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Photos of Saskatchewan That Help You Escape for a While

This post captures photos of my spring and summer in Saskatchewan during quarantine. It’s intended to help you add to your own bucket list of places to explore and things to do in your immediate community. Uncover the beauty that’s right under your nose.

I haven’t left Saskatchewan since February, so all of my bucket list remains within provincial borders.

Related posts you’ll love:

Before I get to the good stuff, here’s a personal note on the how quarantine has affected my life.

Like many folks in the world, this year isn’t going exactly as I had planned.

2020 started strong with great attendance at my early events. I had been working on creating a new program for members looking to build real connections in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. Then, it all disappeared overnight.

After March 12, I chose to cancel live events as attendee safety is my top priority. I was telling folks that I hoped to be back in April! In hindsight, I was naïve about how long this would last. Last week, my heart broke when I heard that physical distancing could last two or three more years. Our culture is forever changed to pre- and post-coronavirus. Anything that happened before that day in March now feels like ancient history.

Losing the opportunity to meet people and help them connect in person feels strange. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy writing about our prairie city, nerdy things, alternative activities, local travel, love, and lifestyle. But you, the community, fuel my energy, passion, and commitment to keep moving forward. It gives me such a rush to see your smiling faces in person – I don’t need corona to affirm that.

While exploring different styles of events, I discovered hosting and organizing live events where you can have a space to meet new, like-minded people is something I want to do on a professional level. I don’t regret one minute of it and I hope that someday I’ll be able to do it again, safely.

Fortunately, I have a supportive husband, friends, and family who’ve made the past five months easier. I haven’t been able to attend and host events like I normally would, but I’ve set personal and professional goals that give me renewed purpose.

Saskatchewan Photo Bucket List

I took all of these photos on my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S8).

Hunt for Saskatchewan’s wild flora

Wild Crocus at the old Langham Golf Course.
Wild Prairie Lily in the forest of Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

Walk along a prairie landscape where the sky takes your breath away

Silhouette of the Northeast Swale.
Looking out at a private dock as seagulls fly at Grieg Lake.
Taking a moment to breathe at our lakefront campsite at Grieg Lake.
Cow spotting on an acreage in Borden.

Watch coy fish peacefully swimming at Boffins Garden

Explore abandoned places of yesterday

The overgrown trees of Borden Bridge.
Eerie and historical American-style architecture at Glenside United Church.

Take a day trip to a place you’ve never been before

Sand dunes at Douglas Provincial Park.

Soak in the sun at a nearby beach

Furdale Beach a.k.a. Chief Whitecap Dog Park.

Camp with an adventurous friend in Grieg Lake

Pick fresh Saskatoon berries in your very own physically distanced row

Make frozen Saskatoon berry custard with those fresh berries

Ride with a local slow roll cycle group

Joanne Cliff is the Saskatoon cyclist who completed her personal challenge to ride every street, crescent, and avenue in Saskatoon.

Complete a corn maze

The Rosthern Corn Maze is open from August through October 25, 2020.

There are many beautiful places across this province that didn’t make it onto the photo bucket list because I was too busy enjoying the moment without my phone in hand.

This year has reinforced the fact that nothing is ever certain. You never know when life as you know it will take a detour, but your mindset will always impact how you move forward.

As Saskatchewan re-opens, you should expect to find more regular posts from me. I will continue sharing content that supports the tourism, events, and hospitality industry. You can check the Do Sask Facebook Group for daily updates on local events.

I will also publish content and work hard to offer alternative events related to making the best of this time at home. We aren’t out of the woods yet.

Someday I’ll look back on 2020 with a teary-eyed smile. I miss you so much and I want to see you (standing 6 feet away) again.

Amy

What are your favourite bucket list activities in Saskatchewan during quarantine? Share yours in the Saskatoon Events & Date Night Ideas group.
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Pick 10: Local Spots That Prove Pizza is Life in Saskatoon

Saskatoon Pizza Black Cat

This pizza-riffic post is dedicated to my mom. She’s the biggest pizza lover in Saskatoon! Family Pizza should probably know her by topping. This weekend it’s her birthday, so I know she’ll be getting a slice or two to celebrate. From the abundance of pizza joints currently open in Saskatoon, mom obviously isn’t the only ‘za lover in town. 

