Saskatchewan is a beautiful, exciting province in the heart of the Prairies. It is rich in natural beauty and resources with oil, gas and minerals contributing much to the provincial economy. Moving to Saskatchewan could bring exciting opportunities as it has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and excellent prospects for new businesses. Saskatchewan also offers a high standard of living with low food, housing and utilities costs and excellent schools and healthcare services. Saskatchewan has one of the fastest growing populations in Canada as more and more seek a better quality of life in the province of big skies and pretty cities.
City and Town Profiles
Saskatoon
Known as the Paris of the Prairies, Saskatoon is a vibrant, cultural city that continues to grow both economically and in terms of population. The city’s picturesque location on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and low average commuting distance make it a pleasant, liveable city with great opportunities in sectors as diverse as mining, research and technology.
Regina
In the heart of the prairies, Saskatchewan’s pretty capital is an important commercial and financial centre. The areas natural wealth has created a strong economy centred on energy and agriculture. With this has come a diverse range of shops and restaurants, excellent infrastructure and exciting attractions such as the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Victoria Park.
Prince Albert
Prince Albert is a small city north of Saskatoon considered to be the gateway to Northern Saskatchewan. It has a good education and healthcare system and the areas resources are expected to bring continued growth to the city. The city is clearly a great choice for families moving to Saskatchewan and is also close to the stunning Prince Albert National Park.
Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw is a quiet, pleasant town just 45 minutes west of Regina with pretty, traditional houses and a friendly, tightknit community. With plenty of beautiful open space as well as a fabulous local spa and swimming pool, Moose Jaw is a great choice for families moving to Saskatchewan.
Transport and Getting Around in Saskatchewan
It is easiest to travel around the province by car, particularly as Saskatchewan has more road surface than any other Canadian province with 250,000 km of roads and highways. Most towns and cities, however, have safe, reliable bus services around the local area. There is a good intercity bus network with regular services between Saskatoon and Regina and Greyhound operate services across Canada. There is also an excellent rail network linking Saskatoon with Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal run by Via Rail. You can even travel by ferry with several routes along both the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is the largest in the province and offers flights across North America.
Leisure Activities and Things to Do in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan was one of the first areas in Canada to be inhabited and celebrates its rich heritage at the Western Development Museum that explores the region’s history and culture. Regina is home to some of the area’s most important cultural sites such as the fascinating Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the exciting, interactive Saskatchewan Science Centre. Also in the capital, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre honours the iconic ‘Mounties’ and you can even see them in action at the daily Sergeant Major’s Parade at the nearby RCMP Academy. There’s also plenty of fun to be had in the great outdoors with stunning hiking and cycling trails throughout the many scenic provincial parks. Canoeing or kayaking down either the North or South Saskatchewan Rivers is a wonderful way of discovering the idyllic prairies landscape of the southern province or head into the wilderness of the north to discover the spectacular lakes and forests.
Interesting Facts about Saskatchewan
– The Albert Street Bridge crossing Wascana Creek in Regina is officially the longest bridge over the shortest span of water in the world.
– Canada first introduced its public healthcare system, Medicare, in Saskatchewan in 1946.
– The world’s largest field of the diamond bearing rock kimberlite is found near Prince Albert in the centre of the province.
– Saskatchewan is known as the ‘Breadbasket of Canada’ as it produces more than half the country’s wheat.
