Saskatoon

Saskatoon is located on bluffs along the South Saskatchewan River. Early planners set aside the riverfront for parks. Several bridges cross the river, affording gorgeous views of river, trees, and skyline.
Founded in 1906, with growth driven by immigration, railway links, and mining wealth, Saskatoon offers cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture. That, together with the river and its bridges, gives it the nickname of "Paris of the Prairies".
The foundation of Saskatoon's economy is potash and other resource mining; oil and gas extraction (fracking and conventional); and wheat and other agriculture. These are abbreviated as "POW". The city hosts corporate headquarters of world-leading firms like PotashCorp (potash) and Cameco (uranium). Until the commodities slump of 2014, Saskatoon had been one of Canada's economically most vibrant cities. From its earliest days, Saskatoon has been home to the University of Saskatchewan. It boasts "The Canadian Light Source", Canada's only synchrotron.
The name Saskatoon comes from a native word for a berry that grows along the river called missaskquahtoomina.

Districts

Roads which run generally east-west are usually named "street"; those running generally north-south are usually named "avenue". The major north-south road called Idylwyld Drive, Louis Riel Trail, and highway 11 marks the division between "east" and "west" streets. 22nd Street (west of the river) and Aird Street (east of the river) mark the division between "north" and "south" avenues.
The Meewasin Park along the river, from just past University Bridge in the northeast to just past Idylwyld bridge in the southwest, is the heart of the traveler's beat. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to stroll, ride bikes, or skate.
On the east side of the river, the University of Saskatchewan lies just north of University Bridge and College Drive (highway 5); Nutana is between University Bridge and Idylwyld bridge, to 8th Street East on the south and Clarence Ave South on the east ; and the Broadway Avenue district (within Nutana) runs from the Broadway bridge eastwards, particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side, full of interesting shops and restaurants.
On the west side of the river, the Central Business District is bounded by 19th Street East on the south, Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11) on the west, 25th Street East on the north, and the Meewasin park on the east. (Streets here are "East".) It is pedestrian-oriented, with many shops and restaurants. 21st Street East and 2nd Avenue North and South are the main arteries, and the intersection of these two is the "heart" or centre of the city. Bus lines pass through a transit terminal here.
"Alphabet Soup" is the informal name for the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11), from Avenue B through to Avenue Y, south of 33rd Street West. (Streets here are "West".) It is considered to be sketchy, with more crime than other areas. Gentrification is nibbling away at the sketchiness, along major roads and near the river. There's little reason for tourists to be outside the gentrified areas in this part of town anyway.
These neighbourhoods are useful references for travellers, but don't cover the whole city. Other attractions and important transportation hubs are also outside of these areas.

Tourist information

Official Tourism Organization

By plane

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker AirportServes domestic, international and northern communities.

Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and WestJet fly within Canada. These airlines link Saskatoon directly to major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Toronto. Flights to Regina are served by Express Air - a West Wind Aviation company.
Delta Air Lines fly to Saskatoon from Minneapolis and WestJet fly to this city from Phoenix, and Las Vegas in the United States.
To get to the city centre from the airport:

• Saskatoon Transit: Route 12
• Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies
• Cab: Should cost you approximately $12

By train

The Canadian is a train operated by VIA Rail three times weekly between Vancouver and Toronto, serving passengers from Edmonton and Winnipeg. A train from Toronto will take over two days and the prices in economy are only slightly cheaper than flying, depending when you book. Trains stop at the , located at 1701 Chappell Dr (at Burma Rd) in a remote area southwest of downtown. There is no public transit directly serving the station and the nearest bus stop is 1.5 km away (at 11th St and Fairlight Dr). There are no rental cars at the station; try a taxi ride to the airport. Taxis are an effective way to get into town (20 minutes to downtown, about $25).

By car

Saskatoon is on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) which connects to North Battleford and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east. This highway is entirely divided (save for a few minor exceptions and construction zones) between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Highway 11 connects to Prince Albert to the north and Regina to the south. You can also drive via Alberta Highway 9/Saskatchewan Highway 7 from Calgary, but this highway is not divided.

By bus

The is located in downtown Saskatoon at 50 23rd St E, between Pacific and Ontario.

• Rider Express

  phone: +1 306-209-3636
  address: 1736 Quebec Ave

• from Regina3 hr.

