Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Today we are going to go on another adventure to our next country. Can you guess where we are going? We are going to visit the lovely country of Canada and our stop this week will be the beautiful province of Saskatchewan.
1.) Stone Hall Castle located in Regina hours of operation are daily from 1:30-9pm After well over a decade of designing architectural details and importing thousand-year-old reclaimed biblical limestone from Greece, Stone Hall’s castle is ready for its debut. The castle is unlike anything seen on this side of the Atlantic. Several container loads of 16th, 17th and 18th century museum quality furniture, tapestries and original Old Masters oil paintings adorn this castle. Corporate Meetings, Event Rentals, Overnight Stays and Tours Now Available.
2.) Tunnels of Moose Jaw hours of operation are Mon-Fri 9:30-4:30pm Sat 9:30-5:30pm and Sun 12-4:30pm The Tunnels of Moose Jaw is a year-round tourist attraction that entertains guests with unique productions of Canadian History. You will head under the streets of Moose Jaw and undergo three guided theatrical tours. You're bootleggers in 1929. You come to Moose Jaw to buy booze from the Capone organization. You've got to learn the ropes and stay out of the way of the local police chief. The Passage to Fortune tells the story of early Chinese immigration to Canada. Witness firsthand their perseverance through discriminatory legislation, their part in the construction of our nation and them becoming an integral part of the mosaic of Canada. Your Passage to Fortune is right around the corner. Bunker 24 tells the story of Canada’s growth as a country coming out of the Great Depression and World War II. We drop you back into 1958 into our Cold War bunker. You are new recruits in Canada’s fight against the Evil Empire, do you have what it takes to succeed at Bunker 24?
3.) Western Development Museum located in Saskatoon Located on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the Homeland of the Métis, the Western Development Museum (WDM) is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan. With a collection of over 75,000 artifacts ranging from pins to locomotives and four locations in the province, the WDM shares the Saskatchewan story from the beginning of settlement to present day. Museum Galleries and gift shops are open Tuesday to Wednesday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Thursday from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm and Friday to Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Boomtown Cafe is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Museum Closed on Family Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Museum Closed at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve. For hours of operation outside those listed, please contact the WDM Saskatoon.
4.) Royal Saskatchewan Museum located in Regina hours of operation are daily 9:30am-5pm Since 1906. Explore Saskatchewan and your world - the past, the present, and the future - as never before. We are a natural history museum offering life and earth sciences, as well as aboriginal history.
5.) RCMP Heritage Centre located in Regina hours of operation are daily 11-5pm Visit our galleries to explore over a century of RCMP history, from the formation of the North-West Mounted Police in 1873, to the modern-day Mountie. Guests of the RCMP Heritage Centre can experience both the historical and modern-day stories of the RCMP through a variety of traditional and informative exhibits, virtual and augmented reality experiences, and live events. The Centre is located on RCMP Academy, Depot Division land, where Mounties have trained since 1885. The Heritage Centre is operated by a non-profit organization, and supported by the RCMP’s Historical Collections Unit.
6.) Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo hours of operation are daily from 10-4pm Rekindle a sense of childhood wonder with a trip to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Meet an impossibly cute mob of meerkats, the cheeky Goeldi's monkeys, majestic grizzly bears and many other species at Saskatchewan’s only CAZA accredited zoo. Little humans love to play at the Orano Fun Zone playground — it’s not just monkeys who like to swing and climb!
