Overview of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon is a vibrant, growing city located in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. With a population of almost 300,000 people, it is the largest city in the province and is known for its friendly people, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful river valley. Saskatoon has a rich history that dates back over 6,000 years. The area was first inhabited by First Nations people, including the Cree, Assiniboine, and Blackfoot. The region was known for its abundant wildlife, fertile soil, and access to water, making it an ideal place for hunting, fishing, and agriculture. Today, the city is a thriving hub of culture, education and businesses.
Saskatoon is one of the sunniest places in Canada, with an amazing average of approximately 2381 hours of sunlight per year. To put it into perspective, that’s roughly 6.5 hours every day! With a diverse economy and great weather, it’s no wonder that plenty of students flock to the major city. Schools in Saskatoon, including Saskatchewan Polytechnic, aim to enrich students’ minds by providing them with diverse and unique program opportunities.
Things to do
Shop at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
Located in the heart of the city’s downtown, the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market is open year-round with over 100 vendors offering a wide variety of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods and artisanal crafts. The market also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, such as cooking classes and gardening workshops.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
One of the most unique ways to experience Saskatoon is by taking a horse-drawn carriage through the city’s historic neighbourhoods. Tours typically depart from the Delta Bessborough Hotel and will take you through the charming neighbourhoods of Nutana and Buena Vista, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and tree-lined streets.
Lunch at the Berry Barn
The Berry Barn is a popular, family-friendly attraction just outside of Saskatoon. It is family-owned and has been in operation since 1972. The farm serves delicious Saskatoon berry desserts, and their full-service restaurant serves berry pies, berry smoothies, sandwiches, salads and other homemade treats between May and October. During the summer months, visitors can also pick their own Saskatoon berries or purchase them already picked from the onsite store.
Go hiking or biking in Blackstrap Provincial Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, Blackstrap Provincial Park is the perfect place to be. The park features a network of trails that wind through the scenic landscape and offers hikers and riders of all levels a fun and challenging experience. For those without bikes, there are several places in Saskatoon where you can rent one. Many of these rental companies also offer guided tours of the park which is a great way to explore the trails and learn more about the area’s history and ecology.
Find Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon
Being a mid-sized city, Saskatoon is home to two major post-secondary institutions, with a combined student population of around 40,000 students. One of the two institutions is Saskatchewan Polytechnic, a polytechnic school offering technical and vocational training in various areas such as engineering, health sciences, business and information technology. The institution has four campuses across the province, with each location providing unique opportunities for students:
- Saskatoon campus
- Cloud Computing and Blockchain
- Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Justice Studies
- Regina campus
- Supply Chain Management
- Plumbing and Pipefitting
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Moose Jaw campus
- Adult Teaching and Learning
- Business Accountancy
- Professional Cooking
- Prince Albert campus
- Critical Care Nursing
- Geographic Information Science
- Early Childhood Education
See here for a list of all programs available at each of the campuses.
Students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic have access to a wide variety of on-campus resources, including bookstores, dental clinics, restaurants and cafes, fitness and recreation programs, salons and spas, clubs, and test centers.
Job Opportunities & Salaries
Saskatoon is known for its agriculture, mining and technology stores, but there are plenty of opportunities in healthcare, education and government as well. According to Payscale.com, the average salary in Saskatoon is $64,000 per year. Jobs with this salary include software developers, project managers, accountants and business owners.
Sources: Life in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Average Salary in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 25 Best Things to Do in Saskatoon,
