Saskatchewan is the province of "living skies" — a vast land where golden prairies stretch to the horizon, wild bison still roam the plains, and northern lights illuminate skies free of light pollution. With 40% of Canada's arable land, the world's most northerly sand dunes and the historic RCMP headquarters, Saskatchewan offers experiences found nowhere else in the country. Here are the 20 must-do experiences.
To explore further, see our provinces and territories guide and our Discover Saskatchewan article. The unique landscapes of this region are also covered in our Canadian geography guide. Canada's wildlife and wilderness is equally remarkable here. You can also explore Top 20 — alberta.html and Top 20 — manitoba.html.
The only place in Canada where you can observe free-roaming plains bison on their native prairie. The park protects one of the last intact mixed-grass prairie ecosystems in North America. It's also the only Canadian habitat for the black-tailed prairie dog, an endangered species. Divided into two blocks (East and West), the park offers tipi camping and is a Dark Sky Preserve with exceptional night skies.
A 3,874 km² park where boreal forest meets mixed-grass prairie. Home to a free-ranging plains bison herd and Canada's largest white pelican colony at the Lavallee Lake Bird Sanctuary. Grey Owl's (Archibald Belaney) cabin sits on the shores of Ajawaan Lake. The resort village of Waskesiu offers beaches, hiking and canoe rentals.
The most northerly active sand dunes in the world. Over 100 km of spectacular dunes along the southern shore of Lake Athabasca, some reaching 30 metres in height. The park is home to 10 endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Accessible only by floatplane or boat — the ultimate wilderness adventure in Saskatchewan's largest wilderness park.
Did you know?
Saskatchewan has 40% of Canada's arable land, making it the agricultural heartland of the country. It's nicknamed the "breadbasket of the world" for its massive wheat production. The province also has the world's richest deposits of uranium and potash.
Canada's first and only interprovincial park (Saskatchewan-Alberta). The Cypress Hills are the highest point between the Rockies and Labrador (1,392 m). Having escaped glaciation, it's a "biological island" with unique plant species found nowhere else on the Prairies. A designated Dark Sky Preserve, with Fort Walsh (North-West Mounted Police post, 1875) nearby.
A site of exceptional cultural significance with over 6,400 years of continuous human habitation — one of the oldest in Canada. A UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. In 2019, plains bison were reintroduced for the first time in over a century. The park includes medicine wheels, tipi rings and bison kill sites. One of Canada's longest-running archaeological digs.
The interactive museum telling the story of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police — the world's most iconic police force. Located beside the RCMP Training Academy ("Depot Division"), established in Regina since 1885. The Sunset Retreat Ceremony in summer features cadets in red serge. The North-West Mounted Police, founded in 1873, made Regina its headquarters.
The site of the Battle of Batoche (1885), the decisive clash of the North-West Rebellion led by Louis Riel. This is where the Métis made their last stand defending their land rights. The Church and Rectory of St. Antoine de Padoue, with bullet holes still visible, still stand. The annual "Back to Batoche" festival celebrates Métis culture with music, jigging and traditional cuisine.
Did you know?
Louis Riel led the North-West Rebellion in Saskatchewan in 1885. Captured at Batoche, he was tried and executed for treason. Now considered the "Father of Manitoba" and a champion of Métis rights, Riel is one of the most controversial and important figures in Canadian history.
A unique underground attraction offering two theatrical guided tours. "Passage to Fortune" tells the story of Chinese immigrants who lived and worked in the tunnels to escape the racist head tax. "The Chicago Connection" explores the Prohibition era and bootlegging legends (including Al Capone). An immersive and moving way to discover a little-known chapter of Canadian history.
One of Canada's legendary canoe routes, used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and fur trade voyageurs. Rapids, crystal-clear lakes and pristine wilderness on the Canadian Shield. At Stanley Mission, Holy Trinity Church (1854-1860) is Saskatchewan's oldest building. The Churchill River is designated a Canadian Heritage River.
