DESTINATION

Saskatoon

Straddling the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is known as “The City of Bridges” because of the seven spans connecting its banks. It also is home to the University of Saskatchewan, which is building a reputation for research and development in science, medicine and agriculture. The Diefenbaker Canada Centre on campus showcases memorabilia pertaining to Canada's 13th prime minister.

The Local History Room on the second floor of the Frances Morrison Library, 311-23rd St. E., serves as a research facility for information that focuses on prairie history relating to Saskatoon in particular and western Canada in general. Collections include more than 60,000 historic photographs and thousands of books, pamphlets, maps, artifacts and periodicals. An art gallery is adjacent to the room. Phone (306) 975-7558.

The Saskatchewan Railway Museum, 6 kilometres (4 mi.) west on Hwy. 7, then 2 kilometres (1.2 mi.) south on Hwy. 60, is operated by the Saskatchewan Railroad Historical Association. Displays include old railroad buildings and artifacts, including locomotives, cabooses and streetcars; phone (306) 382-9855 May through September.

TCU Place—Saskatoon's Art & Convention Centre, 35 22nd St., is home to the Saskatoon Symphony and the site of concerts and events throughout the year; phone (306) 975-7777. Rock concerts, trade shows, hockey games and other sporting events take place at the SaskTel Centre, on the city's north side next to hwys. 2 and 16; phone (306) 938-7800.

The Meewasin Valley Trail, following the South Saskatchewan River through the heart of the city, has bicycle and jogging trails, picnic areas and playgrounds; winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice-skating. More recreational opportunities are available at nearby Pike Lake and Blackstrap provincial parks.

Racing fans can enjoy horse racing at Marquis Downs, 503 Ruth St., from late May to early September. Races are held Fri.-Sat. 7-10 p.m.; phone (306) 242-6100. Drag racing heats up the Saskatchewan International Raceway, 13 kilometres (8 mi.) s. on Hwy. 11, from early May to mid-September; phone (306) 955-3724. Stock car racing takes place at the Wyant Group Raceway, north on Hwy. 12, from May through September; phone (306) 651-3278.

Note: Policies concerning admittance of children to pari-mutuel betting facilities vary. Phone for information.

Visitor Centers

Tourism Saskatoon 101-202 4th Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1. Phone:(306)242-1206 or (800)567-2444

Shopping

Midtown Plaza, downtown at 1st Avenue and 21st Street, is a two-level mall with more than 130 shops, including anchor store Hudson's Bay. The Centre, at Circle Drive and 8th Street, has more than 90 stores and services in “East” and “West” sections connected by an underground walkway.