I’m lucky to have experienced many autumn things in Saskatoon to build this definitive guide to fall date ideas in the city.
So far, I’ve played puzzles blindfolded with horses, transformed into a human soccer ball and got attacked by children, picked a pumpkin from the local patch, and went indoor mini golfing. But there are still plenty of things I haven’t done that made their way into this post.
Treat your date to a plate of gourmet donuts, plan a cozy bonfire picnic in the park, tailgate at a local football game, or courageously tackle a high ropes course. There is a world of fall fun listed below.
After trying to fend off children (and my date) for close to 10 minutes, I was out of breath and sweating through my clothes. Plan to spend about 30 minutes total at the park – believe me, it’s more than enough time!
Play an escape game with a live, 1-tonne animal as your key.
The owners of Lift Farm invited us out for a night.
Put your communication skills to the test with a rescue horse at the helm at Lift Farm EAL. On date nights at Lift, you’ll work through different obstacles to see if you can complete them together.
Tailgate with thousands of friends from town.
Pack your warmest toque, stadium cushion, and cooler and head for the Huskies game.
Pumpkin picking has never been more fun!
My friend and I got pretty good at the Black Fox Pumpkin Roll.
Pick your favourite pumpkin to decorate and carve together from the folks at Black Fox Farm.
I took a short hike down to the riverbank behind Petrofka Orchard and stumbled on this swing for two.
Give your date a classic autumn experience with a day of apple picking at Petrofka Orchard. (Closes for the season on October 15th.)
DO YOU PLAN ON ADDING ANY OF THESE FALL DATE IDEAS TO YOUR LIST, OR DID I MISS YOUR FAVOURITE? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Saskatoon may be known for its extreme sub-zero temperatures, but this post isn’t about the weather. You can get through some of the coldest days of the year without giving up and hibernating if you put a bit of thought into your winter date ideas.
This week, I asked Do Sask’s private group members if they prefer indoor or outdoor activities during the winter. It was no surprise that the winner by a landslide was indoor.
So in the spirit of the group’s choice, I’m inviting you to try some new things while the weather is keeping you locked up indoors. This post gives you ideas on where to go to do everything from laser tag and axe throwing to making laser cuts and painting pottery.
Here are my top winter date ideas in Saskatoon.
Got cabin fever? Make a plan to get active indoors with these winter date ideas:
Pretend you’re in a real-life shooter video game.
In a little over 30 minutes, you’ll get your codename, backpack, and laser gun and run around forming a team with other players. Each laser tag game is 15 minutes in length. BONUS: you won’t come out of it with welts like you would with paintball.
Where: Prairie Jurassic Family Fun Centre
Hurl an axe like a lumberjack (beard and flannel not required).
When my friends ask me for a memorable first date idea I always recommend Timberjaxe. Not only will you learn how to swing a throwing axe into a giant wooden tree trunk target, you’ll get to know whether your date is adventurous or not. That beats dinner and a movie any day of the week.
Where: Timberjaxe Throwing Sports
Make your date do flips up the walls for you.
I’m not the only one who’s dreamed of a world full of trampoline floors. The good news is that there’s a place in Saskatoon that’s making it happen one jump at a time. Go during open jump hours, or Club Apex where DJs spin and disco lights cascade across the entire park.
Tip: 30 minutes is really all you need to wear yourself out if you’re an adult. But if you’ve got a bit more energy you can book up to 2 hours here.
Where: Apex Trampoline Park Ltd.
Scale up the cliffs of Saskatchewan…
When was the last time you climbed up the walls? If you can only remember doing it when you were a kid, it’s probably time you tried rock climbing. With a combination of top rope, lead, and boulders, Grip It is Saskatoon’s rock climbing facility. You can go with your date, or try it solo since they have auto belays to hold your rope and plenty of rental gear to get you started.
Where: Grip It Indoor Rock Climbing
Yell fore in the middle of winter at the province’s only indoor golf dome.
Most of the golf courses in town are now cross-country ski destinations, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your game on pause. Take advantage of off season and hit the range. With over 37 driving ranges in a temperature-controlled environment you likely won’t have a problem finding time to drop-in for some practice.
Where: The Golf Dome
Speaking of golf… Mar’s Mini Golf is an indoor, ocean-themed, 3D glow course. Just sayin’!
Now that you’ve worked up a sweat you can get crafty at these 6 DIY-lover locales:
Supplies ain’t cheap, so this place is making it more accessible to art.
When you’re scraping by getting artsy is a luxury – especially when supplies run you hundreds of dollars. SCYAP is a Saskatoon non-profit that provides a place to get creative for little to no cost to you. All-ages drop ins are Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. You can also register for a workshop or class on whichever type of medium interests you.
Where: SCYAP
Art doesn’t have to be so intimidating for newbies.
Pop in for some free doodling time, or get to know the intricacies of linocuts. Creative Commons is a non-profit dedicated to providing the tools you need to immerse yourself in arts and crafts. They run regular workshops in a variety of artistic techniques for beginners to the more experienced.