A GUIDE TO LOCAL PIZZA IN SASKATOON

There are so many different styles of pizza in the city, so let’s break them down into these three categories: deals, family restaurants, and wood-fired ovens. Depending on your mood and occasion, you can choose to hit up these places at the right moment.

Impress your date with Italian thin crust, impress your friends with big savings, and impress your fam with a meal everyone will love. Capisce?

Pro Tip: this post is best enjoyed while listening to Cardi B – Best Life. Ready? Let’s go!

DEALS

If you’re having one of those days where you just want to take off your bra, throw on some sweats*, and put on a good movie at home these specials are for you.

*Stretchy pants not included. 

Family Pizza

Known for: 2 for 1 specials all the time and free delivery.
Where: Multiple locations 7 Assiniboine Drive & 1010 Taylor Street East
Phone: 306-242-1310 & 306-374-9777

Red Swan Pizza

Known for: Ridiculously cheap pick up specials.
Where: Multiple locations 22nd Street West, 8th Street East, & 2750 Faithfull Avenue
Phone: 306-974-0467, 306-954-9944, & 306-954-6622

Solaro Pizza

Known for: $5 for two pieces by the slice pick-up.
Where: 3730 Diefenbaker Drive
Phone: 306-249-4500

Little Chicago Pizza

Known for: Heaps of cheese.
Where: 1301 8th Street East
Phone: 306-242-9899

Black Cat Pizza, formerly known as Nino’s

Known for: Old signage, good portions.
Where: 801 Broadway Avenue
Phone: (306) 652-6466

Vern’s Pizza

Known for: Sky-high meaty toppings.
Where: Multiple locations 1610 11th Street West, #8 Assiniboine Drive, & 706C Central Avenue
Phone: 306-664-2588, 306-933-3002, & 306-665-8376

FAMILY RESTAURANTS

Get the whole clan out for a bite to eat at one of these two classic Saskatoon mainstays.

Venice House Pizza


Where: Multiple locations. I prefer 906 Central Ave.
Phone: 306-373-6666

The Cave

Known for: Caveman pizza challenge. Finish a 40″ pizza with 4 friends to get it free. Advance order required.
Where: 2720 8th Street East
Phone: 306-374-5090

WOOD-FIRED OVEN

No matter how good the above-mentioned pizza recipes are, it’s hard to beat the unique taste baked into a wood-fired pizza.

Christies Il Secondo

You know what makes us happy? Pizza. Pizza makes us happy

A post shared by Christie’s Il Secondo (@christiesilsecondo) on


Known for: Napoletana style.
Where: 802-C Broadway Avenue
Phone: (306) 384-0506

Aroma Resto Bar

Fresh from the flame tonight in Aroma only $8

A post shared by Aroma Resto Bar (@aromayxe) on


Known for: $8 deal on Monday and Wednesday.
Where: 405 20th Street East
Phone: (306) 667-2358

BONUS

You won’t find anything like the pizza at Congress, available one day a week in Saskatoon.

Congress Beer House

Known for: Chicago deep dish on Tuesday only.
Where: 215 2nd Avenue South
Phone: 306-974-6717

DO YOU PLAN ON ORDERING PIZZA AT ONE OF THESE local SASKATOON SPOTS, OR DID I MISS YOUR FAVOURITE? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.
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Eating at Taste of Saskatchewan 2018

It’s Taste of Saskatchewan 2018 week! Todd says, “Let’s post a video of me eating a churro in high-speed.” So here it is:
If you can’t tell from the video, we stuffed our faces at Taste of Saskatchewan 2018 last night. The week-long food festival runs until this Sunday, July 22. It’s open to all and free to attend. There’s live entertainment throughout the day and the entire space is licensed. 

Taste of Saskatchewan 2018

Photo via Downtown Saskatoon.

Where: Kiwanis Memorial Park, between the Delta Bessborough Hotel and the Vimy Memorial Bandshell in Saskatoon.
When: Tuesday, July 17th 11:00am to 9:30pm, Wednesday – Saturday, July 21st 11:00am to 10:30pm, Sunday, July 22nd 11:00am to 8:00pm
Tickets: live entertainment is free, food tokens are $2.00 each and liquor tokens are $6.00 each.

