If you are looking for things to do in Saskatoon that are worth your time, here are the activities that I recommend because these are the ones that I would personally go back for. 

I recently visited Saskatoon with my mom for our first mother-daughter trip together. The caveat was this: mom and I are both well traveled in different yet complimentary ways: she has explored a lot of Africa, Asia and Europe, and I have done most of travels through North America, Europe and the Caribbean. So, inasmuch as she is my mom, it was important for me to find things to do in Saskatoon that I knew she would enjoy based on what I know of her personality, her evolving travel taste, and also her capacity as an older adult. And so, this multigenerational travel experience was not just a great way to rediscover and experience my mom as “Mom the traveler”, but also see the best things to do in Saskatoon for those who love arts, culture, nature and don’t necessarily want to be rest and recover after a few hours of sightseeing instead of spending the day looking for every single interesting corner of the city (like I tend to do). 

So, if this fits your traveler/vacationer profile, here are the best things to do in Saskatoon that I (and Mom) would definitely go back for. 

#1: One of the Best Things to do in Saskatoon: Visit Black Fox Farm & Distillery

Since I have been to the Black Fox Farm & Distillery, I can say with confidence that no trip to Saskatoon can be complete unless you have explored the Black Fox Farm and Distillery. Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York City has the Statue of Liberty, and Saskatoon has the Black Fox Farm and Distillery. Not to make an analogy based on city infrastructure or skyscrapers, but more so based on “the IT” thing that I think is the must see in the city. And interestingly, while we were working on our Saskatoon travel itinerary, visiting the Black Fox Farm and Distillery was an experience we wanted to have, but I did not think it was going to be this memorable to us.

My mom loves her wine and a good whisky, and I love mixing cocktails in my free time at home: but that’s not even the point. The point is, at Black Fox Farm and Distillery, I saw the confluence of a multi-acre farm surrounded by beautiful flowers where you can learn about how gin is made. I saw a place where you can spend the afternoon sipping on great cocktails while enjoying a prairies farm in bloom in the summer. And I saw a distillery where you can go behind the scene of how award-winning whiskey is made, and flavoured by the extreme weather changes that the province of Saskatchewan is known for. 

Why it’s worth the visit: Whisky aficionados(as) would have a field trip on this one. Even if you don’t like spirits or a good liquor, you can still appreciate the craftsmanship, intentionality and sustainable approach behind the harvesting of the raw matter, the process and the creation of the final products: an award-winning whiskey collection and gin flavors that want to be remembered. 

Planning tip: Check the distillery’s official website for current tours, tastings, opening hours, and booking requirements. Since it’s located in the outskirts of the city, factor in transportation when planning your visit (approximately 30 minutes from downtown Saskatoon). 

#2: Take a Tour of the Meewasin Valley by Foot (with a Meewasin Guide) or by Bicycle

“The air is so pure here”. This was one of the first remarks that my mom made once we stepped outside on our first morning in Saskatoon. Right in front of the Delta Hotel Saskatoon, I felt drawn towards the impressive, outdoors green park (in an urban space), and internally rejoiced when I found out that we would be walking through its trails later that morning. And the reason why the air felt so pure in Saskatoon? We did find out. At least, one of the reasons. 

The South Saskatchewan river and the surrounding Meewasin Valley are more than just beautiful scenery. Aquatic plants and wetland vegetation act as a natural filtration system, trapping sediments, absorbing excess nutrients, and helping filter pollutants from the water. Trees and other vegetation also capture some airborne particles and release oxygen through photosynthesis, contributing to a healthy natural environment. Meewasin also works to restore damaged areas, remove invasive species, and plant native grasses and wildflowers to support biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

The South Saskatchewan River runs through Saskatoon, and the Meewasin Valley is one of the best places to appreciate the relationship between the city and its natural environment.

Why it’s worth the visit: If you enjoy spending time outdoors, want a break between restaurant stops, or simply want to see a different side of the city, the Meewasin Valley deserves a place on your list. Also, the Meewasin Trail is right in front of the best hotels where you would stay in Saskatoon, so why not start your morning taking a breath of fresh air outside to power up your days, like I did? 