Where: Creative Commons/Void Gallery
Up your maker game by learning how to use high-end technology.
So you want to get even more hands on with your crafts than ever? You don’t have to dump thousands of dollars into your own machine shop. Take advantage of the full lineup of tools and other equipment to make things like decals and wood furniture. Membership, events, and drop-in rates available.
Where: Saskatoon Makerspace
Is your date a foodie in training? Help them take their cooking skills to 100.
Visit the sophisticated clubhouse that lets you get hands-on for sustenance’s sake. The Local Kitchen is a collaborative space where you can learn how to cook with others. Check out any one of their upcoming events, or apply to teach one yourself. (Be quick. Many of their events sell out!)
Where: The Local Kitchen
A workshop space where you’re only limited by your own imagination.
Pick a piece of pottery, or canvas and paint it any way you like. Wet Paint Pottery is a place to drop in for a little relaxed craft work. If you think you aren’t creative enough – think again! Choose from many designs for beginners… and no one will judge you if you want to get a little subversive with your cursive.
Where: Wet Paint Pottery
Produce your own movie, or print a huge photo.
That blockbuster movie script you wrote back in high school now has a chance to be produced. Rent the studio to create any type of new media project from photography to audio production. There are many different free, or nearly-free workshops if you don’t know where to begin.
Note: PAVED Arts is not for business use, so anything made must be for passion’s sake.
Where: PAVED Arts
I challenge you to do at least half of these winter date ideas before the snow melts. You can do it! And if you finish them all and want to try something else, Do Sask has plenty of indoor events for cold days: brewery tours, speed dating, and craft parties.
DO YOU LIKE THESE WINTER date ideas FOR THE BEST INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SASKATOON, OR DID I MISS YOUR FAVOURITE? JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.
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Only got $20 in your pocket? No need to worry! There are plenty of options at Saskatoon’s best second-hand shopping spots.
My mom, Linda, would often take my brother and me shopping at thrift stores and garage sales around Saskatoon. Although I reluctantly joined her kicking and screaming for most of my childhood (the smell turned me right off – and I was a brat who wanted to have name brand clothes like the cool kids), I’ve developed a renewed appreciation for her bargain lessons as an adult. Funny how that works, isn’t it?
Being a single, working-mom of two didn’t leave Linda much room in the budget for shopping sprees and Wal-Mart trips. So she’d make the best of her limited cash supply and got creative with whatever coinage she had to style both herself and us with thrifty finds. I have some good memories of pulling together new outfits for less than $10 a pop.
Since then, I’ve grown up to become a bonafide thrifter for two main reasons:
Adulting 101. Cash is tight and I’d rather buy groceries than a $100 dress.
When people compliment me on my duds they tend to follow it up with, “So, where’d you get that?” Most of the time the answer will be either from a vintage store, or a thrift shop. And there’s a difference between the two.
It can be a bit overwhelming to start thrifting if you’ve never done it before. Stick to these three tips to make it out alive:
Always know what you need before you start.
Set a limit and stick to it (both time & money).
And put back the stuff you don’t really need or love.
If you get excited about the possibility of searching through piles of options for a hidden treasure, this post is about all the gems you could find at Saskatoon’s best second-hand shopping spots.
As a reminder these picks aren’t organized in a countdown format.
*This list has been edited as of November 6, 2017 to reflect business closures and location moves.
A shop so nice it has its own jingle. According to Planet S Magazine’s “Best Of” their owner is one of Saskatoon’s most beloved small business owners. It may be because she’s a believer of sequins and second chances. Check ’em out for vinyl, vintage and all sorts of other funky stuff.
You’ll want to be prepared for this one, as the entire community gets together on one day of the year to purge their household treasures and haggle with buyers. They’ve been doing it since I was a kid, but now it’s gotten so big that they have to set up porta potties and mobile ATMs. This year, they have a pancake breakfast and a BBQ lunch.
The YWCA will always be near and dear to my heart. All proceeds support the Crisis Intervention Programs and Services. Check this hole in the wall often as they get new donations all the time.
Echo Apparel *Edit Now Closed
You never know what you’ll find, but you know the experience will be easier than most. From designer duds, to vintage items and upcycled treasures – Echo strives to organize it all at clearly-marked, modest prices. If you’re into locally hand-crafted jewellery, you’ll find a selection of originals in store.
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According to a source, Plato’s has a lot of new items from brands like Silver and Guess with the price tag still on ’em at a super low cost. This could be due to the many people who buy new clothes without thinking about whether they’ll wear them, or not. (I have a friend who had a closet full of clothes with the tags still attached.) No judgement here, just more deals for us frugal folk!
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Have you always wanted to dabble with designer duds, but struggled to justify the heart-wrenching digits on the price tag? At Stasia, you’ll find high-end apparel at a pretty reasonable consignment cost.
SuperThrift *Now Closed
If this store were a movie it’d be a mixture of Gremlins, Superman, Little Miss Sunshine and Empire Records. You’ll find a whole lot of everything at SuperThrift, so use your time wisely!
