As we begin another Saskatchewan winter, it’s time to again review some of our favourite winter locations and activities. Here is a list of destinations for you to make and share some memories right here in Saskatchewan. Some spots are close to home and others are a bit more of a drive, but all are perfectly amazing if you want a vacation without leaving the province.
1. Nutrien Wonderhub – Saskatoon.
It may be colder outside but it’s so much cooler in the Wonderhub! The Nutrien Wonderhub encourages kids to discover the world around them through creativity, curiosity collaboration and imagination. With permanent, interactive exhibits, the Wonderhub isn’t just for children and promises to keep you and your family both educated and entertained. Allow the kids to lead you through the immersive exhibits and watch as they discover things about their province, while practicing motor skills and widening their imagination.
As a child-centered museum, there is no wrong way to experience Wonderhub. With your kids at the lead, you’re guaranteed to enjoy each exhibit in a totally new way every time you visit. Curiosity is a quality shared by people of all ages and is a fundamental value of the Wonderhub. Every exhibit is sure to engage all visitors – young and old.
Related Links:
2. Saskatchewan Science Centre – Regina.
The Saskatchewan Science Centre is an interactive science museum located in Regina’s Wascana Park. It features over 180 hands-on science exhibits as well as live stage shows (when possible) and demonstrations across a variety of scientific disciplines, including energy, human anatomy, space, and the local Saskatchewan wildlife. They also have visiting exhibits so you can return multiple times a year to see something new and exciting. A place that inspires learning, encourages innovation, sparks discovery, and creates an interest in science, math, and technology can be a nice respite from a Saskatchewan winter.
If you are a traveler, buy a membership. The Saskatchewan Science Centre is affiliated with many other science centres and museums, to allow complimentary admission.
At the Saskatchewan Science Centre, there are activities for everyone in the family. You can easily spend hours between the IMAX theatre, lunch at the restaurant and learning from its ever-changing interactive exhibits, daily programming, live demonstrations/stage.
Related Links:
Saskatchewan Science Centre – Featured Exhibits
Saskatchewan Science Centre – Events Calendar
About the Saskatchewan Science Centre – Regina, Saskatchewan
3. Outdoor Ice Skating
Skating is a great way for your entire family to stay active this winter. Most outdoor rinks are free and available most any day of winter! As the province that produces more NHL hockey players per capita than anywhere else in the world, you won’t need to look too far to find an outdoor rink near you.
If you don’t have your own skates, some rinks like Victoria Park skating rink in downtown Regina and the Cameco Meewasin skating rink in downtown Saskatoon, provide rentals.
When you’re from Saskatchewan, it’s never too early to get your kids out on the ice. Beautiful winter days can be so refreshing and enjoyable, so why not take advantage of them by enjoying one of Canada’s favourite national pastimes. Skating keeps your family active and entertained – even while winter endures.
4. Stoked Centre – Saskatoon.
This high energy entertainment destination is located within Wilson’s Lifestyle Centre, guaranteeing a unique experience for the entire family. Race on high-speed electric go-karts, fly high on the 200-foot zip line or challenge yourself on the suspended obstacle course, while the little ones burn up energy in bouncy castles!
The Stoked Centre has something for the entire family. Relax amongst Wilson’s Home and Garden Centre’s endless supply of flowers, herbs, and succulents, dare to try the highflying obstacle course and then cool off with a wide variety of snacks and locally sourced espresso at the amazing cafe.
Related Links:
Hollywoof – Pet Groomer
5. Winter Adventure Resort
When the weather outside is frightful, a weekend stay in a Saskatchewan resort is delightful. Packed with activities for the thrill seeker, the homebody and those who simply want to go walking in a winter wonderland, resorts have something for everyone. Saskatchewan has many varied options for winter getaways. Here are four of our favourites.
Highlights:
- Snowmobiling
- Cross country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Tobogganing
- Ice fishing
Each of these spots have options for winter sports like cross country skiing, skating and tobogganing as well as beautifully groomed trails for snowshoeing or casual exploring. Elk Ridge features curling rinks, allowing you and your family to have your own personal bonspiel and for those who love a unique adventure, dog sledding is an exhilarating option.
