Saskatchewan singalong
See why artists are so inspired by this prairie province
Try this sometime: make an iPod playlist or mixed CD of your favourite Canadian musical artists and listen to them while driving across Saskatchewan’s prairies. There’s something expansive about the music of artists like Connie Kaldor, Joni Mitchell and Buffy Saint Marie—all singers with Saskatchewan roots—that perfectly reflects the landscape beyond the highway. So, turn up the stereo and check out 10 of the best things to see and do in the province.
1) Time travellers
Canada’s multiculturalism means opportunities to explore the customs and norms of other cultures, often in our own backyard. The Mennonite Heritage Centre in Swift Current depicts the life and times of early Mennonite settlers in the area. www.mennoniteheritagevillage.ca
2) A prairie mountain
Moose Mountain Provincial Park has been a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike for generations. Lake Kenosee was my mother’s stomping grounds back in the day—she used to ride horses in the area during the day and kick up her heels at night. Opportunities for both still abound. Trail rides around the lake are offered for every level of rider, and no experience is necessary to enjoy the nightlife. www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/moosemountain
3) Get a new perspective
There’s something about wide open spaces that encourages people to think big. Outlook is no exception. Spanning the South Saskatchewan River near Outlook is Skytrail which, at 915 metres, is the longest pedestrian bridge in Canada.
Outlook is in the process of transforming another railway bridge—affectionately known as BOB (for Big Orange Bridge) that will be connected by the Trans Canada Trail to Skytrail. www.town.outlook.sk.ca/skytrail
4) Come sail away with me
Billed as Saskatchewan’s Great Lake, Lake Diefenbaker is popular with anglers, swimmers, photographers and boaters of every description. There are numerous businesses that rent canoes, kayaks, PWCs and motorboats. With more than 800 kilometres of shoreline to explore, the perfect picnic place surely awaits. www.lakediefenbakertourism.com
5) See the silver screen
While events such as the Toronto International Film Festival or Sundance Film Festival might get a lot of press, the Yorkton Film Festival has been quietly going on with the business of screening outstanding international films and documentaries every May since 1960.
The festival highlights many Canadian, aboriginal and multicultural films that might not otherwise be seen in theatres, some of which go on to win Oscars. www.goldensheafawards.com
6) On the trail of Grey Owl
Prince Albert National Park supports a tremendous amount of wildlife, and in the 1930s, the famed Canadian author and conservationist, Grey Owl (a.k.a. Archibald Belaney), was hired by the Dominion Parks Service as the park’s first naturalist. He wrote three of his books, Pilgrims of the Wild, Sajo and the Beaver People and Empty Cabin while in residence. Grey Owl’s cabin still stands in the park.
7) Canoe culture
Speaking of history, much of Canada’s past is connected to the canoe, which was used both for exploration and trade. Take a guided canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan River through the historical Battlefords, where the Northwest Mounted Police established Fort Battleford in 1876. www.clearwatercanoeing.ca
8-10) Time to sing along
So, we’re back listening to our iPods as the Guess Who guide us in with Running Back to Saskatoon. Saskatoon has many fine qualities besides having been mentioned in several songs (see also: Tragically Hip, Johnny Cash); it is a beautiful city with abundant cultural events.
See the best of the Bard at the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival, which takes place from July 7 to August 22. Learn about Métis history and culture during Back to Batoche Days in July. Finally, check out new, rising musical artists—and a few established ones—at the Saskatoon Folk Festival in August. You may just end up with some new songs for the iPod. www.tourismsaskatoon.com
