If you’d like to visit one of Canada’s most beautiful mid-size cities, plan a trip to Sasaktoon. What makes this city unique is that the riverbanks of the South Saskatchewan River (which cuts the city in half diagonally) have flourished in their natural state, due to a zealous protectionist campagin through the years.
Saskatoon is located in central Saskatchewan, Canada, and is the most populous city in the province. Often called the “City of Bridges,” Saskatoon has seven river crossings. Incidentally, the city is occasionally referred to as “The Paris of the Prairies” for the same reason.
Natural beauty abounds in this region of North America. Northern Saskatchewan is well known for its pristine rivers, lakes, and forests for those who enjoy hiking, camping, and canoeing. Saskatoon is close to cabin country and Prince Albert National Park, which is located only 150 kilometers north of the city.
Saskatoon has more than 300 acres of river bank parklands along the South Saskatechewan River. Here you can bike, jog or take a leisurely stroll along the banks. Many opportunities for enjoying the outdoors can be found, either through guided trips or individually planned itineraries.
Along the river, you’ll see much evidence that this small city is modern and cultured and high tech.
Saskatoon is recognized as one of the world’s leading Agricultural Biotechnology centers. Most research takes place at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). The University hosts the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) that conducts infectious diseases research to develop infectious diseases controls for humans and animals. The U of S owns:
- Pharmalytics, Inc
- Prairie Swine Centre Inc
- Prairie Diagnostic Services, Inc
- Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc
- The Western Beef Development Centre.
The U of S campus also hosts the POS Pilot Plant, a private and confidential contract research organization serving bioprocessing related industries such as nutraceuticals, food and food ingredients. As well, the campus is home to the Canadian Light Source, a national synchrotron radiation facility that is used for a wide range of scientific research and the POS Pilot Plant Corporation.
What drives the economy? Uranium and potash play important roles in Sasaktaoon’s economy. The world’s largest publicly traded uranium company, Cameco, and the world’s largest potash producer, PotashCorp, have corporate headquarters in Saskatoon. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s recoverable potash reserves are located in the Saskatoon region.
Food processing is also an important industry in Saskatoon. The city is the headquarters of Mitchell’s Gourmet Foods, one of Canada’s largest meat processors, employing more than 1,400 Saskatonians. In addition, several manufacuturing companies such as Hitachi Canadian Industires, are found here and employ many.
When you visit Saskatoon, don’t be surprised that in addition to all the high-tech industries, you’ll find a rich and vibrant arts community. A wide variety of artistic, musical, and theatre attractions can easily fill your travel itinerary. Some examples include the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, four professional tehater companie and the Persephone Theater. The arts are well represented at the Mendel Art Gallery, home to permanent and rotating exhibits in a complex that overlooks the River.
Although peripheral areas of the city are seeing the most growth, with the big box store and apartment ocmplexes, the downtown core is seeing inceased developments. Located in the downtown core, Midtown Plaza is the largest shopping center in the city with Sears Canada and the Bay as anchors.
There are so many things to see and do while in Saskatoon. You’ll want to consider educational interesting attractions like:
- the Western Development Museum
- Wanuskewin Heritage Park
- the Forestry Farm Park and Saskatoon Zoo
For rail enthusiasts, the Saskatchewan Railway Museum in Saskatoon features six acres of exhibits and displays that relate the history of Saskatchewan’s trains. Dining and shopping are also abundant in Saskatoon, with everything from nightclubs and family restaurants to malls and independent shops available.
