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Read featured articles from destinations along the Yellowhead

Visit these Destinations along the Yellowhead:

Battlefords
Borden
Bredenbury
Churchbridge
Colonsay
Foam Lake
Insinger
Langenburg
Langham
Lanigan
Lashburn
Lloydminster
Maidstone
Paynton
Radisson
Saltcoats
Saskatoon
Springside
Theodore
Viscount
Wynard
Yorkton

Welcome to Saskatchewan

Land of Living Skies

by Terri Mason

Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Saskatoon Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E. Walker

When Will Rogers coined the phrase, “I never met a man I didn’t like...” he could have been speaking about Saskatchewan’s people. Renowned as one of the friendliest provinces in Canada, Saskatchewan is also the birthplace of some of the most gifted. Sports champions are born and raised here, creative literary, art and musical giants, rodeo greats – both horse and human – also come from this soil. It’s no wonder. With Saskatchewan’s endless horizon, you know the sky’s the limit.

Archaeological records carbon dating back more than 6,000 years of continual Aboriginal settlement proves this province’s reputation as a land of abundance. Today, the vibrant world of the Northern Plains people can be experienced at vibrant powwows and national historic sites such as Wanuskewin Heritage Park north of Saskatoon. The 300-acre park encourages visitors to learn to build a tipi, explore a buffalo jump and medicine wheel site. The visitor centre offers permanent and revolving displays and exhibits.

All your cares will just slip away at remarkable Little Manitou Lake, where the mineral rich waters soothe, relax and keep you afloat. Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E. Walker

In addition to modern gaming facilities, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) operates five casinos, four of which are along the Yellowhead, including the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford, the Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton, the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert and the new Dakota Dunes Casino in Saskatoon. The casinos reflect an authentic First Nations theme and flavour.

Saskatchewan has plenty of room for wildlife. While famed for its prairie landscape, beautiful lakes abound in this prairie oasis with two national parks, 25 provincial parks and 101 regional parks. Waterfowl migration is truly spectacular here, with literally millions of geese, ducks, swans and cranes stopping over on their journey. Whooping cranes, magnificent white birds teetering on the edge of extinction, choose Saskatchewan as a place of refuge. Ducks Unlimited, Canada’s habitat conservationists, offer self-guided nature tours at the Quill Lakes Interpretive Centre at Wynyard, the Wadena Nature Centre at Wadena, and the Foam Lake Visitor Centre at Foam Lake. These three centres provide a rich opportunity for visitors to learn about the value of wetlands and the need for conservation.

Interpreters in period costume at the Doukhobor Dugout House near Blaine Lake reenacting the resourcefulness of the early pioneers. Without the resources to purchase horses or oxen when they first arrived, the Doukhobor women would pull a walking plow to break the land. Photo: Nicole Choppe

A side trip that is a “must do” is a visit to famed Manitou Beach on Little Manitou Lake, southeast of Saskatoon. Drawn by the mineral-rich waters renowned for its curative powers, this is the home of great spas. With a specific density greater than that of the Dead Sea, it’s impossible to sink — a sensation unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Here too is one of Canada’s legendary dancehalls — Danceland. This renowned dancehall was built in 1928 and its massive horsehair-cushioned floor, celebrated dance bands and beautiful architecture will have you tripping the light fantastic. The Watrous area also hosts a variety of top-notch recreational facilities within a half-hour drive to North America’s oldest bird sanctuary, Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area.

Saskatoon, the lively and cosmopolitan university metropolis, hosts a vibrant nightlife, great festivals and mouth-watering restaurants. Add to this renowned art galleries, an excellent symphony orchestra, four professional theatre companies and outstanding amateur companies and you will see why culture in Saskatoon has flourished for over a century.

The Western Development Museums in Yorkton, North Battleford, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw are a blend of past and present, offering exhibits that trace Saskatchewan’s history in an evocative blend of song and story, photographs and maps. Photo: Mike Treloar

Summer is high season for festivals with the Saskatoon International Fringe Festival, Folkfest, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Refresh yourself with the gourmet’s delight festival happening on the riverbank - Taste of Saskatchewan – great food, innovative chefs and unbeatable entertainment!

Saskatoon is also home to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada and the Diefenbaker Canada Centre — the only Prime Ministerial centre in Canada and museums such as the Western Development Museum, featuring a priceless collection of antique automobiles and farm equipment, plus “1910 Boomtown” a recreated historical street, offer a glimpse into the city’s past.

Yorkton, a major retail centre established in 1882, hosts a delight of historical sites and acclaimed art and attractions. Be on the cutting edge of Canadian culture at the Yorkton Film Festival, the longest-running film festival in North America, where you can see the very best of Canadian short films and videos.

Harvest time can take on many shapes in Saskatchewan – from vast combines to the bounty from the pumpkin patch. Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E. Walker

From cutting edge to antique, the annual Threshermen’s Show offers a first-hand look at a working antique farm featuring horse-drawn and steam powered farm equipment. Try fragrant bread baked in clay ovens and stop by the blacksmith’s shop as they hammer out a memento.

History buffs and antique lovers will delight in the Western Development Museum and Pioneer Village, an entire town of lovingly restored buildings. The museum also features many fine examples of the folk art of Saskatchewan pioneers. A highlight is the Allen Sapp Gallery, where visitors can explore the heritage and culture of the Northern Plains Cree.

A must-see is the dome of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and the inspiring beauty of the cathedral dome painted by celebrated artist, Stephen Meush. This masterpiece is considered the finest piece of religious artwork in North America.

The longest bridge in the province spans the mighty North Saskatchewan River to link the city of North Battleford and its neighbour, The Battlefords.

The Imhoff Gallery in Lloydminster, Sask. features a comprehensive collection of paintings by the late artist Berthold Imhoff, renowned for his murals in North American churches and public buildings. Photo: Tourism Saskatchewan

Once the district headquarters for the North West Mounted Police in 1876, the national historic site of Fort Battleford lies at the heart of pivotal events that changed the history of Western Canada. The fort itself and some original buildings house artifacts evoking the conflicts related to the Riel Rebellion.

Canada’s only border city, Lloydminster, is proud of its pioneering heritage that you can experience at the Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre. The Centre also hosts the famed Imhoff Art Gallery, a collection of religious and historically themed art by the famed artist, Count Berthold John Von Imhoff. Lloydminster is also home to several attractions that include the Border Marker Promenade Walk, the Char-Mill miniature oil derrick, Canada’s largest sundial, NASA’s Canada Arm replica and the Border City Petting Zoo. The OTS Heavy Oil Science Centre is a delight with their interactive adventure in geology, drilling and refining.

Continuing along the Yellowhead Highway, the distinctive border markers herald your arrival in the province of Alberta.