BY CLAY
LARROY
When
you choose to travel, whether it is for
business or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here
are some tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many
travelers let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the
rewards of your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have
expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling is a
great way to use your airline miles. When you need to plan
a vacation contact me!
SASKATOON,
"BAND CITY"
Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of about 257,000 people, it
is the province's largest city. It's a little oasis among wheat fields.
See
The Bessborough Hotel overlooks
the Saskatchewan River and is probably the most famous landmark in the city.
Be sure to check out the six bridges (including two railway
bridges); sadly, the city's first bridge, the Traffic or Victoria Bridge, is
(as of 2012) in the process of being dismantled.
Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).
Do
If you have young children, the rides at Kinsmen Park cannot be
beat. There is a miniature train, Ferris wheel and merry-go-round (all of which
were upgraded in 2015). This attraction is near the Kinsmen Play Village, the
Ukrainian Museum of Canada and across the street from the former Mendel Art
Gallery, which as of fall 2015 is in the process of being converted into a
children's museum. (The art gallery itself has been replaced by the Remai Art
Gallery of Saskatchewan in the new River Landing development downtown.)
There are various shopping malls all around the city. Midtown
Plaza, is probably the most convenient place for tourists to go to since it is
in downtown Saskatoon. It is the largest mall in the city with over 130 stores
and services, with two fairly large department stores such as Sears and The
Bay. The next biggest malls are The Centre at Circle and 8th on the east side
of the city, and The Mall at Lawson Heights in the north; the latter is the
closest major mall to the numerous hotels and motels in the airport area.
Saskatoon Blades - Catch the local Western Hockey League team in
action at the Credit Union Centre. The Centre is located in a remote part of
northern Saskatoon; although there is a bus route serving the area, expect to
have to take a taxi or rent a car.
Festivals
Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer.
These include:
Saskatoon Exhibition. Annual fair
with the usual assortment of midway rides and live entertainment. Usually held
in early August.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan'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 Festival
- Major 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 Festival
- Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in
June.
Saskatoon International Fringe Festival
- Street performances and alternative theatre centered around Broadway
Avenue in 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.
Canada Remembers Airshow
- Dedicating to remembering Canada's veterans, combines ground displays
of intage aircraft, WW II trainers, fighters and bombers as well as the latest
in jet-powered aircraft. Has active air acts which include vintage WWII
aircraft, current military aircraft, and the Canadian Forces' Snowbirds
Demonstration Team. Runs in August. 2009 will be its last year of performance.
"A Taste of The
Saskatchewan"
- An Annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants are
featured and provide Hors d'oeuvre and live entertainment. Often taking place
in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location provides an
excellent atmosphere.
REFERENCE SITES:
