An insider’s insight into Saskatchewan’s best
Although they frequently travel for their business, the Alexanders are proud to call Saskatchewan home
John and Judy Alexander of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, have the life that many dream of. Although they could decide to retire, they enjoy the growth and challenge of their business selling Christian scripts. Their business, DramaShare, requires long hours, but they get to spend this time leading workshops and writing, all while travelling around North America.
In order to make travelling a sustainable lifestyle, the Alexanders now own a 40-foot Newmar Ventana. The unit efficiently serves both their work and comfort needs. They are able to visit their clients and focus on writing away from the demands of home.
Nowhere like home
Despite having travelled far and wide, the Alexanders are proud experts on their home province of Saskatchewan and are glad to point out some of the advantages of being an RVer in this Prairie province. Pristine recreational areas, fairly ready access to campgrounds, and some of the most friendly and welcoming people in the world are, they claim, some of the benefits of travelling on their home turf. They also point out that Saskatchewan has recently developed some excellent RV campgrounds, many of which are accommodating to big rigs.
“Our main claim to fame used to be our laid-back lifestyle and the opportunity to know all your neighbours,” said John. “With the sudden explosion in resources, plus a very strong agricultural economy, the province is booming. While we may at times grieve the loss of a less stressful lifestyle, we are incredibly proud of our new economy. However, just hop in the RV and go a few miles out of town and you will find a lifestyle similar to the much-storied one we used to know.”
Places to be
The Alexanders' favourite local attraction is Waskesiu in Prince Albert National Park. However, the Qu'Appelle Valley, Carlyle, Besant, Maple Creek and Cypress Hills also made the list as great destinations. Although the Alexanders feel that Saskatchewan has been underserved with quality RV parks in years past, they note that this seems to be turning around as well-run facilities that can accommodate big rigs become more common.
However, John makes the case for another form of RV discovery.
“I think one advantage of RVing—particularly big-rig RVing—is that there are literally thousands of breathtaking spots around the province which haven’t been spoiled by commercialization,” he said. “Drive slowly through the province and, whenever the view takes your breath away, lower the levellers and just enjoy the best of Mother Nature.”
Hometown pride
The series of Western Development museums in Saskatoon, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and Yorkton are recommended for their memories of pioneer days—each is located near an RV park. To really highlight their expertise, the Alexanders are glad to talk about their hometown.
“Saskatoon is a mix of the nostalgic old and the bustling new,” said John, “from the magic of Western Development Museum’s Boomtown 1910 to the culturally exciting Wanuskewin Heritage Park where the native Canadian traditions and heritages are wonderfully kept alive. You can’t miss soup and bannock at the little-known restaurant where native recipes are blended with current-day staples such as hamburgers.”
Overall, the province has become a very exciting place to visit while maintaining its Prairie charm.
“Saskatchewan has done a major rebirthing in the last few years, said John, “but one thing remains and always will. Saskatchewan is the most friendly spot on earth, bar none. Although our main export over the past several decades has been our people, this trend has now been totally reversed as our sons and daughters are returning home to lucrative jobs and the world’s best lifestyle. With them are coming immigrants from all over the world to fill the job openings in our resource sector, making us wonderfully culturally diverse. Come watch us celebrate the mix of old and new!”