The specialty menu items were hard for me to find. Out of seven different dishes, I recommend the Classic Rueben Sandwich from the German Cultural Club and Churros with Custard from Mi Casa Restaurante.

We also tried:

    • Edible Cookie Dough from Big Wing’s
    • Maki Combo from Nisen Sushi Restaurant (they make it fresh, so be prepared to wait in line)
    • Ginger Beef on Rice from Saskatoon Asian Restaurant
    • Boneless Dry Ribs from Tomas the Cook Restaurant
    • Crispy Chicken Poutine (sans chicken because they ran out) from Tony Tomas Restaurant

If I go back, I want the Ham and Gruyere Crepe from Little Bird Patisserie & Café. I noticed that the heat is pushing a lot of people to the Homestead Ice Cream tent to cool down. Which other unique Saskatoon eats did I miss?

Taste of Saskatchewan is on all week long at Kiwanis Memorial Park. Follow their Facebook for details and check out the menu before you go!

What are your top picks from taste of saskatchewan so far? Tell me what you ate in the Closed Facebook group.
Featured image: Downtown Saskatoon
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3 Reasons Not to Miss the DTNYXE 42nd Annual 2ND AVE Sidewalk Sale 2018

DTNYXE 2ND AVE Sidewalk Sale Festival Style

The 2ND AVE Sidewalk Sale 2018 returns to Downtown Saskatoon July 5 to 7, 2018. Admission is free for this 42-year staple of Saskatoon’s festive summer season. Get to the heart of the city with fantastic shopping, music, fashion, and this year, an art market!  

See also

The three-day event will feature food trucks and some of the hottest shopping deals of the year in Downtown Saskatoon. Plus, family-friendly fun includes clowns, super heroes, and hula hooping. A new festival-style Art Market showcases a wide variety of local artisans who call Saskatoon home.

Come back every day for FREE music and entertainment!

Confirmed food trucks:

güd eats inc.
Mean Green Ice Cream Machine
Prairie Juice Co.
Prairie Poppins
Simply Grounded Coffee Gallery
SMHC
SoomSoom food truck
Homestead Ice Cream
Coffee Plus Café
nom nom food truck

Confirmed artisans:

A.lo Art
Art By Kat Moon
Byond The Looking Glass Gems
Droolin’ Devil Fine Foods
Freedom Bound Books
DSR Custom Carpentry
Acos Handcrafted Jewellery
Andie Nicole Art
AUTHENTIC AFRICAN CRAFTS
Remai Modern Art & Design Store

3 REASONS NOT TO MISS THE 2ND AVE SIDEWALK SALE 2018

Chill with the besties and meetup with the ones you least expected to see

With a little something for everyone, you never know who you’ll run into at this massive outdoor market. That’s probably the best reason to go – you’ll have a great excuse to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while!

FREE workouts every morning with your squad

Wake up bright and early to workout with your tribe before shopping begins! Don’t miss the special Lululemon daily workout #thesweatlifeyxe from 7 to 8 a.m.

Be the first to experience Downtown’s newest patio

Take a lunch break, or stop for a pint. Get a seat on the O’Shea’s Irish Pub back-alley pilot patio. Some of the best local restaurants in DTNYXE will be open, too.

42nd Annual 2ND AVE Sidewalk Sale 2018 in Downtown Saskatoon

Where: 2nd Ave and 21st St
When: Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m & Friday/Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Do Sask is a proud sponsor of the 42nd Annual 2ND AVE Sidewalk Sale. Want more details? Follow DTNYXE on Facebook and Twitter.
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Order Ceasars that eat like an epic meal at this Martensville spot

Mealzer at the Caesar Mill

If your drink of choice is the Canadian-invented Caesar, you’ll love this new local spot dedicated to the spicy cocktail.

When you order a “mealzer” from The Caesar Mill in Martensville, you’ll get a glass loaded to the brim with flavour. Take a look at what’s been catching my attention:


You can bet they’ll whip up all the usual pub-grub staples every day of the week, but what’s caught my eye is the variety of enormous mason jar concoctions hitting the menu every Monday.


The mountainous mealzer is only $15 on Mondays which is a smoking hot deal if you ask me (it comes with a side of your choice). Make a date of it and hit the highway to the bedroom community of Martensville this week!

The Caesar Mill Mealzer

Address: 1-323 Centennial Dr.
Phone: (306) 249-1581

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Pick 10: Keep it Chill this Summer with Ice Cream Dates in Saskatoon

Confetti Cone at Chardon Ice Cream

It’s only the middle of May, but the city of Saskatoon has already seen temperatures hit close to 30 degrees. As quickly as the heat comes, so do cravings for ice cream in Saskatoon. Why not satisfy your urges for quality time with bae and something sweet at the same time? An ice cream date is just the ticket.

Now that you’re out of your winter hibernation-mode, ice cream business owners are grabbing their scoops and hitting the ground running. The choices on this list come from a mixture of personal taste, social media reviews, and some good ol’ fashioned qualitative research. I really do love my job!

Without further ado, here are my top dates for ice cream in Saskatoon:

Cover your cone in a new flavour dip!

Ice Cream in Saskatoon: Confetti Cone at Chardon Ice Cream
Photo via Amy Rederburg.

Chardon Ice Cream has an array of dipping sauces for their soft-serve ice cream. Sure they have standbys like chocolate and butterscotch, but you won’t be disappointed if you try something new. Last summer, I ordered both the toasted coconut and confetti dip flavours (on separate days, folks). Each flavour was delicious in its own way!

Where: McKercher Drive

Create a personalized, blended-fresh fro yo.

Homestead Ice Cream is a Saskatoon hard ice cream lover tradition. However, on top of wacky new flavours of hard ice cream, they also have a frozen crushed fruit machine. I like getting blueberries with yogurt, squished into a waffle cone. If you’re vegan, you can order your crushed fruit with a banana base instead.

Where to get it: Victoria Avenue

Show your taste buds some Sask pride.

Get your hands on a cup of limited edition gelato using Saskatchewan-grown ingredients. Jerry’s Food Emporium offers a range of hard ice cream flavours, real-cream soft serve, fresh-made gelatos, and other dietary-restricted treats. Try the Rider Pride flavour on game day!

2 locations: 8th Street & 51st.

Come for the ice cream, stay for the dim sum.

Like many small businesses in Saskatoon, Noodle King & Ice Cream Queen is a shop that wears many hats. Taste one of over 32 flavours of gelato while you wait to get in for authentic Asian cuisine. Or try 30 flavours of hard ice cream. Plus, they have plenty of other desserts on the menu, including bubble tea and cheesecake.

Where to get it: 2nd Avenue N

The ice cream that gives you a reason to Instagram again.

According to one of the owners of Fable Ice Cream, the young couple tasted their way across America to find the best ice cream flavours before setting up shop last year in Saskatoon. If you haven’t seen their quintessential black-napkin-sugar-cone close up on your Insta feed, you’ve likely been living under a rock.

Where to get it: 633 Avenue H S

Scoop one up at the only double-decker ice cream bus this side of London.

This one of a kind roadside attraction located across from the famous Delta Bessborough is actually an ice cream shack. Plan to make a detour at Bus Stop Refreshments after a walk along the Meewassin River Valley. They have traditional hard ice cream flavours like Tiger Tiger, but I like the pumpkin pie frozen yogurt.

Where to get it: Spadina Crescent E

Shop vintage, sip coffee, and then break for dessert.


Saskatoon small business owners come up with some interesting business concepts! Back to Coffee Beans was recently featured by Andrew, an ex-Saskatchewanderer, in  a Tourism Saskatoon video. With all the variety under one roof, it certainly looks like a fun way to spend a half-hour or so.

Where to get it: 33rd Street

Say dybosia* after an authentic Ukrainian dinner on the river.

Traditional Ukrainian culture is a strong influence in the patchwork quilt of people that make up Saskatoon. So it makes sense that an ice cream shop nestled in front of the Remai Modern Art Gallery also serves Ukrainian sausage and perogies.
*Dybosia translates to “Cheers” in Ukrainian.

