7 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Saskatoon

e love our city, and we want to share our excitement and enthusiasm with you. We have compiled a list of different factors you should consider before visiting Saskatoon.

Sunshine

Saskatoon is one of the sunniest cities in Canada! On average, the city has 319 days of sunshine – or 87% of the year! As a Saskatoon resident, this is a factor we often take for granted, but this will come as a pleasant surprise for someone moving from a more cloudy city.

Weather

Saskatoon’s weather is unlike any other. From extreme cold warnings in the winter to extreme heat temperatures in the summer, you’ll truly experience all four seasons for all that they offer. In the winter, temperatures average around -15ºC to -20ºC but can dip down to -40ºC during those extreme cold warnings. However, the wind chill can make it feel much colder than it actually is. In the summer, temperatures average around +20ºC to +25ºC but typically reach higher in July and August. Saskatoon experiences a dry heat and cold, and if you are used to damp coastal weather, this will come as a pleasant surprise. If you come to the province in the summer and enjoy the weather, the locals will welcome you by saying, “Well, you haven’t experienced a Saskatchewan winter yet.”

Land of the Living Skies

Saskatchewan is known for its unbelievable skies that paint a vast array of colours day and night. From sweeping sunrises and sunsets to roaring thunderstorms to the playful and dancing aurora borealis and crystal clear night skies, it’s truly a marvel to see in person – “Land of the living skies” is even shown on our license plates! Since the province is so flat, you have unobstructed views to experience the wondrous skies. In our humble (and biased) opinion, Saskatchewan has some of the best skies the world has to offer!

Friendly Locals

The Saskatoon community is unmatched. Saskatoon locals are truly salt of the earth people. Although Saskatoon is considered one of Canada’s major cities, the city boasts a small-town feel. We’re neighbours who look out for each other without always knowing one another, and our relationships are built on trust, respect, and a good handshake.

Want to experience the friendly community? Visit the local farmers market or a local restaurant or distillery and introduce yourself as new to the city. The locals will jump on the chance to get to know you and talk about Saskatoon!

Transportation

Due to its limited size and population, the bus system is Saskatoon’s only form of public transportation. The transit system operates on 15 different bus routes across the city six days a week, with modified schedules on Sundays. Single passes are CAD 3.00, and day passes are CAD 8.50. It is important to note that as Saskatoon’s temperature drops in the winter, public transportation is often delayed; regularly checking the transit app for arrival times is necessary to avoid waiting in the cold.

Furthermore, Saskatoon is a city that primarily operates on privately owned vehicles. Unlike major cities with high congestion and traffic, Saskatoon’s traffic is minimal in comparison. With limited traffic, it takes no more than 20 minutes to drive from either end of the city. If you’re coming from a major centre, this factor will be a breath of fresh air.

Saskatoon Transit: https://transit.saskatoon.ca/

Paris of the Prairies

Paris and Saskatchewan – whoever thought these two concepts would mix? Saskatoon boasts numerous local drink and eateries and is known for its local culinary artisans. From distilleries, to various cultural cuisines, to award winning chefs, and everything in between, Saskatoon is a hot spot for vibrant and local culinary delights!

Visit Tourism Saskatoon to browse through a list of Saskatoon’s local drink and eatery spots:

https://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/eat-and-drink/eat-local/

Local Events

The city LOVES hosting events for the community to partake in. It seems like not a weekend goes by without a festival or large community event in the summer. For example, the Jazz Festival is an outdoor music festival held downtown that hosts over 75,000 fans annually and showcases local, national, and international talent. The week and a half-long event entertains jazz, blues, funk, pop, and world music for everyone wanting to listen. The Saskatoon Folk Festival is an opportunity for residents to experience global cultures, dances, music, and food. Obtain a “passport” and learn about the world from the locals in Saskatoon. Finally, the Saskatoon Fringe Festival imitates that of the original Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The ten-day event connects local artists to audiences to celebrate and experience art and culture. It doesn’t stop here – from street fairs to art exhibits and everything in between – there is always something to do!

Conclusion

Have you been able to depict the common theme here? It’s local. It’s the local community, local cultures, local events, and local establishments that genuinely make the city worth visiting (or moving to). Saskatoon has a “we’re in it together” attitude, and you’ll have to come to experience it for yourself!

We love our city! At Real Property Management Professionals, we’re here to help and would love to guide you in the right direction or answer any questions you may have about the city. Contact us below:

P: (306) 244-7276

E: professionals@realpropertymgt.ca