Mid Mod Vintage *Now Closed
Midmod is a vintage furniture shop with a range of Danish modern pieces circa the 60’s and 70’s. If you want your apartment to have that cool look that hearkens back to the era of American Hustle, Midmod should be on your list.
Run by a young female entrepreneur out of Ideas Inc., The Knick has a pulse on what’s trending in the vintage world. Sarah travels far and wide searching for deluxe items you just can’t find at your average shop. Choose a piece at The Knick for history and style.
Plus, she offers hemming if you really love those pants, but they are way too long for you.
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With the resurgence of 1990’s fashion (crushed velvet, spaghetti straps and chokers), you’ll have a field day at the VV Boutique. Value Village is definitely somewhere I frequent on the regular because they have such a wide variety of options to poke through.
Two Locations: one on Circle Drive and another in Stonebridge. In my opinion, the Circle Drive location tends to have the better selection of the two.
BONUS Avalon-area “Sailing”
Next to my mom, my uncle is the champion of garage sales. Last spring, he took me out with him for about an hour around Avalon area. I picked up a trunk full of awesome stuff including a set of tinted blue goblets for $5 (like the ones in the picture) and a $200+ kettle bell for a bargain at $25. This is a good area to drive by every once in a while during the spring/summer months.
This post is dedicated to my mom, Linda, for teaching me how to be thrifty.
Like the thrill of the hunt?
Join the Do Sask Community for a Pop-up Clothing Swap as part of the Nature City Festival on May 24. Come out and meet others doers, enjoy some refreshments, and swap clothes in the park. The location will only be revealed to registered guests, so get on the list today!
DO YOU LIKE THESE TEN SPRING PICKS FOR the best second-hand shopping 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 pick 10.
Here are ten good road trips from Saskatoon. All of these picks are within an hour or so of the city.
Now that the snow has more or less melted I’ve got the itch to do some spring travelling on the open road. Finding good road trips from Saskatoon can be a cost-effective way to satisfy your wanderlust to more exotic destinations. And these places definitely won’t break the bank.
If you’re planning to get out of town for the weekend, here are ten of the best spots to check out within an hour of Saskatoon’s city limits. Each of these destinations will take you to an unexpected locale that’s far enough away while remaining close enough that you won’t need to get a room for the night.
Got the spring travelers’ itch? Scratch it off at one of these destinations. This is your pick ten for good road trips from Saskatoon.
If you’re like me you love to dance in the moonlight. But it can really wear you out if you’re on your feet all night at a regular bar or club. That’s when it’s time to take a special trip to Danceland, or “the world famous dancefloor built on horsehair”. Your tootsies will love you for it!
When I was around 16 years old my Aunt Alison planned a family trip to Danceland to celebrate with my grandma and her brother (my great uncle). I can’t remember what the celebration was for, but I do remember everyone having a really great time all night on the dance floor (including the grand kids all the way up to the grandparents).
Spook yourself silly at the Crooked Bush near Hafford.
Scientists have yet to explain why the Aspen trees are growing every which way but up. (Especially considering there is another set of Aspens right next to the crooked ones that are perfectly normal.) So locals have taken it upon themselves to develop many different explanations ranging from UFOs to lightening strikes.
While everyone is busy trying to explain the unexplained, I’ll be busy packing for a picnic lunch with the paranormal*.
*This natural phenomenon is considered a national treasure and one of Canada’s 54 Wonders. Please be respectful, so that it remains intact.
Saskatchewan has a new winery?! Why yes, it does! Wolf Willow is a seasonal winery that uses locally grown fruit to make their Cherry and Haskap vino. Plus, they have light fare to keep you grounded during an afternoon of non-stop sipping*.
*Buy your designated driver a bottle to sip when they get home. **Pedestrian access is restricted on both bridges until enough funds can be raised to repair them.
FYI: If you remember swimming in the Regional Park as a kid, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re breaking ground on a new public swimming pool set to open in summer 2018.
Visit Zealandia, a town so small it doesn’t even have a website.
My mom took my brother and I to a Medieval Festival around Zealandia when we were kids. I remember that we spent an entire day jousting and shooting arrows. I couldn’t find relevant details on that event for this post, but Zealandia is still worth checking out if only for the northern light show on a quiet spring night.
SUP stands for Standup Paddleboarding. Supping is an offshoot of surfing that originated in Hawaii, only you use a paddle to propel yourself instead of the waves.
Good thing you don’t need ocean waves to SUP because Saskatchewan is renowned for our lakes. And Pike Lake is only about 20 minutes away from Saskatoon! It’s the perfect day trip where you can get comfortable on the board and relax in the sun before you head to a larger lake in the summer.
Pike Lake offers canoe, paddleboat, aquabike, surfbike, and kayak rentals from their boat shack. The season opens on May Long Weekend.
Note: due to the short distance to Pike Lake from Saskatoon, it can be insanely busy during the summer months. So take advantage of the cooler weather before it gets nuts.
