5 Day Saskatoon & The Heart of Canada in Wintertime

This morning drive to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site situated on the northern edge of Saskatoon. This Northern Plains Indigenous Interpretive Site is home to over 6,400 years of history and a truly unique cultural experience. The Heritage Park is a window into a part of Canada’s history that remains little known, and a link to the past unlike any other National Historic Site in Canada. Borrow snowshoes from their counter and explore the marked winter trails of Canada’s longest running archaeological dig site with exciting finds many of which pre-date the pyramids of Egypt. See the herd of plains bison that were reintroduced here in December 2019 with the first calves born in spring 2020. Wanuskewin’s uniqueness is based on the composition of human habitation, hunting, gathering and spirituality, all in one place. Wait for dusk to take a drive through BHP Enchanted Forest, Saskatchewan's top winter tourist attraction to see the country's largest outdoor light show featuring 60 custom displays throughout the forest. The BHP Enchanted Forest opens for visitors from late November until January. If you are visiting late January, take a drive to the Farmers Market and check out Saskatchewan’s premiere Winter Festival, the Nutrien WinterShines Festival. See professionally designed ice creations, a super gigantic igloo, sleigh rides, soup cook-off and enjoy a range of winter activities.

Try skating at the Meewasin skating rink or at one of the city’s many outdoor rinks and ponds. There are over 50 community association operated rinks located in neighbourhoods throughout Saskatoon. Walk or kicksled along the South Saskatchewan River Valley trail. A kicksled is with a piece of equipment made up of two ski style runners attached to a handlebar at about waist height, with a rubberized footrest to keep your balance. They can also have seats for carrying small children. Kicksleds can be rented locally from Escape Sports. Drive to Optimist Hill, a winter recreation area featuring ski and snowboarding sections, terrain park, tubing hill, and a free toboggan hill for families. Later, take a walk around the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and watch the many animals active in the winter months.

Often compared to the Dead Sea of Israel, the healing waters of Little Manitou Lake are legendary for their natural buoyancy, mineral-rich properties, and curative powers. Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa is among the top spas in Canada. Located 120 km from Saskatoon in the heart of Canada’s prairies, this European-style spa and hotel is one of its kind in Canada. The scenic winter drive through the prairies to Manitou and back makes for a leisurely day and provides an opportunity to try the excellent resort restaurant.

Return your rental car today as your time in Saskatoon comes to an end.