10 Scenic and Cultural Things to Do Year-Round in Saskatoon Canada

Key Takeaways:

• Saskatoon offers a mix of natural beauty, riverside parks, and a surprisingly vibrant arts and food scene.

• The city is perfect for year-round exploration, from winter skating trails to summer festivals along the river.

• Visitors love how accessible attractions are — with urban culture and nature always close at hand.

Saskatoon, the largest city in Saskatchewan, is often called the “Paris of the Prairies” — and once you stroll across one of its many bridges spanning the South Saskatchewan River, you’ll understand why. This dynamic city fuses prairie charm with cultural depth, where Indigenous heritage, creative energy, and outdoor adventure blend seamlessly. Known for its wide-open skies, friendly locals, and a growing food scene, Saskatoon makes a year-round impression on visitors. Whether you’re catching a summer concert by the river or skating under fairy lights in winter, the city’s rhythm never stops. It’s a place where culture and comfort coexist, and there’s always something unique to discover.

Table of Contents

1. Walk Along the Meewasin Valley Trails

2. Explore the Remai Modern Art Museum

3. Visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park

4. Experience the Nutrien WinterShines Festival

5. Shop and Stroll on Broadway Avenue

6. Attend the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival

7. Wander the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market

8. Paddle the River with CanoeSki Discovery

9. Relax in Kiwanis Memorial Park

10. Discover the Western Development Museum

1. Walk Along the Meewasin Valley Trails

The Meewasin Valley Trails stretch over 80 kilometers along the South Saskatchewan River and are a local favorite for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing in winter. With scenic views, well-maintained paths, and interpretive signs along the way, these trails are the perfect way to get to know the natural heart of Saskatoon. Locals love starting their day here, especially during sunrise or sunset. It’s a peaceful escape with city views just a short walk from downtown.

Every season paints the valley in new colors. In the fall, golden trees line the riverbanks, while winter transforms the trails into a snowy wonderland. Look out for wildlife like deer and birds as you stroll. Whether you go for a quick jog or a half-day hike, Meewasin makes it easy to stay active and connect with nature year-round.

2. Explore the Remai Modern Art Museum

Perched at the edge of the river, Remai Modern is a strikingly modern space housing one of North America’s most forward-thinking art collections. Inside, you’ll find rotating contemporary exhibitions alongside a massive collection of Picasso linocuts. It’s an architectural gem as much as a cultural one, offering sweeping river views from its galleries and rooftop. The museum also features educational programming and film screenings, making it a hub for creative minds.

What makes Remai Modern stand out is its bold commitment to contemporary voices — especially Indigenous and Canadian artists. The on-site café and gift shop are perfect places to unwind after exploring the exhibits. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just curious, the space welcomes all. Even in the colder months, it’s a warm and thought-provoking place to spend an afternoon.

3. Visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Just minutes outside the city, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is one of Canada’s most important Indigenous cultural sites. The park sits on sacred land that’s been used by Indigenous peoples for over 6,000 years, offering immersive insights into traditions, art, and history. Visitors can explore interpretive trails, attend dance performances, or view archaeological sites still being studied today. The experience is both educational and deeply moving.

Wanuskewin offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Canada’s Indigenous heritage in a respectful and enriching way. The visitor center includes interactive exhibits and a gift shop featuring handmade crafts and books. Events are held throughout the year, including storytelling sessions, solstice gatherings, and seasonal festivals. It’s a powerful reminder of the land’s deeper stories and a must-visit for any trip to Saskatoon.

4. Experience the Nutrien WinterShines Festival

When the temperatures drop, Saskatoon embraces the cold with its beloved WinterShines Festival. Held in January, this event features everything from ice carving competitions and winter markets to outdoor food tastings and warm cocoa trails. Families love the giant snow maze and ice slides, while adults can enjoy fire pits, live music, and local food trucks. It’s a joyful, community-driven celebration that lights up the frosty nights.

Even if you’re not a cold-weather enthusiast, WinterShines makes winter in Saskatoon feel magical. Indoor culinary events and cultural showcases round out the program, giving you options to stay cozy too. It’s a perfect excuse to plan a winter trip and experience how Saskatchewan does the season right. Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and dive into the glow.

5. Shop and Stroll on Broadway Avenue

Broadway Avenue is one of Saskatoon’s trendiest and most walkable neighborhoods, filled with boutique shops, indie bookstores, cafés, and live music spots. It’s where the city’s creative crowd gathers — whether it’s for poetry slams, vinyl records, or fair-trade fashion. The historic charm of the street mixes well with its youthful energy, making every visit feel like a new discovery. It’s also home to regular festivals, art walks, and street performances.

In summer, patios spill out onto the sidewalks, and in winter, twinkling lights and warm cafés keep the mood festive. Broadway Theatre, an iconic indie cinema, hosts film fests and community events throughout the year. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours shopping, sipping, and soaking in the scene. Broadway is Saskatoon’s bohemian heartbeat — and it’s beating all year long.

