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Our Canada: Saskatoon, Sask.

Our Canada: Saskatoon, Sask.

Photo courtesy of tourismsaskatoon.com Image by: Photo courtesy of tourismsaskatoon.com Author: Canadian Living

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Our Canada: Saskatoon, Sask.

The one thing I find myself boasting about the most when asked about Saskatoon is the friendliness. Don't be surprised when a stranger says "Hi" and smiles at you. It's just the way we are. Saskatoon also has the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada. It's great to hear people ask, "How can I help?" Saskatoon has the youngest population (median age 34.5) in the country, and I'm very proud that our young families are staying and new families are moving to Saskatoon to share in our strong and diverse economy.

When it comes to cultural festivals in Saskatoon, you can travel the world but never leave the city. Folkfest is one of the premier summer events. More than 20 pavilions representing every continent share their culture, entertainment and food. Folkfest is only the beginning. You can catch the beat of a First Nation PowWow, the cool sounds of the Saskatoon Blues Festival, perhaps drop into the Bessborough Gardens and rock the night away at the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival or check out 'Rock The River' for classic rock. If you love live theatre, you'll really enjoy 'Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan.'

The PotashCorp Mayor's Cultural Gala showcases world-class entertainment. The difference is the entertainers all live in Saskatoon. The world has come to Saskatoon and decided to stay! The secret ingredient to a burgeoning and flourishing city like Saskatoon is our multiculturalism. Thousands of families from around the world are choosing Saskatoon as their new home. They value their history and we value their contribution. More than 147 languages and dialects are spoken here.

The first thing visitors will notice about Saskatoon is the "Castle on the River." The iconic Bessborough Hotel has stood proudly on the banks on the South Saskatchewan River since 1932. It is a historical landmark. And if you visit us in the summertime you will be amazed at this "Paris on the Prairies." We are an oasis from the summer heat with more than 105,000 trees in city parks and boulevards and thousands more dot the gardens and homes of our nearly 270,000 residents.

Perhaps Saskatoon is just a starting point for your northern Saskatchewan visit. There are more than 100,000 northern lakes and a forest larger than Germany.

Food. When I have a yearning for any cuisine I know I can find it here in Saskatoon. From Asian to Indian, Middle Eastern or European, Latin American and South American, our city has captured a real international flavour. In fact one of the top chefs in Canada has his restaurant in Saskatoon. My best moment in Saskatoon was the day we opened River Landing. The rejuvenation of our riverfront has changed the city. River Landing is a people park with walking paths that connect to the Meewasin Valley Trail and the Wanuskewin Heritage Park. River Landing is also part of the cultural corridor that spans the trendy Broadway district across the river past the soon-to-be-opened Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan all the way through the historic and hip district of Riversdale. It is a walk through history and the cultural rebirth of Canada’s fastest growing city.

When you walk down a busy street in Saskatoon one thing you will almost always see are families walking together. Generations stroll in our downtown shopping district or perhaps they are heading to a favourite restaurant or River Landing. I can feel the heartbeat of the city when I walk down the street.

From jaunts along the River Landing to hikes along the Meewasin Valley Trail, there sure is a lot to see and do in Saskatoon. But we'd like to hear more about your community, too. Tell us about where you live and you could be featured in our 40th anniversary special.

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Our Canada: Saskatoon, Sask.

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