Planning tip: You can explore public sections of the Meewasin trails independently, making them a good option if you’re looking for free things to do in Saskatoon. However, I recommend at least one guided experience with the Meewasin Valley Conservancy team, as I think their added perspective would make you appreciate the parks so much more. Here is how you can book a tour. 

2. Things to do in Saskatoon: Visit The Wanuskewin Heritage Park and learn about the Indigenous People of the Canadian Prairies

You can’t talk about visiting Canada without exploring Indigenous history, and Saskatoon – as I found out – is one of the best cities in Canada to dive deeper into it. Beyond museums, there are dedicated tourist sites where you can learn, as well as traditional Indigenous experiences (smudging ceremonies, basket weaving, etc.) you can have during our visit. 

As someone who loves history just as much as my mom, visiting the Wanuskewin Heritage Park was one of the best things to do in Saskatoon for us. 

Here, we learned more about the history of the Indigenous people of the Prairies. Even though I already knew that Indigenous cultures were different across different regions in Canada (from having visited Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon and Ontario), I was not very familiar with the Indigenous culture in the Prairies. And our tour guide, Jessica, made sure to highlight the nuances, walked us through some medicinal herbs and plants that were used traditionally, and we even got to see the replica of a traditional Tipi House (and just so you know, not all Indigenous people lived in Tipis).

I also appreciated learning about the connections between the Indigenous people of the Great Plains in Canada and the USA (the Kanza, Dakota and Lakota People). Wanuskewin is really a place to learn about the histories, cultures, and continuing presence of Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. Its exhibits, interpretive experiences, trails, and cultural programming offer visitors opportunities to engage with a history that stretches back thousands of years. I think it would be a remiss to leave Saskatoon without going there. For me, this is the kind of experience that adds depth to a trip.

Why it’s worth the visit: It’s easy to travel somewhere, enjoy the scenery, eat at a few restaurants, and leave feeling as though you’ve seen the destination. But learning about the people and histories connected to a place can change how you understand it.

Planning tip: Check Wanuskewin’s official website for current admission fees, exhibitions, guided experiences, and programming before you go. Give yourself at least 2 hours to explore rather than squeezing the visit between two other activities. Plan about $20-50$ to get some souvenirs at the Wanuskewin Gift Shop. You’ll thank me later!

3. Things to do in Saskatoon: Visit the Remai Modern Museum and Explore Local Indigenous Art (+ the largest Picasso Collection…)

We did not think “Visiting an Art Museum” was going to be a “thing to do in Saskatoon” that should make it to a list, but hear me out, because… it actually is. 

Located along the South Saskatchewan River, the museum brings contemporary art into the Saskatoon experience. It’s a great option if you enjoy exploring art, architecture, and creative perspectives, or if you’re simply looking for something different to do between meals and outdoor activities.

And if you’re travelling with family (like I was traveling with my mother for the first time), an art museum can be a good opportunity to experience something together, even if you don’t necessarily have identical tastes. It could also be a good rest/recovery stop. As faith (and great attraction planning) would have it, one of the best restaurants in Saskatoon is located just outside of the museum, so your lunch option for that day in your Saskatoon travel itinerary becomes a no-brainer! (And yes, the food is good – I checked. and I am still not over the fact that I had the tastiest mushroom soup in a very cute, bohemian-style tea cup!)

Why it’s worth the visit: The Remai Modern museum feels like the place where arts, culture, history and past all come together when it comes to understanding Saskatoon. 

Planning tip: Check the current exhibitions, opening hours, and admission policy before visiting. If you’re looking for free things to do in Saskatoon, check whether the museum’s current admission arrangements or special programming offer an option that works for your budget.

4. Things to do in Saskatoon: Explore the Ukrainian Museum of Canada

Yes to another museum, but this one has a totally different twist, angle and flavour. Visiting the Ukrainian museum of Canada in Saskatoon was an Aha moment for us, because we did not expect what we ended up discovering. 

Canada (from its original Huron-Iroquois name “Kanata” – which means “village”, “settlement”) is the original land of First Nations, but also a land of immigration. And so, it was interesting for us to learn about the immigration and settlement history of Ukrainians in Canada. Saskatchewan has a rich and diverse cultural history, and visiting a museum dedicated to Ukrainian heritage and experiencing some elements of Ukrainian culture (such as being greeted with bread and salt, or learning to make a Ukrainian doll), really made us appreciate Saskatoon even more. And this is one of the reasons why you should add this museum to your list of things to do  (and see) in Saskatoon. 