6. Attend the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival

Every summer, Saskatoon swings into rhythm with the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. It’s one of Canada’s top music festivals, bringing in international headliners and showcasing local talent in outdoor and indoor venues across the city. The main stage in Bessborough Gardens offers riverfront views and laid-back vibes, while smaller venues give a more intimate setting for blues, funk, soul, and jazz. Even if you’re not a die-hard jazz fan, there’s something magnetic about the festival’s atmosphere.

Food trucks, beer gardens, and family-friendly zones make it an accessible and fun experience for all. Free concerts are scattered throughout the week, encouraging everyone to enjoy live music without a ticket. The energy is contagious, and the city feels alive with rhythm during this time. It’s a highlight of Saskatoon’s cultural calendar — one that draws music lovers from all over the country.

7. Wander the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market

Held year-round in the Riversdale district, the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market is a bustling hub for local produce, handmade goods, and small-batch culinary delights. It’s the place to find everything from fresh berries and artisan cheese to crafts, candles, and preserves. In the summer, the market spills outside with music and picnic tables. In colder months, it moves indoors, offering a cozy and welcoming vibe.

What makes this market special is the community behind it — vendors are local, passionate, and often eager to share their stories. Sampling is encouraged, and many booths highlight Saskatchewan-first ingredients or Indigenous-led enterprises. Whether you’re stocking up on snacks or looking for unique souvenirs, the market offers a flavorful slice of Saskatoon life. It’s ideal for slow Saturdays and connecting with the local scene.

8. Paddle the River with CanoeSki Discovery

For a hands-on outdoor adventure, book a guided paddling trip with CanoeSki Discovery Company. These excursions take you right onto the South Saskatchewan River — offering a fresh perspective of the city skyline, bridges, and riverside parks. Tours range from beginner-friendly floats to more challenging day trips that incorporate forest hikes and wilderness skills. You’ll learn about local ecology and history while actively exploring Saskatoon’s natural heart.

This is one of the most unique ways to experience the region, especially in late spring through early fall. Wildlife sightings, including pelicans and beavers, are common, and the calm river makes it ideal even for first-timers. It’s great for couples, solo travelers, or small groups wanting to unplug and connect with nature. The company also offers winter ski adventures if you’re visiting outside paddling season.

9. Relax in Kiwanis Memorial Park

Located right downtown along the riverbank, Kiwanis Memorial Park is a beautifully maintained green space ideal for a midday picnic or evening stroll. It features walking paths, fountains, a floral clock, and plenty of benches with scenic water views. In warmer months, the park hosts outdoor fitness classes, yoga, and open-air performances. Come winter, nearby skating trails offer a picturesque way to enjoy the snow.

The park’s location makes it a perfect jumping-off point for exploring downtown or hopping onto the Meewasin Trail. Families appreciate the playgrounds, and photographers love the golden-hour lighting over the bridges. It’s one of Saskatoon’s best “pause” spots — right in the city but calm enough to reset. Whether you’re people-watching or journaling under a tree, it’s time well spent.

10. Discover the Western Development Museum

Step into Saskatchewan’s pioneer days at the Western Development Museum, where immersive exhibits bring the province’s agricultural and transportation history to life. The star attraction is Boomtown, a re-created 1910 prairie town complete with a schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, and train station. You can walk the boardwalk, peek into storefronts, and even ride an old-fashioned streetcar. It’s educational, nostalgic, and surprisingly entertaining for all ages.

The museum also includes large exhibits on farming equipment, steam engines, and the evolution of prairie life. Special events, like harvest demos and vintage fashion shows, add to the fun throughout the year. It’s a must for anyone curious about how the province was shaped — and how its spirit of grit and innovation continues today. A visit here makes history tangible and engaging.

What to do if you have kids?

Saskatoon is fantastic for families, offering a blend of outdoor fun and educational attractions that keep kids curious and active. The Nutrien Wonderhub, an interactive children’s museum, is a top choice with its colorful, hands-on exhibits designed for ages 2–10. Särkänniemi-style entertainment may not be present, but between Kiwanis Park, the Western Development Museum, and riverfront trails, there’s plenty to engage little ones. Many restaurants and cafes also cater to kids with dedicated menus, high chairs, and play corners.

Where can I find free events in Saskatoon Canada taking place this weekend?

Discover free events in Saskatoon this weekend by using https://planmyweekend.ai. This smart event discovery tool curates local happenings — from outdoor concerts and markets to art walks and cultural festivals — and helps you filter them by type and location. It’s a perfect way to find live entertainment, networking mixers, or casual weekend fun without spending a dime. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the site makes planning your social calendar effortless.

Final thoughts

Saskatoon delivers year-round charm, whether you’re wandering a snowy festival or sipping coffee on Broadway in the summer sun. It’s a city where the arts thrive, community shines, and the river always leads you somewhere worth discovering. The blend of prairie openness and cultural richness makes every visit memorable. No matter the season, Saskatoon opens its arms — with music, markets, museums, and moments that make you want to come back again.