7.) Wanuskewin located in Saskatoon hours of operation are Tue-Sun 10-5pm Wanuskewin has been a gathering place for all Indigenous People of the Northern Plains for over 6400 years. From guided trail hikes, Indigenous cuisine, art galleries, and daily dance performances, Wanuskewin showcases all elements of Indigenous Culture in a meaningful and authentic way. Guests are invited to learn about grassland conservation efforts and the special ties our live bison herd has to the sacred site. *UNESCO World Heritage Proposed Site* *2016 & 2019 TIAC Indigenous Tourism Destination* *2019 Tourism Saskatchewan Business of the Year* *Longest Running Archaeological Dig in Canadian History* *Drop in Daily Programs throughout the summer* *Daily dance performances throughout the summer* *Massive Expansion and Renovation to facilities in 2019* *Gift Shop featuring authentic hand crafted items" *Award winning culinary delights" "Indigenous Art Galleries" "State of the Art cultural exhibits and Displays"
8.) Saskatchewan Science Centre located in Regina hours of operation are Mon-Wed and Friday 9-5pm Thurs 9-8pm Sat/Sun 12-6pm The Saskatchewan Science Centre encourages experiments, surprises you with stage shows, wows you with workshops and has the province's only 3D IMAX Theatre! The Saskatchewan Science Centre is a non-profit, non-governmental educational facility with the mission of igniting scientific curiosity and innovation in Saskatchewan communities through interactive, dynamic and engaging opportunities. Our vision of the future, in fulfilling that mission, is to inspire minds through science and innovation. The Science Centre is one of Saskatchewan’s largest family tourist attractions with close to 4 million visitors since its opening in 1989.
9.) Western Development Museum Moose Jaw hours of operation are daily 9-5pm Located on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the Homeland of the Métis, the Western Development Museum (WDM) is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan. With a collection of over 75,000 artifacts ranging from pins to locomotives and four locations in the province, the WDM shares the Saskatchewan story from the beginning of settlement to present day. HOURS Museum Galleries and gift shops are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Museum Closed on Family Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Museum Closed at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve. For hours of operation outside of those listed, please contact the WDM Moose Jaw.
10.)Manitou Springs Mineral Spa and Serenity hours of operation are daily 9-10pm Manitou Springs Mineral Spa and Serenity is a very highly mineralized and heated indoor mineral pool that is unique to North America. The therapeutic properties of the highly mineralized water are comparable only to the Dead Sea of Israel. Swimmers become buoyant in the mineral pool, and cannot sink due to the extraordinary levels of minerals in the healing water. 2014 Sask. Tourism Business of The Year Ranked #4 spa in Canada by Spas of America Magazine.
11.) Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre located in Moose Jaw hours of operation are Thurs-Mon 10-5pm The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre (SBOIC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Burrowing Owl and their prairie habitat through education, stewardship and eco-tourism.
12.) Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum located in Moose Jaw hours of operation are Mon-Sat 10-5pm Sun 12-6pm I was transported to a different time and place as we walked the museum pieces. There are old cars, tractors, and combines in addition to the many buildings. Interesting story about the ship builder Sukanen. The village is spread out over many acres. Lots to see in well presented buildings. Very like many community museums, of special note was the firefighters building, Diefenbaker homestead buildings and the prairie elevator. Having volunteered myself at a museum I appreciated the time and attention to the organizing of the displays. Also the grounds are well maintained and there are many lovely heritage flower beds as well as a garden. Well done everyone who helps out here.
13.) T. rex Discovery Centre located in Eastend opened daily from 10-6pm Saskatchewan's dinosaur destination! Offering guided gallery tours, documentary film and daily summer programs. Special activities for pre-booked groups. Home of "Scotty", Canada's largest T.rex. Open seasonally from May (starting Victoria Day long weekend) to September (closing after Labour Day long weekend).
14.) Diefenbaker Canada Centre If you have an interest in Canadian politics, spend some time here. JG Diefenbaker was one of Canada's most colourful former Prime Ministers. A socially conscious conservative who swept into power from his Saskatchewan base with the largest majority in Canadian political history. The centre tracks his political career in great detail. Centre includes a totally accurate mockup of his Ottawa office and also the Canadian cabinet office. The display changes continuously so you can learn about different things each time you come.
15.) Grey Owl Cabin It takes effort to get there but it's worth the trip! This was the home of the legendary 'Grey Owl' and allows the visitor to have a first hand experience with how some of the first environmentalists lived! Archibald Belaney (September 18, 1888 – April 13, 1938), commonly known as Grey Owl was a British-born conservationist, fur trapper, and writer who pretended to be a First Nations person. While he achieved fame as a conservationist during his life, after his death the revelation that he was not Indigenous, along with other autobiographical fabrications, negatively affected his reputation.