Where to get it: River Landing Splash Park

While the next two ice cream in Saskatoon date spots aren’t locally owned, they are gaining hype for their shareable, elaborate shakes and desserts.

Split your West Coast Bingsoo with someone special.

Ice Cream in Saskatoon: Bingsoo from Snowy Village
Photo via Snowy Village Facebook Page.

Inspired by East Asia, Snowy Village creates frozen desserts using fresh fruit, red beans, jelly, and cereals. Top yours with a scoop of ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt and whipped cream.

Where to get it: Preston Avenue S

Eat the power puff of internet-viral desserts.

JusFruit is another Asia-driven menu, featuring bubble tea, fruit drinks, candy-coated milkshakes, and more. The one thing I’m hoping to get my hands on this summer is the Hong Kong-Style Ice Cream Egg Puff Waffle. That name is a mouthful. Mmm… mouthful. *drools*

Where to get it: Attridge Drive

Ice Cream in Saskatoon Honorable Mention:

Open only for special events and private functions, the Mean Green Ice Cream Machine food truck is a staple of Saskatoon summer festivals. I like the Saskatoon Berry Milkshake. Find them using the link below for live updates on their wherabouts.

Where to get it: http://snackmap.com/

You have at least 16 weeks of nice weather to enjoy each of these ice cream dates in Saskatoon. And if you finish them all and want to try something new, Do Sask has plenty of other ideas to keep your summer dates on point.

DO YOU PLAN ON GOING TO ONE OF THESE SPOTS FOR ICE CREAM IN SASKATOON, OR DID I MISS YOUR FAVOURITE? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.

Become a contributor!

Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your favourite summer activity.

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What to Order at Saskatchewan’s Favourite Hidden Gem Bakeries

Saskatchewan's favourite hidden gem bakeries

It wouldn’t be Easter weekend without bread, sugar, and butter, #amiright? Somehow this combination pairs extremely well with the resurrection of Christ. And these hidden gem bakeries in Saskatchewan know it!

If you’re looking to get your carb-load on this weekend, you’ve stumbled on the right post. Whether you’re dreaming of hot crossed buns, or looking for a fresh-made loaf of sourdough, Saskatchewan is home to some of the best selection you’ll find in Canada.

Hit the road to a place where people come together to enjoy the best-of breads and sweets. These destination hidden gem bakery treats* come to you from a recommendation thread in the Travel in Saskatchewan Facebook group, amalgamating hundreds of Facebook reviews, word of mouth (same, same, but different?), and personal experience.

You may be too late to order these for Easter dinner, but it’s never too late to sample them on your next road trip. Stock up on hidden gem baked goods from around the province.

*Most of these bakery treats don’t have many pictures to accompany them, so you’re going to have to trust me on these. Better yet, you could take a picture, hashtag #dosask, and share your experience with me!

Here’s what you should order from hidden gem bakeries in Saskatchewan:

 


Honey Sourdough from Harvest Eatery in Shaunavon
Iced Bismarks at Golden Grain in Melfort
Boston Creams from Wadena/Watrous Bakery (same family recipe)
Doughnuts from Family Bakery in Nipawin

Cheesecake from The Shop Bakery and Deli Maple Creek
Sticky buns from Crossroads Gas Station in Wakaw
Cinnamon buns from Waskesiu Trading Company Store and Bakery
Chocolate dipped donuts from Theodore’s Bakery in Martensville

Cinnamon buns. Need we say more?

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Cinnamon buns from City Perks in Saskatoon
Sourdough from Earth Bound Bakery and Delicatessen in Saskatoon
Wood-fired bread from The Night Oven Bakery in Saskatoon
Cream Puffs from Valley Bake & Coffee Shop in Fort Qu’Appelle

Do our grain farmers help make our bread the best in the west? Does a bear love cinnamon buns? Yes and yes.

With all of this delicious local baking, I smell a Do Sask bus tour of hidden gem bakeries in the works. Do I have enough bread-loving doers to make this a thing?

Where do you go for hidden gem baking? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.

Sign up here for the Do Sask email and follow the Facebook feed to liven up your life with the best in local dating, food, and fun.