Learn about Canada’s bloody past at Batoche and Fort Carlton near Duck Lake.
Both locations straddle Duck Lake, a town that steeped in history as told from three perspectives: Cree, French and English. It’s also famous for being the home of prolific Canadian artist Glen Scrimshaw.
If you’re a history buff, this is the perfect spot to check out. Batoche tells the authentic story of Louis Reil and Gabriel Dumont with thousands of artifacts, including bullet holes in the church and a real cemetery just a few steps away. Fort Carlton tells the other side of the story from the perspective of the RCMP and the Hudson Bay Company.
Duck Lake is a must-see for tourists, but you can make it your own by hiking, canoeing, and geocaching through the landscape.
If testing your limits is one of your favourite pastimes, Blue Mountain is the perfect spot for you. Get a group together for paintball, zip-lines, high ropes, trail rides and more. Plus, funding supports the Lighthouse Supported Living. It’s a win-win day trip you can feel really good about.
Is there anything more quintessentially Saskatchewan than a slice of fresh-made Saskatoon Berry crumble? That’s a rhetorical question.
Head to Rosthern to enjoy a slice for yourself. You may like it so much that you’ll want to stay a little longer for one of their many arts events (check their calendar beforehand).
Go surfing at Lake Diefenbaker.
If you’re willing to get really creative with your time off it’s possible to catch a wave on the flatlands. Surf Anywhere, a Calgary-based collective, thought that Lake Diefenbaker would make a great spot to ride a wave. According to this article from CBC, Lake Diefenbaker Tourism supports the idea. Safety is still a concern that they’re working on getting permission from SaskPower who controls the Dam. In the meantime, there are plenty of other things to do at Lake Diefenbaker.
Hike up and down Blackstrap Mountain then relax with your fishing pole by the water.
Located just 40 minutes south of the city, it’s good day trip from Saskatoon that you’ll find super relaxing. The trail up to the top of mountain and back is only about 5 km loop, so you can spend the rest of the day with your fishing rod at the beach*.
When I was a kid, after we were done swimming at Blackstrap Lake we came out caked in algae. Wiping away all the gooey-gunk was honestly part of the fun, but I’m not totally sure if things have changed much since then (please correct me if they have).
BONUS TRIPS that are slightly more than an hour away, but worth checking out this spring.
Tuck and roll down the sand dunes at Douglas Provincial Park.
This is one of many sand dunes in Saskatchewan, it just happens to be a bit closer to Saskatoon than most.
Although I have never been my friend Diane highly recommends it. She says, “When you arrive a park staff will give you directions to two beaches. One is the main resort and the other is further down the highway. The latter is harder to reach, but there’s a private beach with clear water that goes for miles.
It’s a one lane road and it doesn’t have bathrooms, but it’s worth the effort for those with a sense of adventure. You’ll also spot cacti on your way to the dunes. Saskatchewan has cacti!”
Whether or not you can appreciate a tangled mass of writhing Discovery Channel sex or not, you must be intrigued about the history of the Fort Livingstone Snake Pit.
In the middle of winter back in the late 1800’s, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police set up a permanent camp on the banks of Swan River. Little did they know it was a thriving snake den. According to many journals when spring came around they learned of their mistake and spent most of their days catching (relatively) harmless serpents.
Although the Mounties and the Fort are long gone the snakes make a big appearance every spring for the first few weeks in May.
Do you like these ten Spring picks for good day trips from 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 pick 10.
If you’ve been reading the news lately, there’s been a lot of hubbub about Canada’s stance on marijuana’s legality. Trudeau’s government says there will be major changes to its policy in the very near future with recreational use legalized on Canada Day 2018. However there’s still a lot of murkiness regarding where it stands today and how it effects us right now.
It’s a confusing time, but that isn’t stopping some from celebrating like true stoners. 420 is tomorrow, so in the spirit of the holiday Chester wrote this Pick 10 about ways to enjoy a pot-filled day of fun on April 20th.
This week’s Pick 10 is guaranteed to help satisfy your munchies… and help you contemplate the universe in Saskatoon.
Munchie-Satisfying Pub Grub
Walk, or taxi to binge-eating paradise with a plate full of greasy pub food. Thursday is prime time for sweet deals on wings and ribs. Chester likes the Hose and Hydrant, Dino’s, Crackers, and Whiskey Jacks (you can warble out a rendition of “One Love” after you’ve had your fill of deep-fried bites from the last two joints – see what I did there?).
Stroll the Meewasin
The beaver sees you and he knows what you’re doing.
Take to the Valley to find a quiet place to enjoy nature. The last time Chester walked on the Meewasin he spotted a beaver and about a dozen freshly-chewed tree trunks. Nature is profound.
Picnic in Furdale
Pack a blanket and some popcorn, then relax and look up to watch the land of the living skies at its finest.
Over-sized Slurpee from Sev
Thirsty? Head over to your nearest 7-Eleven for an over-sized slurpee with a side of penny candy. Take your time to ensure you give the cashier a painstakingly accurate count.
