By Ron Stern, Travel Photojounalist
From museum lovers to theatre aficionados to health seekers, there is something for everyone in this Canadian province.
Shakespeare, eh? Lots of cities have Shakespeare festivals and Saskatoon is no exception. What makes the “Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan” (River) so unique is that this repertory theatre company produces the Bard’s classic plays in modern dress and in modern times. The festival runs from the beginning of July to halfway through August. Foodies will love the medieval feasts that are also on offer, and there are theatre workshops, behind the scenes tours, and art displays.
History. Saskatchewan has a rich history and celebrates it in several museums. The Western Development Museum in Saskatoon, for example, takes visitors back in time to 19th-century Saskatoon with a street called Boomtown. This is complete with a blacksmith’s forge, general store, chapel, doctor’s office, and of course the local station for the Mounties.
A bit north of Saskatoon is Wanuskewin Heritage Park, devoted to the history of Saskatchewan’s First Nations peoples. In the grounds are six kilometers of nature trails which meanders through the habitat for native birds, mammals and plants. It was founded to provide a “living reminder of the peoples’ sacred relationship with the land.”
Healing Waters. About 80 miles east of Saskatoon is the resort village of Manitou Springs, much prized by visitors for the highly mineralized waters of Little Manitou Lake.
Individuals with health issues such as a variety of skin conditions, and arthritis come here to relax, and float in these waters which are dubbed, “The Dead Sea of Canada.”
Food. The capital of Saskatchewan is Regina, located about 2-and-a-half hours southeast of Saskatoon.
The heart of downtown has been renovated to be a shopper’s delight, with plenty of pedestrian-only access. Catering to the shoppers are food trucks and restaurants of all kinds.
There are two locations in Regina that offer the British tradition of afternoon high tea – Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson and Government House. So popular is this tradition that it’s necessary to reserve a place in advance.
Resources: Saskatchewan Tourism: http://tourismsaskatchewan.com