Why it’s worth the visit: The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is a worthwhile addition to a culture-focused visit. It’s an opportunity to explore Ukrainian heritage and add another cultural perspective to your Saskatoon experience.

Planning tip: Check the museum’s current opening hours, exhibitions, and admission details before visiting.

Things to do in Saskatoon: Attend a Music Festival in Saskatoon 

I have done music festivals in large cities, but let me tell you something: the vibes and energy you get from experiencing a festival within a city that feels like a community is unmatched: everyone is dancing, families are walking or sitting around together, and you just naturally feel like you belong. People look and smile at you, you can stop by and have a candid conversation, without getting the feeling that everyone is too busy. 

Live music events are a special way of bringing communities together, and I think if you get to experience that in a city like Saskatoon, you will have a completely different appreciation of the destination (and the live music experience).  

Why it’s worth considering: Visiting a city during a festival season gives you more options of things to do, and also opens another layer through which you can understand and appreciate the communities that make that city. 

Planning tip: Events calendars change each season, so check out the Discover Saskatoon events calendar to see how you can align your visit with events happening in the city!

6. Have a nighttime edutainment experience with Meewasin’s Naughty by Nature

One of the more distinctive experiences we had involved Meewasin’s Naughty by Nature programming.

This was not simply another walk along the river. My mom and I got to make a cocktail while learning about birds and wildlife. You get to combine several things in one activity: spending time outdoors, learning something new about the local environment, and enjoying a more interactive experience. Responsible travel doesn’t have to mean giving up the fun parts of a trip. Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones that bring the two together.

Why it’s worth the visit: If you’re looking for unique things to do in Saskatoon, this is the sort of experience worth checking out, especially if you enjoy nature, wildlife, and activities that go beyond a traditional guided tour.

Planning tip: Check Meewasin’s current programming to see whether this experience is offered during your travel dates. Confirm what is included, including any cocktail-making component, and review any age or participation requirements.

So, is Saskatoon worth visiting?

For me, yes. For my mom, also YES. 

We liked the slower pace that Saskatoon as a city, offers to visitors. There is no rush, no stress, no pressure to get to the next big thing… yet. We could lean into the experiences as much as we wanted to, without feeling the guilt or fear of missing out on something else. We explored the river valley, learned about Indigenous heritage, visited museums, discovered local restaurants, tried bison bone marrow for the first time, enjoyed live music, experienced a farm-based distillery, and bonded over things we both enjoyed. And every single one of these experiences we had in Saskatoon played a role in this.

And if you’re planning your own visit, my biggest piece of advice is to give yourself enough time to experience more than the highlights. Explore the river, try the local restaurants, learn about the histories connected to the region, and leave a little room in your schedule for something unexpected.

Because sometimes the places you don’t expect to love are the ones that make you say, Saskatoon… we’ll be back!

Tips for Planning your own Trip to Saskatoon

Before you go, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• How long should we stay? I’d consider three to four days if you want to combine restaurants, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and experiences outside the city, without rushing. And even if you are passing through Saskatoon on your way to Manitoba or Alberta, trust me: add the extra days. You would be happy you did! 
• Should we rent a car for visiting Saskatoon? Absolutely. Enterprise Car Rentals is my go-to company. 
• Should we book ahead? For all activities and restaurants, it is highly recommend. Check beforehand on websites and social media pages, and call if you can. 
• When should we visit? Your ideal dates will depend on the outdoor activities, festivals, and seasonal experiences you want to enjoy. But I recommend the summer and fall. 
• Where should we eat while we are in Saskatoon? I made a complete list of where to eat in Saskatoon. This will save you time and energy on your trip planning! And added bonus for you because I even tell you what we ordered, what we liked and what we LOVED. 

Happy travels, and I’ll see you out there!

Travel With Clem explores destinations through culture, cuisine, history, nature, and the people who bring places to life. This guide is based on my mother-daughter trip to Saskatoon, with additional planning suggestions for readers organizing their own visit.