Explore Saskatchewan Canada

Explore Saskatchewan

What is the best time to travel to Saskatchewan

The best time to travel to Saskatchewan depends on the activities and attractions you are interested in. Saskatchewan has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, so the weather can vary greatly throughout the year.

Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Saskatchewan, with warm temperatures and longer days that allow for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring the province’s national and provincial parks. This is also the time when many festivals and events take place, including the Regina Folk Festival and the Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival.

Fall (September to November) is a quieter time to visit Saskatchewan, but the weather is still pleasant with mild temperatures and colorful fall foliage. This is a good time to explore the province’s cultural attractions and museums, as well as the many farmers’ markets and harvest festivals.

Winter (December to February) is the coldest season in Saskatchewan, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, this is also a great time for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The province’s many winter festivals and events, such as the Waskesiu Snow Days and the Festival du Voyageur, offer a chance to experience the province’s winter culture.

Spring (March to May) is a transitional season in Saskatchewan, with mild temperatures and the possibility of snow. This is a good time to visit the province’s museums and galleries, as well as to explore the outdoors as the snow melts and the wildflowers begin to bloom.

How to get to Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is located in the prairies of western Canada, and it is accessible by several modes of transportation.

By air: Saskatchewan has two major international airports – Regina International Airport and Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. Both airports offer direct flights to and from major cities across Canada, as well as some international destinations. Visitors can also access Saskatchewan via connecting flights through other Canadian airports.

By road: Saskatchewan is accessible by several major highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which runs east-west across the province, and Highway 16, which runs east-west through the northern part of the province. Visitors can drive to Saskatchewan from other parts of Canada and the United States.

By rail: Via Rail Canada operates a cross-Canada passenger train service that passes through Saskatchewan, with stops in Saskatoon and Melville. The train travels between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario, with stops in several other cities across Canada.

By bus: Saskatchewan has several intercity and regional bus companies that provide bus service within the province, as well as connections to other parts of Canada and the United States.

Visitors can choose the mode of transportation that best suits their needs and budget to get to Saskatchewan.

How to get around Saskatchewan

There are several ways to get around Saskatchewan, depending on your preferences and budget.

By car: Driving is the most common way to get around Saskatchewan. The province has a well-maintained network of highways and roads that connect major cities and smaller communities. Visitors can rent a car at one of the major airports or in urban centers.

By bus: Saskatchewan has several intercity and regional bus companies that provide bus service within the province, as well as connections to other parts of Canada and the United States. Greyhound, Rider Express, and Northern Express Bus Line are some of the bus companies that operate in Saskatchewan.

By train: Via Rail Canada operates a cross-Canada passenger train service that passes through Saskatchewan, with stops in Saskatoon and Melville.

By plane: Saskatchewan has two major international airports, Regina International Airport and Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, which offer direct flights to and from major cities across Canada, as well as some international destinations. Several smaller airports and airstrips also serve smaller communities in the province.

By bike: Cycling is a popular way to explore Saskatchewan’s urban centers and natural areas. The province has several designated bike trails, including the Trans Canada Trail and the Great Trail.

By foot: Saskatchewan’s cities and towns are generally pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Many of the province’s natural attractions, such as parks and hiking trails, can also be explored on foot.

National Airports

Saskatchewan has two national airports:

Regina International Airport (YQR): Regina International Airport is located in Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan. It is the largest airport in the province and serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Delta Air Lines. The airport offers non-stop flights to several destinations in Canada and the United States.

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE): Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is located in Saskatoon, the largest city in Saskatchewan. It is the second-largest airport in the province and serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Delta Air Lines. The airport offers non-stop flights to several destinations in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Trains in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan does not have any passenger train service within the province. However, Via Rail Canada operates a cross-Canada passenger train service that passes through Saskatchewan, with stops in the cities of Saskatoon and Melville.

The Via Rail train that runs through Saskatchewan is called the Canadian, and it travels between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario. The train passes through Saskatchewan on its route and stops at Saskatoon and Melville.

While there is no intra-provincial train service in Saskatchewan, visitors can take advantage of the Via Rail service to travel to and from other parts of Canada, with stops in Saskatchewan’s major cities. Alternatively, visitors can also travel within the province by car, bus, or air.

Buses in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has several bus companies that provide intercity and regional bus service within the province. Some of the major bus companies operating in Saskatchewan include:

Greyhound: Greyhound is a major bus company that operates intercity bus service across Canada and the United States. In Saskatchewan, Greyhound provides service between major cities such as Regina, Saskatoon, and Moose Jaw, as well as smaller communities.

Rider Express: Rider Express is a Saskatchewan-based bus company that provides intercity bus service between several cities in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. The company also offers charter bus service for groups and events.

STC (Saskatchewan Transportation Company): STC was a provincial Crown corporation that provided intercity bus service across Saskatchewan until it was shut down in 2017. Some of the bus routes previously operated by STC have since been taken over by private bus companies.

Northern Express Bus Line: Northern Express Bus Line provides intercity bus service between several communities in northern Saskatchewan, including La Ronge, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon.

Highway 14 Bus Line: Highway 14 Bus Line provides intercity bus service between Regina and communities in southern Saskatchewan, including Weyburn, Radville, and Estevan.

In addition to these bus companies, several tour companies also operate in Saskatchewan, offering guided bus tours of the province’s scenic and cultural attractions.

Accommodations in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the most common options:

Hotels and Motels: Saskatchewan has many hotels and motels located in both urban centers and rural areas. These range from budget-friendly options to upscale luxury hotels.

Bed and Breakfasts: Bed and breakfasts offer a more intimate and personalized accommodation experience, often located in historic homes or rural settings. They typically include breakfast as part of the stay.

Campgrounds and RV Parks: Saskatchewan has many campgrounds and RV parks, including those located in provincial and national parks, that offer a more rustic and outdoor-oriented experience. Some campgrounds also offer cabins or yurts for those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience.

Resorts and Lodges: Saskatchewan has many resorts and lodges located in scenic areas, such as lakes or mountains. These offer a range of amenities and activities, such as golf, fishing, or spa treatments.

Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals, such as cabins, cottages, or condos, are also available in Saskatchewan. These are ideal for families or groups who prefer a more private and independent accommodation experience.