Moose Jaw Saskatchewan has become one of my favourite short weekend getaways. Before I visited the small prairie city last year, I paid little attention to it. However I’ve since made two more trips specifically to spend more time enjoying its obscure and whimsical aspects.
See also
- The Great Southeastern Saskatchewan Summer Road Trip
- What to Order at Saskatchewan’s Favourite Hidden Gem Bakeries
- 2 Luxurious Winter Road Trips from Saskatoon You Can Take on a Budget
This time ’round, my hubs Chris and I were doing our best not to do too much. I am the kind of person who likes to fill my days while Chris prefers taking it easy. So this 48 hours in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan has a blend of relaxing and doing. This post is meant to inspire you to try something different the next time you’re in town.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON – DAY 1
Take an afternoon nap at Temple Gardens
It’s been a two hour drive, so spread out and melt into the king size bed after the trip. Once rested, change into your pool gear and head for a soak and tan in the top-floor mineral spa.
Temple Gardens is a three star hotel that’s connected to the Moose Jaw Casino. If the $200 per night price tag is too much, stay elsewhere and pay admission to swim.
Pro Tip: Adult night takes place every Friday and Saturday from 9 to midnight.
Do some day drinking over at Rosie’s on River Street
Tchotchkes abound in this hole-in-the-wall pub. With an array of items like 8-tracks, cards, plaster heads, and more stuck to the walls, you’ll discover something new on display every time you visit. Choose a nostalgic song from the jukebox while you sip their sangria for a berry thirst-quenching taste.
Walk the Queen’s Canadian Rose Garden
Crescent Park is located across the street from Temple Gardens, so you can roll on over when the mood strikes.
At approximately twenty-eight acres, the city park has a lot to offer year-round. With tons of trees, a stream, manicured gardens, lawn bowling, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground – there’s a lot to do and see.
Pro tip: Remember to bring your mosquito repellent.
FRIDAY EVENING – DAY 1
Hit up the cocktail lounge that’s for mature adults only
Once you’ve seen all there is to see at Crescent Park, head over to Manitoba Street. Serving the 24+ crowd, Cask 82 is located in the renovated basement of a sports bar.
Try the selection of craft beer and two of their appetizers: Vegas Fries and Italian Ribs. The former is an elevated buffalo blue cheese concoction and the latter is dry ribs smothered in a creamy Italian dressing. We were lucky to enjoy some live music while getting our late-night munchies fix.
SATURDAY MORNING – DAY 2
Wake up slow and grab a light breakfast at the Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday morning throughout the summer, you’ll find local producers selling their goods on Langdon Crescent which is kitty-corner to Crescent Park. We picked up fresh roasted coffee and cherry-almond scones from Chrysalis, Apple Pie Moonshine from Smooth 42 Craft Distillery and a bottle of rhubarb syrup.
Funny story: The Casino’s roving street team asked us to draw a Queen of Diamonds for a chance to win $100 cash. As luck would have it, my husband Chris drew the right card. We’re not gamblers, but Moose Jaw is known for its first-class gaming and entertainment.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON – DAY 2
Stop for a late lunch at Yvette Moore Gallery and Cafe
This stop makes it onto my list for nearly every weekend trip to Moose Jaw. Their fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads are reason enough to add them to regular rotation. Plus, tons of local art and crafts in their gallery on your way in and out.
Experience your choice of unique entertainment attractions and city culture
Moose Jaw Saskatchewan is known for its historic ties to Chicago. I’ve discussed several cultural events and tourist centres tied to this theme in past posts. This time around, we spent time at the Hometown Fair on the exhibition grounds.
If you want something different to do, plan to check out the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre.
SATURDAY EVENING – DAY 2
Pretend you’re in the old country at Bobby’s Place
You definitely shouldn’t judge this spot by its exterior. Step inside this “old world” tavern and you’ll find stained glass windows, dart boards, church pew benches, and red brick walls which makes this spot a unique place to visit on the prairies. I ordered Yorkshire pudding for dinner and got a ginormous portion with mashed potatoes and roast beef.
Hear about local murders and hauntings on the Trolley Ghost Tour
We stopped for a selfie by Mac The Moose before boarding the sold out nighttime trolley (book your tickets in advance). Surprisingly, the small city has plenty of passionate killings and mysterious disappearances in its history books. Some stories were graphic and vivid, so it may be best to leave the little ones at home. The guide couldn’t point out every location because people are still living in the haunted homes.
SUNDAY MORNING – DAY 3
Brunch at any one of the local cafes in town
But only after you’ve went for one last dip in the mineral spa.
Use Pokemon GO! to learn the background of the Moose Jaw Murals
The app’s interface has much more information about each mural than the map and guide brochure you’ll find around town.
Sip tasting flights at Prairie Bee Meadery
We stumbled on this gem while looking for a kettle sour craft beer and ended up sampling at least five different flavours of mead.
Taste your way through the array of products. The owner started as a U-Pick near Moose Jaw and evolved into Saskatchewan’s first craft meadery. The sweet nectar is a blend of fermented honey and Canadian fruits.
My favourite flavour: Huckleberry
Moose Jaw Saskatchewan is close enough to escape to for a quick weekend trip, yet far enough to satisfy your travel bug. We wanted a balance of relaxing and doing because Chris wants to do less and I want to do more. In between the ideas listed here, we spent most of our spare time in the mineral spa. There’s always something new happening, so it’s worth more than one visit.