Hacky Sack in the Bowl
Head to the centre of all the action at the University to unleash the power of your hacky sack. Bonus points if the hacky sack is a Poke Ball and someone is playing a guitar while you’re doing it.
Get Your Game On
Go to Ruckers to play some games of moderate skill-level, and win some tickets which you can cash in for awesome novelty items. You never know how they’ll come in handy.
Playland at Kinsmen Park
Ask a young child to step aside, so that they can watch and learn as a pro uses the 12 and under zip-line. (Sarcasm, folks.)
Netflix and Sleep
Recommended viewing No No: A Dockumentary, an episode of Life, Blue Planet, Trailer Park Boys, and Half Baked.
Ride Along
Get onto one of those weird animals at Market Mall for 10 minute ride you’ll never forget… or maybe you will. Cap it off with something greasy at the food court.
Dance Walk
Go to a park and turn up the beat of your own drum. Strut along to these recommended tracks: Uptown Funk, Staying Alive, and Billy Jean.
Now that your 420 plans are locked down, tell me do you agree with these ten picks, or did Chester miss your favourite? Join the Do Sask Facebook group to have your say in the discussion on your favourite activities in Saskatoon.
Become a contributor!
Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your favourites.
Whether you have a sweet tooth, or you’re really trying to make a great first impression – you can’t go wrong with a trip to these Saskatoon candy stores.
This week I met up with a friend for a tasty froyo date because the weather started to feel like spring! While enjoying my key-lime-lemon-meringue mix topped with toasted coconut I got a flash of inspiration to write about Saskatoon’s best sweet tooth satisfying stores.
If you’re planning a first date remember that candy brings out the kid in everyone. So you’ll know right away if your date is just as sweet on you as they are on sugar. Even if you don’t purchase a kilogram or two of bagged penny candy you’ll find bright colors and fun in every square inch of these stores.
Give your date a sugar rush! Here are a few of the sweetest places to satisfy your candy craving. These are this week’s pick ten for Saskatoon candy stores.
Pine & Fancy Sweet Memories 2 locations Centre Mall & Lawson Heights
Have you ever had a craving for something so obscure that you didn’t think any store would stock in on their shelves? Pine & Fancy probably has it. Half of the store is dedicated to nostalgic, imported goodies that you would have never thought you’d find in Saskatoon. The other half is full of toys and games for the kid in everyone.
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The girls, Ying and Julianna, hold a special place in my heart because I used to work for their family restaurant when I was an angst-ridden teenager growing up in Biggar, Saskatchewan. They’ve come a long way since then with many different ventures, but the girls are best known in Saskatoon as makers of kick-ass raw chocolate. Sure Those Girls is not technically a candy shop, but you won’t regret making a special trip to the Market to pick up your own batch of their locally-made, melt-in-your-mouth delicacies.
Had I not stopped by the SaskMade Market for a Saskatchewan-infused gift bag I would never have known that they carry such a large collection of chocolates and sweets from local producers in store. You can sample all sorts of specialty bites from chocolate-covered Saskatoon berries to moose mud fudge, but please eventually purchase some of the deliciousness to support local artisan candy-makers.
If you’re looking for a really old-timey candy store, then this place has the treats you crave. WDM stocks a decent selection of old-fashioned candy which includes candy sticks and barley pops (no, not that kind).
Is it just me, or is it impossibly difficult to make a quick trip to the Centre without stopping by this shop? Rocky Mountain is one of those rare Saskatoon gems where you can watch fancy fudge being made by hand like you’re on vacation. Choose your own pleasure adventure every time you drop in with fresh samples of the good stuff, or pre-packed choices to go. Plus, candy apples.
Not only is Laura one of Canada’s renowned war heroines, it’s also the place where darn good chocolate gets made. My husband Chris will only visit Laura Secord if he’s in the mood for Super Kid ice cream, but there are plenty of other treats you can choose from to sweeten up your date.
You can take the girl out of Calgary, but you can’t take the Calgary out of the girl. Bernard Callebaut is one of Cowtown’s most renowned chocolatiers, so it’s great to see that they’re making their way into Saskatoon’s candy circuit. Check their interactive chocolate map to plan your date with over 48 flavours to choose from! They’re always adding seasonal treats for your most special memories.
Bulk Barn 2 locations Betts Avenue and McOrmond Drive
For a first date? Maybe it’s not the fanciest place in town. But get creative with a five dollar bill to see how much candy you can get within that budget. No matter if you like sweet or salty Bulk Barn has the selection and inventory that smaller stores can’t match. Bring your own container to cut down on waste. Win-win!
Okay, these aren’t Saskatoon candy stores, but you can mix your favourite into the creamy goodness!
Want to try a twenty different flavours of frozen yogurt? Well you may not reach that amount in one trip, but you’ll come close! Menchie’s lets you sample different flavours before you buy so you can choose your favourite before going all in… (just like dating!) Take your bae here for a glimpse into their preferences – flavours, candy, toppings.
