Cartes
For maps of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Canada, click here.
Population & Location
As the Province of Saskatchewan's largest city, Saskatoon has a population of 260 600 (census metropolitan area). Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census.
It is located on the Trans-Canada's Yellowhead Highway #16 and is centrally located within the province (lat 52°8' 22" N., long 106°41' 10" W.). The city is 780 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, a little over 520 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, and just over 300 kilometres north of the U.S. border.
Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River which is crossed by seven bridges within city limits. The altitude of Saskatoon is 481,5 meters above sea level. The census metropolitan area of Saskatoon spans 5 214,52 sq. kilometres. Source: Statistics Canada, 2011 Census.
The City of Saskatoon maintains more than 1,000 hectares of parks and civic open spaces and 75 kilometres of cross country ski trails. The City’s Urban Forestry Program is responsible for the management of a tree inventory exceeding 100 000 trees. Saskatoon has 198 parks and 870 hectares of parkland throughout the city, including 156 hectares of river valley parkland.
History
The Saskatoon area has been inhabited for some 6 000 years; however, it was not until the summer of 1883 that the first settlers began to arrive. In 1903, the town charter was obtained. And on May 26, 1906, Saskatoon was incorporated as a city.
The name "Saskatoon" is derived from “mis-sask-quah-toomina,” a Cree name referring to the sweet and violet-coloured indigenous berry that grows in the area.
For quirky stories from Saskatoon’s history, courtesy of the Saskatoon Public Library, click here.
For more detailed information about Saskatoon’s history, click here.
Visiting Saskatoon
- Easy accessibility with over 3 300 hotel rooms and seven bridges crossing the South Saskatchewan River
- The city is known for its beautiful parkland setting. It is graced by the natural splendour of the South Saskatchewan River
- There are over 6 000 years of First Nations culture celebrated on sacred ground at Wanuskewin Heritage Park
- History is shared and experienced at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, the Diefenbaker Canada Centre, and the Western Development Museum
- Golfers will enjoy the award-winning courses, rated among the best in the Canada
- Saskatoon has several professional and amateur theatre groups, a symphony and numerous art galleries
- One-of-a-kind shopping is found in Saskatoon's historic and unique Broadway District and downtown.
- One of the North America's most beautiful campuses with its distinctive architecture is found in Saskatoon, at the University of Saskatchewan
- Located in Saskatoon, Canadian Light Source Inc. is Canada’s national synchrotron research facility and Canada’s largest science project
- Located north of Saskatoon, the city is within a short drive of a boreal forest
Economy
According to the Conference Board of Canada, the Saskatoon region has one of the most diversified economies in Canada.
Mining, energy, and agriculture dominate the economic landscape, creating demand for local metal goods and machinery for production, and providing the raw materials for the food processing sector.
International cost competitiveness and expansion of local goods production is also creating opportunities for the transportation and distribution industry, as 85% of local manufacturers export globally.
While these traditional sectors provide a solid base for growth in the region, advanced research and development facilities are helping create opportunities in new industries. Innovation is creating growth in manufacturing and life science sectors. Source: Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority
University
The University of Saskatchewan is the only university in Canada to house all five health science colleges and a major teaching hospital on the same campus. Some of the first experiments undertaken aboard the space shuttle were a result of research conducted at the University of Saskatchewan. Innovation Place, located on the university grounds, is one of the most successful university related research parks in North America.
Climat
Le climat de Saskatoon est généralement sec et ensoleillé. The average high temperature in July is 25C (77F). Evenings are cool with an average low of 11.5C (53F), generally requiring a light sweater or jacket. The average annual precipitation of 357mm ensures lush gardens, parks, and golf courses. The average high temperature in January is -11C (12F), with an average low of -21.6C (-7F). In winter, snowfall is sufficient for winter sports. Source: The Weather Network
Sociétés de transport
Saskatoon is serviced by the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport with several direct flights to and from major Canadian and U.S. destinations. Direct air access is available with Air Canada, WestJet, United, and Delta airlines. Via year-round direct flights from three major U.S. gateways (Minneapolis, Chicago, and Denver), travellers are connected by only one stop to Saskatoon from over 300 U.S. cities.
From the five major Asian gateways (Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong), Saskatoon is connected by 149 one-stop flights per week through six North American gateways (Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis).
From the three major European gateways (London, Frankfurt, and Paris), Saskatoon is connected by 301 one-stop flights per week though nine North American gateway cities (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Denver).
Saskatoon is also serviced by VIA Rail, Greyhound, and the Saskatchewan Transportation Company.
Locally, Saskatoon has several cab companies and a public transit system boasting new bio-diesel technologies and diesel electric hybrid buses. This was implemented by Saskatoon Transit in an effort to assist with the City of Saskatoon’s Corporate Energy and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan. The conversion of the entire Saskatoon Transit fleet to a biodiesel blend results in reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Entry into Canada
Appropriate documentation ensures that the traveller will be able to enter Canada and plays an integral part in their return. As of June 1, 2009, a passport or other approved secure travel document is required for all travel between the US and Canada. Visitors from all other countries must be in possession of a valid national passport and may also require a visa.
Information on Passports, Fees, and Processing Times
Information on Travel Conditions and Requirements
Renseignements généraux
Time: Saskatoon observes Central Standard Time year round and does not participate in Daylight Savings Time.
Currency: The currency system is based on Canadian dollars and cents (CAD). La devise américaine peut être changée dans n'importe quelle banque, caisse de crédit ou compagnie fiduciaire. Some businesses will accept U.S. currency at the current exchange rate.
Sales Tax: A Federal Sales Tax of 5% is levied on all goods and services. A Provincial Sales Tax of 5% is collected on most goods with a few exceptions.
Liquor Laws: L'âge minimum de consommation d'alcool est fixé en Saskatchewan à 19 ans. Les alcools, bières et vins sont vendus dans des régies des alcools et des magasins de bières et de vins en différents lieux de la ville. Les restaurants paient une licence pour servir des boissons alcooliques.
Smoking: La Ville de Saskatoon est une ville non-fumeur; tous les lieux publics et les clubs privés sont par conséquent non-fumeur, ce qui inclut les bars, les boîtes de nuit, les salles de quilles, les clubs privés et les restaurants. Par ailleurs, il est interdit de fumer dans les espaces assis extérieurs associés à ces établissements ou dans les tentes provisoires des événements publics.
Electricity: Electrical outlets in Saskatoon provide the same current as the rest of Canada and the United States - 110 volts (60 cycles). Overseas travellers are advised to use an adapter with their small appliances if they are designed for a different standard.
