An excellent introduction to the city comes from exploring the Meewasin Valley, along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River through the downtown area. Particularly pleasant is the west bank of the river, where a riverside trail accesses viewpoints that show the massive Delta Bessborough hotel rising like a French château above parklands and the river.
The University of Saskatchewan (tel. 306/966-4343; www.usask.ca) occupies a dramatic 750-hectare (1,853-acre) site overlooking the South Saskatchewan River across from downtown and is attended by some 15,000 students. The actual campus buildings are set on 200 hectares (494 acres), while the rest of the area is largely given over to the university farm and experimental plots. A good starting point for exploring the sprawling campus is the Diefenbaker Canada Centre (101 Diefenbaker Place; tel. 306/966-8384), which is named for Canada's 13th Prime Minister, who was born in Saskatchewan. Displays pertain to Diefenbaker's political accomplishments and the role of politics, in general, in Canadian society. It's open Monday through Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday noon to 4:30pm. Admission is C$7 adults, C$5 seniors and children, or C$15 families. Enquire here about walking tours of the campus (minimum of four people required) that cost C$5 per person. The University Observatory (tel. 306/966-6429; open Sat evenings after dusk) houses the Duncan telescope. Also worth searching out is Victoria School House, built in 1887, which served as the city's first school and community center. It's off College Drive near the southwest corner of the campus. To get to the campus, take bus no. 7 or 19 from downtown at 23rd Street and 2nd Avenue.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