Never before had I tasted a dessert so close to PB & J without actually being PB & J than with my PB & J mash-up creation. There are all sorts of desserts you can create with mixins, or you can grab a traditional banana split to share between the two of you.
I hope this compilation makes your weekend date planning a bit easier. No matter where you go, there is no chance of having a bad time at one of these Saskatoon candy stores.
Do you agree with these ten picks, or did I miss your favourite? Join the Do Sask Facebook group to have your say in the discussion on your favourite Saskatoon candy stores.
Become a contributor!
Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your pick 10.
There are all different types of words people use to describe those who are incredibly passionate about games. The negative meaning behind dork, geek, and nerd has been thrown on its head by modern society. That’s why there was no shortage in choosing the best geeky things to do in Saskatoon.
Over the past ten years there’s been a transformation that’s turned some of the bullied into billionaires. People who have a knack for coding or comics have reached a new level of cool. And Saskatoon knows it.
People have called me a nerd for years. But I’ve never identified with the fangirls of Star Wars and LOTR, or played a MMORPG. I was in a bit of denial at first, but now I’ve learned to embrace the term. Geeky things I love to do are actually really fun. It’s like you get to be a kid again and the only thing people can say is, “What a geek!” Burn.
I have a message for the fellow geeks that stumbled here: there is no shame in embracing your passions. From arcades to comic book stores, read on to journey into the best of Saskatoon’s geekdom.
*This list has been edited to reflect business changes on March 25, 2018.
Don’t miss Riversdale, a.k.a. home of the best geekiest block in Saskatoon: Mana Bar, King Me Boardgamery, Deadlock VR, and Bartari.
Owner Chris calls it “a nerdtopia for those into every geeky subculture”. And he’s working very hard to satisfy every niche of nerd across the city. Whether you’re into Magic or live streamed e-games, this is a bar with a pixelated heartbeat. Check their calendar for specialty nights like trivia to meet and compete with other bespectacled people of the prairies.
Pro Tip: Make sure you visit the gender-neutral Star Wars and Zelda-themed washrooms that play music from their respective titles while you pee.
Update: Chris makes specialty waffles on Wednesdays (Jalapeno Popper, Mac N Cheese, and Gingerbread to name a few). He also has a selection of bourbon and scotch for tasting (November 18, 2017).
Update: According to its regulars, Mana Bar permanently closed in March of 2019. An official confirmation of closure has yet to be released from its owner Chris on Mana Bar’s social, storefront, or website (April 7, 2019).
Next door from Mana Bar, you’ll find King Me where your fiver goes far with All You Can Play board games. They’re open seven days a week, so you can plan your regular board game night here.
The thing I like about King Me is that you can try out the latest board games at a fraction of the cost of buying to avoid overspending on games that you may not want to play again. Check out the board game library to see if they have the one you want.
Update: According to their Facebook Page, King Me has started offering solo player promotions on Tuesdays (November 19, 2017).
Deadlock Virtual Reality (added March 25, 2018)
While I haven’t personally experienced this gaming arcade, Chris from Mana Bar tells me that it’s worth a visit. Deadlock’s new second location offers a combo of escape rooms and virtual reality gaming options. There are 6 stand-up VR stations with dozens of multiplayer games to challenge your nerdy friends.
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Walk a few doors down from Mana Bar to grab a table for you and a few friends to play unlimited games all night for $5. You can choose from a vast collection of retro and new console games, or arcade style pinball. Start a battle with your friends and the servers will fuel your evening with treats like milk and cookies between rounds.
Ruckers 2 locations: 2910 8th St E and 2301 22 St W
So maybe Ruckers isn’t the geekiest place Saskatoon, but you’ll have fun reliving your nostalgic arcade days. Spend around $30 to get over 100 tokens to play. Take your friends, or plan your next date here. The east location is part of a fun centre that includes: Putt ‘n Bounce mini golf, The Rock climbing wall, Grand Slam batting cages, and one of the only Fuddruckers locations in Canada.
What originated as a pinball servicing company is now a licensed cafe in the burgeoning 33rd Street neighbourhood. Pokey’s is made for Saskatoon’s most dedicated pinball fans. They have a rotating wall of games and regular pinball leagues. Order some nachos and a pitcher, then get some tokens and play the afternoon away.
Note: You won’t be able to find much of Pokey’s online, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a visit!
I first heard about ASPECT VR after reading an article in the StarPhoenix, so naturally we had to check it out for our next date night. The owners say this is the only Virtual Reality Studio of this quality anywhere in Saskatchewan. They also do large parties (a.k.a. the quietest birthday you’ll ever have).
When my date (my husband, Chris) and I walked into the space we could tell it was a very expensive room. We opted for the immersive experience of the Zombie story, but there are other options for folks who want ease their way into VR. See what it feels like to be completely inside of a video game.
Pro Tip: We played for an hour, but we recommend limiting yourself to a half hour your first time.
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I’ve always found the library to be a comforting space. It’s somewhere I can explore the world without leaving my city. The library is the perfect spot for geeky dates because they have so much going on to satisfy all different types of people. Membership is free and gives you access to a world of knowledge. Check out a location near you, or visit the new Round Prairie branch location in Stonebridge.
