Life in Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a commercial and educational centre located on Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis in what is now the province of Saskatchewan. The Saskatoon area has been inhabited for over 8000 years, first by First Nations people who have left evidence of their lives in the form of tipi rings, medicine wheels, and bison kill sites. The name “Saskatoon” comes from the Cree word misaskwatomina, which refers to a sweet, purple berry which still grows in the area.

The first settlers of European ancestry arrived in the early 1880’s. Chief White Cap advised them to build their colony on the east side of the river; this colony was called Nutana, and was located where the neighbourhood of Nutana is today. By the early 1900’s, a settlement called Saskatoon had developed on the west side of the river, and Riversdale (still a neighbourhood today) had sprung up on the west bank, further south from Saskatoon. In 1906, the three villages joined together to create the town of Saskatoon.

Learn more about Saskatoon’s history.

Saskatoon is located the central portion of the province of Saskatchewan, spread over a relatively flat area which dips into the South Saskatchewan River Valley. In the city, there are many attractive walking trails along the river valley. Technically in the Aspen Parkland section of the province, Saskatoon is surrounded by farmland.

Saskatoon has four distinct seasons. Winter and summer can be extreme; temperatures can range from -30 Celsius in January to +30 Celsius in July. However, the climate is not humid, which helps winter temperatures feel warmer and summer temperatures feel cooler. Also, Saskatoon is one of the sunnier places in Canada, averaging around 2381 hours of sunlight per year (that’s 6.5 hours, every day!).

Saskatoon’s civic government consists of a Mayor and ten City Councillors. Every four years, Canadian citizens who have lived in Saskatoon for at least 6 months can vote for a Mayor and a councillor for the area of Saskatoon in which they live. You can learn more about Saskatoon’s government here.

Saskatoon is in the central part of Saskatchewan, and may be reached via Highway 16 (Yellowhead) from Edmonton or Winnipeg, and via Highway 11 from Regina. You can reach Saskatoon by bus from any long-distance bus station.

Saskatoon has an international airport (John G. Diefenbaker International Airport). At least 60 flights per day arrive from and depart to various cities in Canada and other parts of North America. Taxi and bus service is available at the airport to take passengers to other parts of the city.

If you would rather travel by train, Saskatoon’s VIA Rail station is about 8 km west of the downtown area. Saskatoon is on “The Canadian” route, which travels from Toronto to Vancouver and back, through the Rocky Mountains.

Saskatoon enjoys one of the lowest costs of living among major cities in Canada. This means that you will pay less for housing, utilities, food, and taxes in Saskatoon than in other similar-sized or larger cities. Paying less for these essential things means that you will have more money available for saving, or spending on less essential items!

Learn more about Saskatchewan’s cost of living.

Saskatoon has over 60 different neighbourhoods, some of which are very new, and some which have been in existence for as long as the city itself! Each has its own unique character and attractions. Each neighbourhood has its own Community Association, which works to provide recreational activities for neighbourhood residents, and to make sure that everyone enjoys a good quality of life. Find more information on Community Associations and Saskatoon’s neighbourhoods.

For information (population, average income, ethnic diversity, etc.) on each neighbourhood from the most recent Canadian Census, check out our Neighbourhood Profile information.

Saskatoon’s libraries offer a huge number of services: lending books, e-books, CDs, and DVDs; offering help with research and projects; and providing fun and educational activities for all ages. All of that at no direct cost to you – does it really get any better?

Visit the Saskatoon Library website to find a library in your area and learn more about its programs and services.

The City of Saskatoon operates six different Leisure Centres, which offer fitness classes, courts, pools, and other activities. There are also several golf courses and outdoor pools, which are open in the summer, and skating rinks and cross-country ski trails, which operate in the winter.  There are great family-friendly attractions such as the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo and Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park. 

The City of Saskatoon publishes a seasonal Leisure Guide, which lists a variety of sport, culture and recreation programs and activities offered by the City, as well as activities offered by other organizations. See our most recent Leisure Guide.

Visit Parks, Recreation & Attractions to learn more. 

There are a number of different options for places to live in Saskatoon. Many people choose to rent furnished or unfurnished apartments or houses when they first arrive. Saskatoon also has a strong real estate market, with many houses and condominiums for sale. 

• Helpful information on housing and household needs in Saskatchewan. 
• For information on the different types of housing available and what you need to know when you’re looking for a place to live, please read the City of Saskatoon's Housing Handbook. 
• Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority has some helpful cost of living and other lifestyle information for newcomers to the City of Saskatoon. 

Saskatoon has many options for getting around the city and traveling to other destinations. Depending upon where you are, your destination may even be within easy walking distance! Make sure to check a map before you start out.

Driving

In order to drive in Saskatoon, you will need to have a valid Saskatchewan Driver’s License. Information on getting a driver’s license and buying and registering a car.

Bicycling

Getting around by bicycle is a great way to get to know the city - it’s also good for the environment and good exercise! Bicycling is extremely popular in the spring, summer, and fall; some people even bicycle in the winter. No matter how experienced you are in riding a bicycle, it’s important to make sure that you wear the proper safety equipment, and know and follow the rules of the road. Learn more about cycling in Saskatoon.

Saskatoon Transit

Learn more about Saskatoon Transit’s many bus routes and how to plan a bus trip.

Taxis & Transportation Network Companies

Saskatoon has several licensed taxi companies companies that operate in the city. Every taxi company is licensed by the City and uses the same minimum fare, so there are no significant differences in cost between different companies.

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber, are a new form of vehicle for hire service in Saskatoon. Unlike taxis, vehicles are dispatched through a transportation network, such as an app maintained by the TNC. Trips cannot be requested through a street hail or from a taxi stand.

Visit Taxis & Transportation Network Companies for more information on how taxis and TNCs are regulated in Saskatoon.

Saskatoon Airport (John G. Diefenbaker International)

At least 60 flights per day arrive from and depart to various cities in Canada and other parts of North America. Taxi and bus service is available at the airport to take passengers to other parts of the city. Visit the airport website.

Saskatoon VIA Rail Station

Saskatoon’s VIA Rail station is about 8 km west of the downtown area. Saskatoon is on “The Canadian” route, which travels from Toronto to Vancouver and back, through the Rocky Mountains.