• from Prince Albert1½ hr.

• from Edmonton and Winnipeg

This is a car-oriented city. There is plentiful street parking downtown ($2/hour typically). Outside the central business district, driving may be your most convenient option. The best choice of rental cars is at the airport. There are few rental car offices in the Central Business District or Nutana.
Walking is a great way to get around the compact and pedestrian-friendly tourist haunts of the Meewasin park, Central Business District, Broadway Avenue, and Nutana.
Saskatoon Transit serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Pay cash for individual fares, or buy a GoCard and load packages of 10 rides at a discount. You can buy tickets at the Customer Service Centre, City Hall, and at shops like Co-op, Mac's, Safeway, Shopper's Drug Mart (complete list on Saskatoon Transit's web site). Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or at Transit's web site. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (below) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop. There are transit hubs in various locations, of which the City Centre Hub is the most useful for travelers.

• Saskatoon Transit, City Centre Hub

  phone: +1 306-975-7500
  address: 23rd St East
  Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from here. This phone number is for the 'Phone & Go' service. This URL is for the bus schedules and route maps.

• Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre

  phone: +1 306-975-3100
  address: 226 23rd Street East
  This walk-in centre can answer questions and sell bus tickets. The phone number can answer questions and is open longer hours.

Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city, and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada. Recreational cyclists will enjoy exploring the Meewasin Valley Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. Almost all parts of the city are accessible by bicycle and bicycle lanes and routes are marked along some key corridors... be careful because there are also a lot of bad drivers.
Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15. Call Blueline at +1 306-653-3333 or Radio at +1 306-242-1221, or just hail a taxi. Prices are set by the city so the cost should be equal.

A good place to start is to walk up and down the Meewasin Trail, crossing the South Saskatchewan River at the University Bridge, the Broadway Bridge, and the Idylwild Bridge. On a fine day, this rewards you with beautiful views, and connects you to attractions and the districts of most interest to a visitor.

• Meewasin Trail

  phone: +1 306-665-6888
  The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University.

• Civic Conservatory (ex-Mendel Art Gallery)

  address: 950 Spadina Crescent E
  A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018.

• Ukrainian Museum of Canada

  phone: +1 306-244-3800
  address: 910 Spadina Crescent East
  Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Praries in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story.

• Delta BessboroughThe castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep".

• Prairie WindThis public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area.

• Remai Modern Arts Gallery

  phone: +1 306-975-7610
  address: 102 Spadina Crescent East
  In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door.

The following attractions are at the University of Saskatchewan:

• Diefenbaker Canada Centre

  phone: +1-306-966-8384
  address: 101 Diefenbaker Place
  The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker.

• Community Campus Tours

  phone: +1-306-966-8384
  address: 101 Diefenbaker Place
  A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus.

• University of Saskatchewan

  phone: +1 306-966-5788
  address: 105 Administration Place
  The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Biology Building, which has 2 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. In addition to the Community Campus Tours during the summer, the University offers a self-guided tour (see PDF linked to here), and a student-led tour for prospective undergraduate students.

These attractions are outside the core districts of the city.

• Western Development Museum, Saskatoon

  phone: +1 306-931-1910
  address: 2610 Lorne Ave
  The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, and North Battleford.

• Wanuskewin Heritage Park

  phone: +1 306-931-6767
  address: RR #4 Penner Road
  Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Also has a gift shop and restaurant.

• Eco Glide Adventures

  phone: +1 306-250-1817
  address: 611 Spadina Crescent East
  Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine.

• Marquis Downs

  phone: +1 306-242-6100
  address: 503 Ruth Street
  The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewaan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months.

• Playland at Kinsmen Park

  phone: +1 306-975-3330
  address: 945 Spadina Crescent East
  Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas.

• Prarie Lily River Cruise

  phone: +1 306-955-5459
  address: 950 Spadina Crescent E
  Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery.

• SaskTel Centre

  phone: +1 306-975-3155
  address: 3515 Thatcher Ave
  At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place.

• Lucky Bastard Destillers

  phone: +1 306-979 7280
  address: 814 47th Street East
  Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries.

Festivals

Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include:

• Shakespeare on the SaskatchewanSaskatchewan's only professional theatre. Performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.

• Art in the Heart - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September.

• SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz FestivalMajor jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July.

• Northern Saskatchewan International Children's FestivalChildren oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.

• Saskatoon International Fringe Festival - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in the first half of August.
• Folk Fest - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August. A passport to the 3-day event will cost $16 in 2018.

• Taste of SaskatchewanAn annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere.

• Saskatoon ExhibitionSaskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs.

• The University of Saskatchewan is the oldest and largest university in the province. The U of S is located in the near centre of the city, across the river from downtown. The University is easily accessible by car or public transit from nearly any area of the city. The campus is built around a large central space known as the Bowl, which is used for Orientation events and as a skating rink during winter. Notably, it is the home of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the only college of its kind in Western Canada.
• St. Thomas More College is a Catholic-based federated college of the University of Saskatchewan. The two are academically integrated and students can take classes from either school. STM specializes in undergraduate liberal arts classes and classes taken at the college usually have less students than the same class taken at the College of Arts & Science.
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic (known as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology until 2014) is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. Located on Idylwyld and 33rd Street, the Saskatoon campus is the largest of the four in the province (the other campuses are in Regina, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw). The campus is easily accessible by public transit and is not far from downtown.
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, which specializes in industrial and technical programs for First Nations people in Saskatchewan.

Like most major cities in Canada, Saskatoon has several English as a Second Language' (ESL) schools. The U of S Language Centre offers full-time and part-time classes, as well as a university prep program for prospective students to the University.

• Darrell Bell Gallery

  phone: +1 306-955-5701
  address: #405-105 21st Street E
  For contemporary art and craft

• McNally Robinson

  phone: +1 306-955-3599
  address: 3130 8th St E
  Large bookstore and café.

• Midtown Plaza

  phone: +1 306-653-8844
  address: 201 1st Ave S
  Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It has Hudson's Bay Company.

• Rouge Gallery

  phone: +1 306-227-4140
  address: 208 3rd Ave S
  For emerging and established Canadian artists.

• Saskatoon Farmer's Market

  phone: +1 306-384-6262
  address: 414 Ave B S
  Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things.

• SaskMade Marketplace

  phone: +1 306-955-1832
  address: 1621 8th St E
  Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy.

Broadway Avenue (particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side) is a popular shopping and cultural area. There are many little boutique and specialty shops worth checking out, and many restaurants and bars. It is a pedestrian-friendly environment with a high density of some of Saskatoon's most popular businesses.

• Broadway Shoe Repair

  phone: +1-306-652-4399
  address: 638 Broadway St
  A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks.

The Central Business District (bounded by 19th Street on the south, Idylwyld Drive on the west, 25th Street on the north, and Spadina Crescent (South Saskatchewan River) on the east) also contains plenty of shopping opportunities outside of the large Midtown Plaza shopping mall on 1st Ave. The majority of this shopping opportunity is realized along 21st Street and along 2nd Avenue. Where these streets intersect is considered by many to be the "heart" or centre of the city, particularly in terms of pedestrian-oriented amenities.

• Calories Bakery and Restaurant

  phone: +1 306-665-7991
  address: 721 Broadway Ave
  A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake

• Chianti Cafe

  phone: +1 306-665-8466
  address: 102 Idylwyld Dr N
  Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes

• Park Cafe

  address: 512 20th Street West
  Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele.

• Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino

  phone: +1 306-653-5588
  address: 902 Victoria Ave
  Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop.

Budget

Mid-range

• Alexander's Restaurant and Bar

  phone: +1 306-956-7777
  address: 414 Cumberland Ave
  American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French fries in the city.

• Broadway Cafe

  phone: +1 306-652-8244
  address: 814 Broadway Ave
  1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes.

• Fuddruckers

  phone: +1 306-955-7777
  address: 2910 8th St E
  One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended.

• Granada House Family Restaurant

  phone: +1 306-664-3700
  address: 904 22nd St W
  An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna.

Splurge

• Ayden Kitchen and Bar

  phone: +1 306-954-2590
  address: 265 3 Ave S
  Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks & elevated cocktails in a stylish, modern space.

• Calories

  phone: +1 306-665-7991
  address: 721 Broadway Ave
  Excellent bistro-style restaurant with a rotating seasonal menu along with fantastic desert options.

• The Granary

  phone: +1 306-373-6655
  address: #2806-8th St
  "This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary."