Note: Do Sask’s book club is open to join and free if you borrow instead of buy. Check out the book of the month from the library, then come out to a meeting to discuss. Sign up to the newsletter to get updates on where and when we meet. Everyone’s welcome!
I remember going to the U of S a lot as a kid. The observatory was always one of the highlights. It’s open every Saturday year round, but typically you can get the best view in the summer months. For a romantic take on the best geeky thing to do in Saskatoon, pack a midnight snack and take a peek at the universe through a 6 inch diameter lens to see planets, clusters, galaxies, and even comets. There’s a small Astronomy museum with a tour of our solar system!
Pro Tip: Check out their hours to see how long they’re open for this Saturday.
Escape Rooms
I experienced my first escape room a few years ago in Calgary at a place called The Locked Room. Essentially we gathered a group of five to play a live action puzzle in which we had to take steps to find and unlock ourselves from the room to successfully save humanity from a zombie apocalypse. (FYI We made it to the last piece when the buzzer rang… Fail.)
Saskatoon has a handful of escape rooms to choose from. I’ve only tried Keller’s Magic Emporium at Escape City, so tell me which one is the best! Here’s where you can find them:
Canada’s hub for STEM research is right here in Saskatoon at the internationally renowned multidisciplinary synchrotron. Take a free tour of the spot that has grabbed the science world’s attention. The Canadian Light Source gives free tours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2 p.m. You can drop in at that time, or request another time (for groups of 5 or more).
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If you’re going to check out a comic book store, why not head to one of the world’s best? Amazing Stories has more than comics – check them out for everything geek culture from collectibles to clothes. They’ve got a lot of community events, so check here to see what’s going on this week.
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Learn how to use a 3D printer and grab a coffee with your friends at the same time. Create Cafe has three Makerbot printers that you can rent by the hour for a very low cost. Two stations are set up for you to design and prep your project. You can send your design to be printed, or work on it at the cafe. According to their website, workshops are coming soon!
Whether you play esports, read manga, create epic Magic character-lines, enjoy a simple social board game, or have all of the game shops on speed dial to get the NES Classic Edition – you name it, there’s a spot in Saskatoon that satisfies your specific geeky needs.
Do you agree with these ten picks, or did I miss your favourite? Join the Do Sask Facebook group to have your say in the discussion on your favourite geeky things to do in Saskatoon.
Become a contributor!
Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your pick 10.
Some people prefer slow conversations that encourage comfortable silence and embrace the simplicity of being around someone special to you. My cousin is one of those people. She would rather have a meaningful conversation than an adventurous outing on the town. When I asked what her ultimate favourite thing to do was, she said she loved spending time with friends in the best Saskatoon coffee shops.
The thing my cousin enjoys doing the most is not an extravagant outing to the latest event, but having a simple chat with a good friend over a nice local mug of comfort. Sometimes everyone needs to take a break over a coffee or tea, so she inspired me to write this top 10.
The Best Saskatoon Coffee Shops
Going for coffee is perfect for casual meetups with new acquaintances and catch-ups with old friends. If you’re not ready for the full night on the town with your new mate hit up a great local coffee shop and break the ice. Do Sask likes our coffee and tea local, and these are a few of the best according to my cousin.
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Folks who co-work from The Two Twenty are in and out of Collective Coffee on 20th Street more times than they’d like to admit it on any given day. But did you know that they’ve just opened a new location across from St. Paul’s Hospital on Avenue P? Check it out today, so your addiction isn’t so obvious.
P.S. My cousin says their latte is the best in the city. Order it to taste for yourself!
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Drift has an amazing local feel with a great view close to River Landing. It’s got one of the best hot chocolates by far, but their baristas and local focus on events keep us coming back. Plus, the interior decor makes you feel like you’re somewhere tropical – even in the middle of winter.
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From the look of this cookie, the Americano is almost a secondary reason why you’d want to go to Citizen! Make sure you plan your coffee date during the day because they aren’t open late.
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According to Saskatoon sub reddit user nlddancer, “City Perks on 7th Ave is incredible. They have drip coffee, french press, pour over and aeropress, as well as espresso based drinks. Their cappuccinos are the traditional six ounce size too, so it tastes great and not too milky.” City Perks also has a location in Stonebridge.
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So it may seem unfair to add Calories to the Top 10 two times in a row, but you can’t deny that they’ve got a good thing going. Yes, their hot cuppa’s may be a few bucks more than average, but their creativity with flavour will take your taste buds to a whole new level that’s worth an extra loonie or two. That’s why they’re one the best Saskatoon coffee shops for a casual date.
You can skip coffee and order a milkshake to share with your date. That’ll take a casual coffee to a cute connection in an instant. Or, keep it cool with a quick black coffee. Your choice!
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Go to the Underground for the coffee, stay for the karaoke. This joint is one of the few places I’ve been to that makes a seamless connection between fun and frappe.
