8 Fun Facts about Saskatoon You Should Know

Saskatoon is the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan and an economic and cultural hub with a population of over 260,000. Nicknamed the "City of Bridges", Saskatoon earned this moniker due to the 23 bridges that span the South Saskatchewan River which flows through the city's heart. This blog post aims to share some fun and interesting Saskatoon facts that locals and visitors might not know.

Cree Language and the Saskatoon Berry

The indigenous Cree people were the first inhabitants of the Saskatoon area. Their language, Plains Cree, remains widely spoken here and has influenced toponyms like Saskatoon. This city's name originates from the Cree word "misâskwatômina", meaning "berry bushes beside the river". Legend has it that the Cree guided early settlers to Saskatoon berries, a wild fruit growing abundantly in the region. A purple-blue sweet-tart berry, the Saskatoon berry lends its name to both the city and the shrub it grows on. It is a delicacy celebrated in jams, pies and wines across Saskatchewan.

Diverse Population and Cultural Events

Saskatoon's population comes from many diverse backgrounds, giving the city a rich cultural blend. Over 20% of residents are immigrants, with the largest ethnic populations being German, Ukrainian, Aboriginal and Filipino. This diversity is celebrated through numerous events year-round. In the summer, jazz, folk and multicultural festivals liven up the riverbank. Winterfrost, Canada's coldest marathon, happens in January. Meewasin Valley Authority hosts outdoor concerts and activities in its scenic park system. Art galleries like Remai Modern exhibit works by global and local artists.

The Mighty River and the Seven Bridges

Flowing through the heart of Saskatoon is the wide South Saskatchewan River. Known as Kisiskāciwani-sīpiy in the Cree language, this waterway and its valley have long been central to life in the area. Spanning this mighty river are seven bridges that connect both sides of the city - more than any other municipality in Canada. From scenic walking trails, people can admire the river's natural beauty year-round. In winter, it transforms into a skating rink for many. Come summer, residents flock to its banks to enjoy concerts, festivals and other outdoor activities.

Different Weather Patterns in Saskatoon

Saskatoon experiences a continental climate with warm summers and very cold winters, giving it some notoriously extreme weather compared to other large Canadian cities. In the summer months, temperatures regularly reach well into the 20s and 30s degrees Celsius. However, winter temps often plummet to the -30s or -40s with wind chill. Snowfall varies from year to year but on average hovers around 75 cm annually. But spring and fall bring highly variable conditions - temperatures can fluctuate widely within days from snow flurries to short weather.

Urban Green Spaces

Despite being a prairie city, Saskatoon prides itself on its multiple urban forests and expansive parks system. Spread throughout the city are over 200 parks covering over 4,000 hectares of land. Three of the most popular ones include Rotary, Kiwanis and Kinsmen - all situated along the riverbank with walking paths and picnic spots. For a more secluded nature getaway, visitors head to the 600-hectare Wildlife Conservation area home to deer, coyotes and 150 bird species. Meewasin Trail is a must-see - a 30 km recreational route winding through forests and natural areas.

Ice Cycle & The Coldest Bike Ride on Earth

When temperatures plummet in winter, most activities are driven inside. But not in Saskatoon - one of the best things to do is take part in the city's polarizing Ice Cycle. Billed as the coldest bike ride on earth, it involves cycling across frozen-solid rivers and creeks. The main Ice Trail loops around the South Saskatchewan River from February to March when temperatures regularly dip below -30°C. Wrapped up in multiple layers for protection against windchill, brave Ice Cycle participants glide along iced surfaces in sub-zero chills on bicycles outfitted with sharp metal runners. Know more about the different activities in winter in Saskatoon .

Saskatoon Bus Stop Refreshments

An unusual quirk about Saskatoon is that many of its public transit bus shelters double up as miniature ice cream shops. The city has teamed with a local dairy to outfit bus stops with vending machines selling ice cream treats. On hot summer days, nothing beats the pleasure of cooling off with a cold ice cream cone while waiting for the bus. An assortment of flavors from classics like vanilla and chocolate to seasonal specials like Saskatoon berries are on offer. One of the best dessert experiences in Saskatoon  has to be indulging in a sweet ice cream pick-me-up from a bus shelter vending machine.

Saskatoon Museums & Galleries

Home to some of the best museums in Saskatoon, the city offers a wealth of culture and history on display. The Museum of Antiquities features an excellent collection of ancient artifacts from around the globe. For Canadian history, the Western Development Museum recreates life on the prairies decades ago through its replicas of a Northern logging camp and a 1920s Main Street. The Children's Discovery Museum is hugely popular for hands-on learning. Modern and contemporary art lovers will find world-class displays at the Remai Modern, the biggest new art gallery built in Canada in over 50 years.