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Saskatoon

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Saskatoon is the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon in Winter
Saskatoon in Winter

It is located in the central region of the province. The city straddles a large bend in the South Saskatchewan River. Because the city features nine different river crossings, it is known as the "City of Bridges."

Saskatoon Skyline Night
Saskatoon Skyline Night

Some people also call it the "Paris of the Prairies." The city serves as a major cultural and economic hub for the northern prairies. It is a central point for people living in the surrounding region.

The name "Saskatoon" comes from the Cree language. It is derived from the word "misâskwatômina," which refers to saskatoon berries.

Parkland near Saskatoon
Parkland near Saskatoon

These are sweet, violet-colored serviceberries that grow naturally in the area. One famous story involves founder John Neilson Lake. In August 1883, he was reportedly given a handful of berries and named the area "Saskatoon." However, another likely origin is the Cree word "manemesaskwatan." This means "the place where willows are cut." This refers to the practice of cutting saskatoon berry willows to make arrow shafts.

The geography of the area is part of the aspen parkland biome. This biome acts as a transitional zone between the prairies and the boreal forest.

Wanuskewin National Historic Site of Canada
Wanuskewin National Historic Site of Canada

The landscape is mostly flat because there are no large mountains nearby. However, the city does spread over several hills and valleys. The South Saskatchewan River divides the city into east and west sides. The lowest point in the city is the river itself. The highest point is located in the Sutherland-College Park area.

Saskatoon's history began in 1882 with the Temperance Colonization Society.

BarrColonists
BarrColonists

This group from Toronto wanted to create a "dry" community. Their goal was to establish a settlement without a liquor trade. Settlers arrived in 1883 by train and horse-drawn cart. In 1906, the settlement officially became a city. This happened when the towns of Saskatoon, Riversdale, and Nutana amalgamated.

Saskatoon The Wonder City
Saskatoon The Wonder City

Later, the city grew by annexing the town of Sutherland in 1956.

The climate in Saskatoon is characterized by four distinct seasons. It experiences a borderline cold semi-arid to humid continental climate.

MidtownPlaza
MidtownPlaza

Summers are typically warm, while winters are long and very cold. The city is quite sunny, averaging 2,350.4 hours of bright sunshine each year. However, the weather can be extreme. In 2007, a massive blizzard paralyzed the city with extreme cold and heavy snow. The frost-free growing season usually lasts from late May until mid-September.

As of the 2021 census, the city has a population of 266,141 people.

Royal University Hospital
Royal University Hospital

The larger Census Metropolitan Area has 317,480 residents. Saskatoon has a significant Indigenous population. The First Nations population in the city grew by 382% between 1981 and 2001. The city is also very diverse, with many immigrants from the Philippines and India. Many people also come from China, Pakistan, and Nigeria. The Rural Municipality of Corman Park No. 344 surrounds the city.

Saskatoon is home to several important institutions and historic sites. The University of Saskatchewan is a major part of the city.

CollegeBuilding-UofS
CollegeBuilding-UofS

The Meewasin Valley Authority protects the river and manages the riverbank parks. Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a National Historic Site. It represents 6,000 years of First Nations history.

Wanuskewin National Historic Site of Canada
Wanuskewin National Historic Site of Canada

The city also features historic neighborhoods like Nutana and Riversdale. These areas are currently seeing new investment and redevelopment. These sites connect the modern city to its deep historical roots.

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🖼️ Images & Media (25)
File:BarrColonists.jpg
BarrColonists.jpg
File:Saskatoon The Wonder City.jpg
Saskatoon The Wonder City.jpg
File:Parkland near Saskatoon.jpg
Parkland near Saskatoon.jpg
File:Saskatoon in Winter.jpg
Saskatoon in Winter.jpg
File:Wanuskewin National Historic Site of Canada.jpg
Wanuskewin National Historic Site of Canada.jpg
File:ShakespeareOnTheSaskatchewan.jpg
ShakespeareOnTheSaskatchewan.jpg
File:Remai Modern Art Gallery.jpg
Remai Modern Art Gallery.jpg
File:SRM-West.jpg
SRM-West.jpg
File:PrairieWindAtPersephone.JPG
PrairieWindAtPersephone.JPG
File:Delta Bessborough, Spadina Cres E, Saskatoon (505718) (26106521286).jpg
Delta Bessborough, Spadina Cres E,...
File:MidtownPlaza.jpg
MidtownPlaza.jpg
File:Nutrien Tower.jpg
Nutrien Tower.jpg

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