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One of the few local cafes with a patio for the nice, hot days we get here in the summertime.
10. Little Bird Patisserie
Again, the coffee is secondary to the French pastry chef’s amazing gastronomical achievements. Little Bird is the place to go to impress your date with a lavish slice of heaven while relaxing in a bright vintage setting.
Do you agree with these top picks, or did we miss your favourite cafe? Join the Do Sask Facebook group to have your say in the discussion on your favourite coffee shops in Saskatoon.
Become a contributor!
Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your pick 10.
Pick 10 is a new series that’s asking local Saskatchewanians about the best our province has to offer. Members of Do Sask contribute their favourite things to do in Saskatchewan, so they can share the fun with everyone. Before we get started on the best vegetarian food in Saskatoon according to Maygen Kardash, let’s talk about where this series fits in with Do Sask.
Why ask locals for their recommendations?
Sometimes we have a bad habit of choosing the most popular activities again and again.
Rather than getting adventurous about the path less traveled, we look for things everyone else is doing. Case in point: Trip Advisor’s number 1 thing to do in Saskatchewan is the Western Development Museum. Now, I’m not knocking the treasure that is Boomtown, but there’s more to explore in this province than its history.
You’ll get to places that are off the beaten path.
Locals help you get to places that are less known, but often more rewarding. If you are a Saskatchewanian then you’re more likely to explore places close to home recommended by people like you!
Now, without further ado…
Top 10 Best Vegetarian Food in Saskatoon
In the last few years, Saskatoon’s culinary scene has seen a boom, landing us on must-visit lists in blogs, papers, and magazines. With so many options, it can be hard to choose when you finally get a night out! Here are my current favourite (ovo-lacto vegetarian) bites in town:
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These soft tacos are technically shareable, but you’ll want to order a plate for yourself. Spicy, tangy, and a little bit sweet, these guys top my list.
As I typed “organic buckwheat”, I realized how boring this main sounds, but trust that it is a winner in the best vegetarian food in Saskatoon. The crepes are filled with kale, garden dill labneh, and wild BC ginger (reminiscent of an elevated nalysnyky, if you’re a Ukrainian food fan) and are served with honey glazed carrots. P.s. The pinot gris pairing balances with perfect lightness—order it.
I’m not even a soup lover per se, but Leyda’s Ayurvedic is pretty unreal. Kale, quinoa, sweet potato, coconut milk, and a fantastic blend of spices have kept loyalists ordering this since the opening of this gluten-free, nut-free restaurant (which otherwise has a bit of a rotating menu). Oh, and Leyda’s bread is one of my favourite loaves in Saskatoon, gluten-free or otherwise.
When Brown’s opened in my neighborhood, I was thrilled to find so many vegetarian substitutes available on their menu but it was trying the tofu in place of blackened chicken that really made me fall in love. This salad is hearty with dates, feta, nuts, black beans, lots of greens, and a soft breadstick that I hate sharing with my two-year-old.
I ate this every Monday for a year when I worked downtown and still order it often. A thick, flavourful sauce coats the just-crunchy tofu that when combined with sticky rice is a satisfying addition to the best vegetarian food in Saskatoon.
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Sometimes it’s the simplest dishes that make me the happiest. Little Grouse’s ravioli is fresh-made in house with ricotta di campagna and sage butter. Every bite is decadent.
When I order Indian food, I’m suddenly in a sharing mood so it was hard to pick just one item from Kabab King’s delicious menu. However, that’s the theme, so my pick is Mushroom Caju Mutter. It’s so rich, two spoon fulls on my plate is enough to love but alongside their fresh naan, those two spoon fulls are a necessity.
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Go eat them both and then you try to pick! Both feature house-made veggie patties that would satisfy a carnivorous appetite. Ayden’s features a fried farm egg whose runny yolk serves up saucy goodness and Congress’ is loaded and served with their double-fried French fries. Both have my vote.
The tastes of the Caribbean are alluring, but not so fun is being vegetarian at a beachfront cookout. Luckily, right here in Saskatoon, the Konga Café makes a wicked veggie plate with all the sauce I want and none of the meat I don’t!
The 4-Maggi looks like a plain cheese pizza with no sauce but it ain’t a photo that captures taste. This wood-fired pizza features provolone picante, friulano, fior di latte mozza, and pecorino romano and is topped with truffle oil and local urban honey. I could eat this with greens every day of my life.
Note this!
Due to rotating menus, I’ve yet to try the latest veggie offerings at the Hollows and Prairie Harvest, but I’m willing to bet they’ll make my list when I next visit those tried and true haunts.
This Pick 10 for the Best Vegetarian Food in Saskatoon was generously contributed by blogger, Maygen Kardash of Our Collective Muse.
Do you agree with these top vegetarian picks? Join the Do Sask Facebook group to have your say in the discussion on your favourite vegetarian food in Saskatoon.
Become a contributor!
Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your pick 10.
Pack a blanket and some popcorn, then relax and look up to watch the land of the living skies at its finest.