16.) Western Development Museum North Battleford open every day but Fri from 9-5pm Located on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the Homeland of the Métis, the Western Development Museum (WDM) is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan. With a collection of over 75,000 artifacts ranging from pins to locomotives and four locations in the province, the WDM shares the Saskatchewan story from the beginning of settlement to present day. HOURS Museum Galleries and gift shop are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. *The Heritage Village is closed for the season* Museum Closed on Family Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Museum Closed at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve. For hours of operation outside those listed, please contact the WDM North Battleford.
17.) Batoche National Historic Site Any student of Canadian history will recognize the name Batoche as the decisive battle of the North-West Rebellion which took place in May 1885. Batcohe was the site of a Metis settlement (all but gone now) perched on a bluff overlooking the South Saskatchewan River. Parks Canada has done an excellent job with the visitors' centre; most of the displays are open and contain a balanced view of the battle and events leading up to it plus plenty of artifacts and some of the restored buildings including the Catholic church. Bring comfortable walking shoes as the distances between the buildings, cemetery and river overlook are somewhat lengthy. Parks Canada does offer a guided tour via shuttle and it runs a few times a day - check for times. There is a secondary site - the East Village - which can be accessed by car along a dirt road. Best to visit last. Give yourself a minimum one hour and ideally two.
18.) Saskatchewan Railway Museum It is set in an old railway yard. The entry fee is only $6 for an adult. You are met by a volunteer who takes you on a little train ride using an open air carriage- to the end of the train yard. From there you can explore all the trains and locomotives The amazing thing is that you can enter almost all the trains except the ones roped off for your safety. Amazing collection of trains- Canadian Pacific S3 Locomotive, GE diesel locomotive, Street cars, boxcars, sleepers, Cominco tank car, a Diesel generator built by SaskPower, and 2 snow plows Yes the trains look old and rusty but unlike other museums (which charge you three times the price to enter)- these cars are not or partially refurbished, as a result you can climb aboard almost every train there is. Many of the trains are in the same state as when they were abandoned/ donated/ retired which adds to the eeriness and makes it even more amazing! There are also a variety of buildings -Interlocking tower, train sheds. tool sheds and train station and engineman's bunkhouse There is no coffee shop however there are picnic benches and clean washrooms
19.) Western Development Museum Yorkton Located on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the Homeland of the Métis, the Western Development Museum (WDM) is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan. With a collection of over 75,000 artifacts ranging from pins to locomotives and four locations in the province, the WDM shares the Saskatchewan story from the beginning of settlement to present day. HOURS Museum Galleries and gift shops are open Tuesday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and weekends 12:00 – 5:00 pm. Museum Closed Family Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Museum Closed at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve. For hours of operation outside those listed, please contact the WDM Yorkton.
20.) EVRAZ Family Park and Pool hours of operation are Mon-Fri 1-6:45pm Sat& Sun 11-6:45pm EVRAZ gives to the community...Free Park and Pool Call to check operation hours - seasonal park Operated by summer students Charcoal BBQs Beach volleyball court, pool, giant slide, mini train, Elk and Bison to view, walking path, No Pets allowed.
21.) Great Sandhills Museum & Interpretive Centre hours of operation are open Mon-Sat 10-4:30pm closed from 12-12:30pm for lunch Sun 1-5pm What a contrast in the landscapes of Saskatchewan. To forest, prairie, and desert, there is always something new to see. The Museum is nowhere near the Hills. It is located at Sceptre SK which is at least 25 minutes away but worth the drive to go visit.
22.) Ukrainian Museum of Canada hours of operation are Wed-Sat 10-5pm The Ukrainian Museum of Canada (UMC), in downtown Saskatoon, SK, features three galleries dedicated to celebrating and promoting the arts, culture, and legacy of the Ukrainian Canadian community. We also house archives, a library, community spaces, and a shop carrying a range of authentic Ukrainian giftwares, clothing, and crafts.
