and restaurants.

In the centre of Regina is the vast Wascana Centre - the jewel in the city’s crown. A beautifully kept urban park spread over hundreds of acres around Wascana Lake, it is also home to some of the city’s best attractions, including the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Science Centre and the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Also in the park is the beautifully architected Legislative Building. There are some pretty trails and lakes to explore and a host of festivals and events held throughout the year, from dragon boat racing to ice skating.

Regina is a lovely city to explore: its size and its many urban parks make it pleasant to wander on foot, while its handsome historic buildings provide great backdrops when you decide to take a break. With many entertaining festivals, plenty of great restaurants and bars, a wide variety of shopping, and the scenic Saskatchewan prairies on your doorstep, the city really is the full package.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a vibrant city in the heart of Saskatchewan, Canada, with a population of over 270,000 people. It is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and thriving arts and culture scene. It is located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Visitors can enjoy the city's natural beauty by hiking, biking, or simply relaxing in one of its many parks.

Saskatoon has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters. Visitors can also check out the city's many festivals and events, such as the Saskatoon Jazz Festival and the Saskatchewan Fringe Theatre Festival. It's a great place to visit with kids, the city has a number of family-friendly attractions, such as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park, and the Saskatoon Farmers Market. Saskatoon is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, such as Wanuskewin Heritage Park, the Diefenbaker Canada Centre, and the Persephone Theatre. Visitors can learn about the city's rich history and culture through these attractions.

It is also a relatively affordable city to visit, making it a great option for budget-minded travellers. There are a variety of accommodation options available, from hotels to hostels, and there are also a number of free and low-cost activities to enjoy. Overall, Saskatoon is a great  destination for people who are looking for a mix of natural beauty, arts, culture, and family fun.

Saskatchewan Prairies

The Saskatchewan prairies are a vast and beautiful landscape, characterized by rolling hills, lush grasslands, and sparkling lakes. In addition to its natural beauty and economic importance, the Saskatchewan prairies are also home to a rich cultural heritage. The region is home to a number of Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Saulteaux, and Nakoda Sioux. These peoples have lived on the prairies for centuries, and their culture is an integral part of the region's identity.

Visitors to the Saskatchewan prairies can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

• Hiking and camping: There are a number of parks and recreation areas in the prairies where visitors can hike, camp, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
• Wildlife watching: The Saskatchewan prairies are home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, deer, elk, coyotes, and birds. Visitors can go on guided tours or explore on their own to spot these animals in their natural habitat.
• Birding: The Saskatchewan prairies are a popular destination for birdwatching. Many species of migratory birds pass through the prairies each year, and visitors can spot a variety of species, including ducks, geese, swans, and raptors.
• Fishing and swimming: The Saskatchewan prairies have a number of lakes and rivers where visitors can fish, swim, and boat.
• Visiting Indigenous communities: Visitors to the Saskatchewan prairies can learn about the region's rich Indigenous culture by visiting Indigenous communities and attending cultural events.

The Saskatchewan prairies are a great place to visit for people of all ages and interests. With its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage, the region has something to offer everyone.

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is a provincial park located in southern Saskatchewan, Canada, about 86 kilometres north-west of the city of Regina. The park is named after the Buffalo Pound, a natural corral that was used by First Nations people to hunt bison.

The park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with a variety of activities to enjoy, including:

• Hiking: There are over 30 kilometres of hiking trails in the park, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging. The trails offer stunning views of the park's rolling hills, lakes, and forests.
• Biking: The park is also a great place to mountain bike, with over 20 kilometres of trails to choose from. The trails wind through the park's forests and valleys, and offer a variety of challenges for all skill levels.
• Fishing: The park has a number of lakes and rivers where visitors can fish for a variety of species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and northern pike.
• Swimming: The park has a sandy beach on Buffalo Pound Lake, where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and play in the sand.
• Canoeing and kayaking: Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from the park's concessionaire and explore the park's lakes and rivers.
• Wildlife watching: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, deer, elk, coyotes, and birds. Visitors can go on guided tours or explore on their own to spot these animals in their natural habitat.

In addition to its recreational opportunities, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is also a great place to learn about the region's history and culture. The park has a number of interpretive exhibits and programs that teach visitors about the First Nations people who have lived in the area for centuries, as well as the park's natural history.

Nicolle Flats

Nicolle Flats is a marshy wetland located on the southeast side of Buffalo Pound Lake in Saskatchewan, Canada. It is a popular destination for birdwatching, hiking, and canoeing. The flats an important stopover point for migratory birds, and it is estimated that over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area. The flats are also home to a number of nesting birds, including black terns, great blue herons, and Canada geese.

Nicolle Flats is also a popular destination for hiking and canoeing. There is a 6.1-kilometer loop trail that winds through the flats, and visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks from the park's concessionaire. Nicolle Flats is a beautiful and important area for wildlife and people alike. It is a great place to visit to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the region's natural history.

Outdoor activites

Despite being landlocked, there are a great many opportunities to get out onto the water with over 100,000 lakes, rivers and streams across the province. Paddle along secluded rivers and coves in a canoe, enjoy a serene sailing adventure on Lake Diefenbaker or cruise down the rapids on the Churchill River. Rent a houseboat and explore the wilderness, try your hand at fishing or bounce around the bays on a jetski.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground there are endless possibilities for hiking. Discover many beautiful trails through the national and provincial parks, whether you are looking for a challenge such as the 16km rugged trek in the centre of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park or simply a scenic nature walk. There is something rather special about spotting wild animals as you explore the countryside and the province is teeming with these, from the elk and white-tailed deer of the south, to the beaver, wolves and river otters of the north, alongside a host of bird species.

Horse riding goes hand-in-hand with Western Canada and to indulge your inner cowboy you can head out on a trail ride across rolling hills or lush forests. For a real Canadian adventure, visit a working cattle ranch and learn how to tie a lasso or rope cattle. Among Saskatoon’s most appealing outdoor spaces is Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a must-visit for history and art lovers where you can discover more about the cultures of the Northern Plains indigenous peoples.

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Winter activities & city life

In winter, the landscapes provide a different sort of entertainment – with skiing, boarding and tobogganing available on some of the steeper hills and highlands, as well as a huge variety of cross-country trails to follow through snow-covered forests and icy lakes. Ice-fishing is a popular pursuit while dog sledding is a fantastic way to see the countryside traditional-style or watch the Northern Lights shimmer across the night skies. A Saskatchewan holiday in the winter months promises celebrations, with masses of festivals and events across the province. Choose from stunning ice sculpting competitions and exciting dog sled races to King Trapper contests – where contestants compete in events such as tree felling, wood splitting and trap setting.

Saskatoon and Regina offer all the big city amenities you might expect, from excellent shopping and restaurants to fascinating museums and galleries, but boast a welcoming small-town feel. Regina is a lovely place to explore with a beautiful leafy lake and some impressive historic buildings such as Government House and the Legislative Buildings. It is also home to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s training centre which has an interesting museum attached where you can discover the history of the ‘Mounties’, a Canadian institution. Other attractions include Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and the unusual Western Development Museum, which houses a replica of the original 1900s Saskatoon boom town, complete with entertaining demonstrations and a working café.