Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the largest city in the province, is a vibrant hub of culture and economy. Founded in 1882 as a Temperance colony, Saskatoon has grown into a bustling city with a 2021 census population of 266,141. The city is home to the University of Saskatchewan, the Meewasin Valley Authority, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site of Canada. Saskatoon is also known as the "Paris of the Prairies" and "Bridge City" due to its nine river crossings.
The name Saskatoon comes from the Cree word for the saskatoon berry, misâskwatômina, which is native to the region. The city's founder, John Lake, is said to have named the city after being handed a handful of these berries in August 1883. However, it is more likely that the name derived from the Cree word manemesaskwatan, meaning "the place where willows are cut," referring to the Cree practice of cutting saskatoon berry willows for arrow shafts.
Saskatoon was founded in 1882 by the Toronto-based Temperance Colonization Society. The group aimed to escape the liquor trade in Toronto and establish a "dry" community in the Prairie region. The first permanent settlement was established the following year by settlers led by John Neilson Lake. The city has grown significantly since then, incorporating the towns of Nutana and Riversdale in 1906 and annexing the rail town of Sutherland in 1956. Today, Saskatoon serves as a regional center for the northern prairies and for central and northern Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon is located in the central region of Saskatchewan, straddling a bend in the South Saskatchewan River. The city is divided into east and west sides by the river and further divided into Suburban Development Areas composed of neighborhoods. Saskatoon lies on a long belt of rich, potassic chernozem in middle-southern Saskatchewan and is found in the aspen parkland biome. The city's topography is relatively flat, with a few hills and valleys.
Saskatoon experiences a cold semi-arid climate, with warm summers and long, cold winters. The city has four distinct seasons and is in plant hardiness zone 3b. Saskatoon is sunnier than average in Canada, averaging 2,268 hours of bright sunshine annually. The city's extreme temperatures are typically accompanied by below-average levels of humidity.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Saskatoon had a population of 266,141. The city's population is made up of 50.9% women and 49.1% men. The city has a significant Indigenous population and several urban Reserves. The top countries of origin for the immigrant population are the Philippines, India, China, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
Saskatoon is home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theatres. The city hosts many festivals and events, including the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival, The Great Plains Comedy Festival, the Jazz Festival, and the Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival. The city's major arts venue is TCU Place, which has hosted scores of concerts, theatrical performances, live events, and conventions since opening in 1967.
Saskatoon is well-connected with a robust transportation network. The city is located along the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway, making it easily accessible. The city also has several sports and recreation centers, including two full-size soccer facilities and numerous parks with tennis courts, ball diamonds, and soccer pitches.
Saskatoon has a rich history of royal visits, with members of the Royal Family visiting the city since 1919. The city has numerous landmarks and institutions with royal connections, including the Royal University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Power Station.
Saskatoon has partnered with three cities around the world: Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden; and Chernivtsi, Chernivtsi Oblast, Ukraine. These partnerships foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Saskatoon and its sister cities.