• Little Grouse on the Prairie

  phone: +1 306-979-0100
  address: 167 3 Ave S
  Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting.

• Moxie's Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 306-374-9800
  address: 3134 8 St E
  "Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well"

• Saboroso

  phone: +1 306-249-4454
  address: 340- 2600 8 St E
  Brazilian steakhouse with high-end steaks, seafood, pasta & mixed drinks. Specialty is the authentic rodizio-style meal.

• The Samurai

  phone: +1 306-683-6926
  address: 601 Spadina Crescent E
  Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the heart of downtown. Also has a large selection of sushi.

• 2nd Ave Grill

  phone: +1 306-244-9899
  address: 10-123 2nd Ave
  "The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes."

• Truffle's Bistro

  phone: +1 306-373-7779
  address: 230 21st St E
  Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes.

• The Yard and Flagon Pub

  phone: +1 306-653-8883
  address: 718 Broadway Ave
  A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio.

• Buds on Broadway

  phone: +1 306-244-4155
  address: 817 Broadway Ave
  A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers.

• Amigos Cantina

  phone: +1 306-652-4912
  address: 632 10th St E
  A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk.

• Hose and Hydrant Brew Pub

  phone: +1 306-477-3473
  address: 612 11th St E
  If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall.

• Vangelis Tavern

  phone: +1 306-652-5173
  address: 801 Broadway Ave
  There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink.

• Winston's English Pub and Grill

  phone: +1 306-374-7468
  address: 243 21st St E
  Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown.

• Louis' Pub

  phone: +1 306-966-7000
  address: University Campus
  A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music.

• The Sutherland Bar

  phone: +1 306-374-8873
  address: 810 Central Ave
  A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students.

• Dino's Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 306-373-6666
  address: 906 Central Ave
  Excellent steak sandwiches.

• 6Twelve lounge

  phone: +1 306-652-6770
  address: 612 Spadina Cres
  Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension.

• Crackers Restaurant & Lounge

  phone: +1 306-934-1700
  address: #1-227 Pinehouse Dr.
  Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Budget

• Days Inn

  address: 2000 Idylwyld Dr N, Circle Dr

• Campland Rv Resort

• Laura's Lodge

  phone: +1 306-934-7011
  address: 1026 College Drive
  Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this economical bed and breakfast was converted from priests' living quarters to a hostel for medical visitors to a general bed and breakfast over several decades. Free wifi, parking. Communal kitchen and living room. Staff present 24 hours/day.

• Netty's Nest

  phone: +1 306-979-6378
  address: 1024 College Drive
  Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this 18-room lodge has double and queen-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, wifi.

Mid-range

• The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon

  address: 106 Circle Drive W
  The Travelodge is on the north side of Saskatoon and is situated at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan.

• The Parktown Hotel

  phone: +1 306 244-5564
  address: 924 Spadina Cres E
  Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail.

Splurge

• Delta Bessborough

  phone: +1-306-244-5521
  address: 601 Spadina Cres E
  A four-star ten-storey hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of Canada's other railway hotels. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The elegant decoration of the old hotel is well-maintained, and houses an up-to-date business hotel.

• Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown

  phone: +1 306-244-2311
  address: 90 22nd St E

• Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon

  phone: +1 306-652-6770
  address: 612 Spadina Cres E
  The Sheraton is across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river.

• Radisson Hotel Saskatoon

  phone: +1 306-665-3322
  address: 405 20th St E
  The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city.

Saskatoon has a fairly high crime rate per capita, but this tends to be concentrated in small areas of the city.
The majority of the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld, from Avenue B through to Avenue Y (often referred to as "Alphabet Soup" by locals) are considered to be sketchy, with a high amount of gang/drug activity, violent crime and prostitution. It's probably best to avoid this part of town, particularly the alphabet avenues south of 22nd Street, and also immediately surrounding the 33rd Street intersection with Idylwyld. That said, it's usually relatively safe during daylight hours - and there's little reason for tourists to be in these parts of town anyway.
The east side of the river has the general reputation among locals of being safer than the west side.
The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine.

There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, Broadway Avenue, and on the University of Saskatchewan campus .

• Drive north for 1.5 hours on Highway 11 to Prince Albert
• Drive south along Highway 11 for 2.5 hours to Regina