23.) Prince Albert Historical Museum opened daily from 9-5pm The museum is well organized into themes that have shaped development in the area. These issues are both important and interesting. The scope of industrialization of brick making, lumber, brewery was surprising and the failed power development project was an eye-opener.
24.) Soo Line Historical Museum The silver collection at this museum is amazing. It said on one of the posters that it was the largest collection held by one individual.they have amassed quite a large collection of objects and artifacts relating to Weyburn, and are keeping them safe. And they do have some fascinating things, like a purse made out of an armadillo, a safe from the downtown bank that looks like it could withstand a nuclear blast, and artwork from the patients of the long-since decommissioned mental hospital.
25.) Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site Big and bright interpretative centre, with very helpful staff who are very particularly attentive to the age levels of the kids that visit. There were a couple of levels of scavenger hunt type activities which will help keep the children entertained. They have animals that you can feed and play with and a wagon to give you rides on as well They run a day camp for kids over the summer.
26.) Historic Bell Barn hours of operation are 9:30-4:30pm The Bell barn was an historic round barn that was taken apart piece by piece and rebuilt on an adjacent site to its original specs. Reused the stone but replaced the wood structure. It houses a museum of timely displays but is also used for weddings, funerals,and parties. A lovely space of architectural and historic interest. Easy access from the #1 highway
27.) Prince Albert National Park Nature Centre The nature centre overlooks Waskesiu Lake and is across from some hotels on Lakeview Drive. The attractive log and stone structure is a designated Heritage Building. The interactive displays make learning fun for children and adults alike. Children were playing with the puppets and animal costumes. I found the exhibits very interesting – history of the Indigenous people in the area plus info on the flora, fauna, wildlife of the region. Sounds of bird calls helped me to identify some of the bird calls I heard in the park. The information/displays about the trees, bison, moose, wolf, etc. were a good learning experience. Interpretive programs are also provided.
28.) Fort Battleford National Historic Site opened daily from 10-4pm Battleford is full of history. Fort Battlefield was made the first capital of the new Canadian North-West Territory in 1876 and the fort was established by the North West Mounted Police to oversee settlement of the area and manage the sizable Indigenous population. The site contains four structures that date back to the early days of the fort including the commandant's house which was home to more than 75 women and children when the Battleford settlement sought shelter in the fort during the Indian uprising in 1885. Entrance fee is roughly $4/adult and there are very helpful park guides who explain the fort's history.
29.) Grotto Gardens Family Fun Farm hours of operation are Tue-Sun 11-7pm Grotto Gardens is a fun family farm destination in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. We have a Saskatoon berry orchard, country bakery & licensed eatery, gift shop, animal viewing areas, beautiful flower displays, goat yoga, alpaca walks, 18 home mini golf. Great place to relax, taste the Saskatchewan prairie berry, have a glass of Cypress Hills wine, tasty bakery treat, take home a memento of your visit from the gift shop. Don’t forget to visit our miniature animals. Stop in for an hour of goat-yoga sessions in the summer months. Grotto Gardens is for all ages and enjoyed by all. Our haunted farm takes place at the end of October. New this 2021 season is our farm tour. Hop aboard our farm train for a tour around the farm. Book a guided alpaca walk for that instagrammable opportunity & a little animal therapy. Watch for our pumpkin train in October & pick your favorite pumpkin.. If the Christmas season is your favorite, you are not going to want to miss our lighted tour via the Christmas train.
30.) Prairie Wind & Silver Sage located in Val Marie hours of operation are daily from 9-5pm Ecomuseum, art gallery, gift and book shop, coffee bar with wifi internet, in the relaxed atmosphere of a municipal heritage red brick schoolhouse. The Ecomuseum features prairie natural and cultural history exhibits. Prairie gifts and books in the shop, lattes, fresh baking and treats. Two art exhibition spaces with exhibitions changing seasonally. Special events include author readings, artist receptions, prairie ecosystem presentations. Open seasonally, May to September
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious and you never know whose life you could save simply by being kind and when it comes to kindness sprinkle it everywhere the world needs more of it.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