6. McNally Robinson – Saskatoon.
Something about colder temperatures makes many of us want to curl up with a good book. As the largest independent bookstore in Canada, McNally Robinson is one giant comfortable, reading nook.
Highlights:
- Spotlighting local authors
- Prairie Ink restaurant and cafe
- Extensive board collection
- Regularly scheduled speakers
- Author book signings and readings
- Storytime for preschoolers
- Children’s clothing
Get your kids excited about reading by helping them choose a new book or board game for family game night. McNally Robinson is also the perfect spot to find a thoughtful Christmas gift for the budding bookworm in your family.
Related Links:
McNally Robinson Event Schedule
McNally Robinson Author of the Month
7. Mabel and Martha’s – Regina.
If you’re having trouble channeling the Christmas spirit, once you visit Mabel and Martha’s Vintage Décor store you’ll find your festive! Soft Christmas harp music fills the air even before you step inside, but you’ll feel the truest pulse of Christmas spirit within the stunning array of holiday and home décor options – ranging from rustic chic to bespoke timeless.
Why not start a tradition where everyone chooses a new decoration for the Christmas tree and get the family involved in decorating? Items from Mabel and Martha’s can warm up your interior style or make the perfect present for someone special.
8. Winter festivals
Nothing breaks up the gloom of winter more than the bright lights and excitement of a festival! And lucky for us, Saskatchewan is full of them. Here are five of our favourites:
Winterruption – An eclectic lineup of live bands, stand-up and sleigh rides make for a great reason to get outside in the chill of winter. Much of the action happens in Saskatoon but Swift Current and Regina also host their own Winterruption festivals.
Winter Shines – Presented by Nutrien, Winter Shines offers a day camp where youngsters can learn about winter activities, ice sculptures abound and there’s even a soup cook-off.
Santa Claus Parade – Find out if your town or city has a Santa Claus parade or organize your own and bring the magic of the season alive!
Enchanted Forest – Located at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park in Saskatoon, the Enchanted Forest is one of the best and longest running Christmas light shows in Canada – enjoyed by 80,000 visitors each year. Providing community support, it also raises funds for the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.
Prince Albert Winter Festival – Take part in a full weekend of Northern Saskatchewan winter experiences like a jigging contest, sled dog rides, and a fiddle show.
Saskatchewan has a vibrant festival culture and winter cannot slow us down. Get your family in the holiday spirit or just enjoy the unique “Sasky culture” at any of the above festivals and show them that winter is not for hibernating!
9. Dog Sled Adventure
Dog sledding is a tradition borne from the trapping history in many parts of Saskatchewan. Prince Albert actually hosts the Canadian Challenge Dog Sled Race in February, which is a 600 km. marathon where racers can qualify for the prestigious Iditarod race. For the more casual dog sledders, Sundogs Excursions and Elk Ridge Resorts provide elite teams of dogs and guides to fly you through North Saskatchewan snowdrifts.
Your family will love bonding with each other and with their canine companions as you learn to run a dog team and explore the wild beauty of our province at exhilarating speeds. The dogs are always happy to see you and it’s impossible not to be excited by their boundless enthusiasm.
10. Fat Biking
Fat biking is one of the fastest growing segments of the cycling industry. The extra wide and low pressures tires make four-season cycling a reality. The bikes float on a snowpack and make recreational bike riding an exciting and unique winter activity.
How/where to rent:
Western Cycle in Regina
Dutch Cycle in Regina
Bruce’s Cycle Works in Saskatoon
The Bike Doctor in Saskatoon
Take your family out for Global Fat Bike Day Ride in Saskatoon or rent bikes for everyone to explore the winter landscape. For more experienced riders, trails for fat biking are waiting for you in Prince Albert National Park and Duck Mountain Provincial Park.
Nobody really knows winter better than we do in Saskatchewan, so it makes sense that no one knows how to have winter fun like us. Saskatchewan has a diverse landscape and rich history – plenty of attractions and unique destinations with great activities that even many locals don’t even know about. If you have any favourite destination in the province that you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you.
From all of us at Porsche Centre Saskatchewan, we wish you a safe drive to all these fantastic destinations. And remember, we’re always here to help if you’re looking for a safe, comfortable and dependable driving choice.