Where to Stay in Saskatoon – A Guide to the “Paris of the Prairies”
Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan. Located in the centre of the province, on the South Saskatchewan River and nicknamed “The Paris of the Prairies,” Saskatoon is famous for being the main transportation and business hubs in Saskatchewan and for its outdoorsy lifestyle. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Saskatoon, SK.
Saskatoon’s city centre is located on the North Saskatchewan River’s north bank. This lively district is home to some of Saskatoon’s top tourist attractions such as the Remai Modern, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, River Landing, PAVED Arts, Darrell Bell Gallery, and Kiwanis Memorial Park. See accommodation in Saskatoon’s City Centre.
Saskatoon is also an extremely family-friendly destination. The main kid-friendly attractions in the city include Nutrien WonderHub, Nutrien Playland, Kinsmen Park, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, the Saskatchewan Railway Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences University of Saskatchewan and the Western Development Museum.
Other unmissable tourist attractions in Saskatoon include Wanuskewin Heritage Park, the Museum of Antiquities, Black Fox Farm and Distillery and the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum and Learning Centre.
And of course, Saskatoon is especially renowned as a nature destination. This city is the main gateway to explore incredible parks, natural areas and reserves. Some of the most popular natural attractions in and around Saskatoon include Pike Lake Provincial Park, Meewasin Valley Trail, the Cranberry Flats Conservation Area, Gabriel Dumont Park, Gougeon Park and Patterson Garden.
Due to its inland location in the centre of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon has a cold semi-arid climate. This translates into four seasons with extreme variations between winter and summer conditions. Winters are extremely cold and snowy with temperatures typically ranging between -18 and -9 ºC. Meanwhile, summers are warm and sunny, with temperatures between 12 and 26 ºC. The best time to visit Saskatoon is from May to late October, when temperatures are pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.
To get to Saskatoon by air, the city is served by the Saskatoon International Airport. Located 5.6 km northwest of downtown Saskatoon, this small airport offers daily connections to the main Canadian cities (including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal), as well as a few regular and seasonal international flights to selected destinations in the US, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Saskatoon is also served by train. Saskatoon Train Station is 8 km southwest of Downtown Saskatoon and offers Via Rail connections east toward Toronto via Winnipeg and west to Vancouver via Edmonton and Jasper. See train routes, schedules & fares.
Additionally, Saskatoon is also well-connected through a network of long-distance buses to other Saskatchewan cities and towns. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
To move around town, Saskatoon has a public transport system consisting of two dozen urban and suburban bus routes operated by Saskatoon Transit. This city also offers regular taxis and mobile apps like Uber and you can choose to rent a car for your trip.
The best area to stay in Saskatoon is the Central Business District. Saskatoon’s City Centre is home to many cultural attractions and museums, great nightlife and the best restaurants. Downtown Saskatoon is also where the city’s top hotels are located. See accommodation in Saskatoon City Centre.
Another great district to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Saskatoon is the North Industrial District.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Saskatoon, SK.
Overlooking the river and located in downtown Saskatoon, Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough offers free WiFi. All rooms offer a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, and a seating area. A private bathroom offers a shower and free toiletries. Select rooms include a SmartDesk work area.
The Best Areas to Stay in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
1. Recommended area: Saskatoon’s Central Business District
Saskatoon’s Central Business District, also referred to as Downtown Saskatoon, is located on the South Saskatchewan River’s north bank.
This buzzing area is home to Saskatoon’s main business and shopping areas, as well as many of its cultural attractions.
Midtown, the city’s most popular mall, is located in what used to be Saskatoon’s main railway station. This shopping complex is home to over 150 shops, a food court and an auditorium.
A couple of blocks south lies the avant-garde Remai Modern. Canada’s newest Museum of Modern Art offers an interesting display of contemporary works by local and international artists, as well as a Picasso gallery, a theatre and a restaurant.
Not far, River Landing Park offers incredible river views, fountains, trails and picnic spaces. The Bessborough Hotel, (now Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough) is an impressive 1935 Châteauesque-styled building overlooking the river.
Other great attractions in Saskatoon’s City Centre and its neighbouring districts include the Ukrainian Museum of Canada; a quaint museum focused on Canada’s first Ukrainian immigrants, PAVED Arts; a new media arts centre, and Darrell Bell Gallery.
The Central Business District is arguably the best-connected area in Saskatoon. The area is compact and pedestrian-friendly enough that you can walk anywhere, and you can always catch a bus to travel to other districts.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Saskatoon:
- Heart of the city
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
- Top Choice
Senator Hotel
This boutique hotel offers haute cuisine dining experiences at the Rembrandt’s restaurant and Winston’s English pub and grill. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Rooms at Hotel Senator have a TV, coffee maker and a desk.
- Budget
Netty’s Nest Visitor Lodge
This lodge is located in the city of Saskatoon and offers home comfort and 6 shared kitchen areas. It is a 15-minute walk from the University of Saskatchewan and its rooms have free Wi-Fi.
- Luxury
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough
The Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough, overlooking the river and located in downtown Saskatoon, offers a swimming pool, children’s pool and hot tub. Free WiFi is provided on the site.
2. North Industrial District & Airport area
Located some 5 km north of Downtown Saskatoon, the North Industrial district is a mainly business-oriented development.
Its economic importance and prime location (it’s right next to Saskatoon International Airport) have turned this area into Saskatoon’s business epicentre.
Considered Saskatoon’s northern gateway, this retail and industrial area is home to a wide selection of business-oriented and budget hotels.
River City Centre Mall, Saskatoon’s first big-box shopping centre format is also located in this area.
Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is the busiest airport in the province. It offers flights to the main cities in Canada and some international connections to the US and beach destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
North Industrial is the best area to stay in Saskatoon on a budget, but it’s also great for business travellers or those who need to be near the airport.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Saskatoon:
- Business district
- Business hotels
- Close to the airport
- Cheap accommodation
Accommodation in this area
- Top Choice
Comfort Suites Saskatoon
The Comfort Suites hotel is located within walking distance of the Credit Union Center and a short walk from Agriplace. It offers easy access to John G. Diefenbaker International Airport and 4 major industrial parks.
- Budget
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Saskatoon, SK
The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Saskatoon is located just 2 km from John G. Diefenbaker International Airport and offers rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. There is also a modern fitness center.
- Luxury
Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre
The Saskatoon Inn is conveniently located on Circle Drive, just 2 km from Saskatoon Airport and 6 km from downtown. The Saskatoon Inn is an ideal base for exploring the major attractions and amenities that Saskatoon has to offer.
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