Saskatchewan's largest provincial park at 335,690 hectares with over 100 lakes. Located on the Canadian Shield, the park features a landscape of boreal forest, rivers and granite rock. Excellent for canoeing, kayaking and fishing (walleye, northern pike, lake trout). The village of La Ronge is the gateway to the province's wild north.
Saskatchewan is one of Canada's top fishing destinations. The province's wild north has thousands of lakes teeming with walleye, northern pike, lake trout and Arctic grayling. Fly-in fishing lodges offer an incomparable wilderness fishing experience. Wollaston Lake, Reindeer Lake and Cree Lake are among the top destinations.
Saskatchewan's tallest waterfall, measuring approximately 25 metres in height. Located in the Churchill River system, the falls cascade into Nistowiak Lake in a pristine boreal forest setting. Accessible by canoe or floatplane, they reward adventurers with an impressive natural spectacle in one of the province's wildest regions.
One of North America's largest urban parks at 930 hectares — larger than New York's Central Park. The Saskatchewan Legislative Building (opened 1912), built with Manitoba Tyndall limestone, is an architectural jewel. The park includes Wascana Lake, MacKenzie Art Gallery, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and kilometres of trails.
Remai Modern is a world-class contemporary art museum housing the world's largest collection of Picasso linocuts. Located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River in the River Landing district, it's part of a vibrant ensemble with restaurants, a farmers' market and the Meewasin Valley trail. Saskatoon, the "City of Bridges," boasts an acclaimed emerging culinary scene.
The most passionate sports experience in all of Canada. The Canadian Football League (CFL) Roughriders have the most devoted fans in the country — the "13th man." Mosaic Stadium (opened 2017, 33,000 seats) turns into a sea of green at every game. Fans wear carved watermelon helmets, a tradition unique in the world. Riders football is a true provincial religion!
Four museums telling Saskatchewan's pioneer story. The Saskatoon site, the most popular, recreates "Boomtown 1910" — a complete pioneer-era street with shops, post office and church. Moose Jaw features transportation history, North Battleford a heritage farm and village, and Yorkton the story of Saskatchewan's peoples. A deep dive into Prairie settlement history.
Did you know?
Saskatoon is the headquarters of Saskatchewan's mining industry and a major educational, research and technology centre. The city gets its name from the Cree word "misâskwatômina," the saskatoon berry — a sweet purple fruit that Indigenous peoples have used for millennia.
Saskatchewan's licence plate reads "Land of Living Skies" — and that's no exaggeration. Canada's flattest province offers a 360-degree horizon with nothing in the way. In summer, golden canola fields create a spectacular contrast with blazing skies. Prairie sunsets are among the most photographed in Canada — a free daily show.
With low light pollution and a favourable latitude (49-60°N), Saskatchewan offers exceptional conditions for northern lights viewing. The province's north, particularly around La Ronge and Prince Albert National Park, provides regular displays from September to March. Grasslands and Cypress Hills parks, with their Dark Sky Preserve status, are also excellent viewing spots.
A unique mineral lake whose water is three times saltier than the ocean — you float effortlessly, just like in the Dead Sea. Indigenous peoples have considered its waters sacred and therapeutic for centuries. The Manitou Springs Resort & Mineral Spa harnesses these healing waters. The water's density (1.06) comes from its high concentration of magnesium sulphate, sodium and potassium.
A mysterious grove of aspen trees with bizarrely twisted and intertwined trunks and branches. Nobody has definitively explained why these trees grow in such a strange way — theories range from genetic mutation to unusual soil conditions. A wooden boardwalk winds through the grove to protect it. This free, accessible natural curiosity is one of Saskatchewan's most photographed hidden gems.
For the citizenship test: Saskatchewan became a province in 1905. Regina is the capital and home to the RCMP training academy. Saskatchewan is nicknamed the "breadbasket of the world" and has 40% of Canada's arable land. Saskatoon is the mining industry headquarters and a major educational centre. The province has the world's richest deposits of uranium and potash. Louis Riel led the North-West Rebellion in 1885 at Batoche. Check our provinces and territories guide to review the essential facts.