Each delegate will be able to choose their preference during Conference Registration for one of the following local tours. Local tours are happening from 1:15pm-5pm on Thursday, June 5.
Note: These tours will start immediately following lunch.
Tour #1: Afternoon at Wanuskewin
Partner: Wanuskewin
Located 15 minutes outside of the city, visit one of Canada's most vibrant, authentic Indigenous experiences: Wanuskewin. The name means “gathering place,” and has remained so for thousands and thousands of years. Relive the stories of the people who came here to hunt bison, gather food and herbs, and take shelter from the winter winds so long ago. This history comes to life alongside thriving modern Indigenous culture. A proposed UNESCO World Heritage site, Wanuskewin has the longest-running archeology site in Canada, with artifacts dating back 6,400 years — that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids! Spend the afternoon being immersed in this one-of-a-kind destination and getting some behind-the-scenes insight into the return of the bison
Tour #2: Whisky Tour
Partner: Black Fox
Black Fox is one of the few farm-to-still distilleries in North America. These grain farmers turned distillers, grow 90% of what is in their products, from honey to haskap berries to pumpkin flowers. In 2021 they officially launched their whisky's to rave reviews including winning the Master award in World Whisky Masters and Gold in the Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition! During this tour you will learn all about the unique ways they age their whisky and get to enjoy a whisky and cheese tasting.
Tour #3: Naughty By Nature
Partner: Meewasin
In this light-hearted experience, you’ll learn about the mating and courtship strategies of the wildlife at Beaver Creek Conservation Area. This exploration of the risqué side of nature, coupled with a make-your-own cocktail experience featuring Black Fox Distillery’s Gin #3, is sure to get a laugh out of guests! Join us as we lift the leaves on the birds and the bees
Tour #4: Wildflower Walk
Partner: Meewasin
Join Meewasin on a guided walk at Beaver Creek Conservation Area, to learn about local plants, wildflowers, and pollinators that love them.Did you know that somewhere between 75% and 95% of all flowering plants on the earth need help with pollination? As you hike along the trail, your guide will direct your attention to various native plants and wildflowers in bloom, and talk about the important relationships they have with the animals that pollinate them.After your walk, you’ll be treated to a cold drink created by our pals at Primal Restaurant (featuring ingredients that wouldn’t exist without pollinators!). You will also have the opportunity to contribute to biodiversity by planting a wildflower on site.
Tour #5: Downtown walking tour with picnic
Partner: Meewasin
This tour explores the past, present, and future of the Meewasin Valley, illustrating how the river and its banks have long been intertwined in the story of Saskatoon, and how Meewasin is working to preserve them for generations to come. Designed to appeal to locals and visitors alike, this experience has something for everyone. Whether you're a conservationist or a history buff, a lifelong Saskatonian or a tourist, you'll walk away from this tour with a new perspective. This experience ends with a snack box by Style and Graze to enjoy along the Meewasin trails
Tour #6: Farm to table
Partner: Farm One Forty and Odla
Farm One Forty is a female run holistic farm 20 minutes outside of Saskatoon. Arlie LaRoche raises cows, pigs, sheep, and operates an amazing garden. She supplies many local restaurants including partner restaurant Odla! In the summer, Arlie offers a weekend-long Adult Summer Camp where participants learn new gardening techniques about animal rearing and create a closer connection to their local food source! Spend the afternoon on a mini version of this summer camp where you will learn all about Arlie’s farm and finish the experience with a fermentation class from Chef Brian Gibbons of Odla!
Tour #7: Kayak and E-bike tour
Partner: The Local Adventure Company
This one is for the thrill seeker! Join The Local Adventure Company for an afternoon of exploring the South Saskatchewan River by Kayak and e-bike! The Local Adventure Company is an Indigenous woman-owned company with big values regarding the environment. It was started on the shores of northern Saskatchewan by Metis mother of four Candice Evans-Waite.
Tour #8: Mural Walk
Saskatoon’s artistic landscape is diverse, colourful, inspiring, and worthy of celebration. From curated pieces of work by the City of Saskatoon’s public art program, to private murals that wrap across buildings, to initiatives created by neighbourhoods and local artists to draw and inspire onlookers. Explore the walkable core neighborhoods of Saskatoon with local guide Pam Staples. Pam is a passionate art lover and an artist herself! She believes public art is not an “art form”. Its size can be huge or minuscule. It can tower fifty feet high or can call attention to the paving beneath your feet. Its shape can be abstract, realistic, or both, and it may be cast, carved, built, assembled, or painted. It can be site-specific or standing in contrast to its surroundings. What distinguishes public art is a unique association with how it is made, where it is, and what it means.
Tour #9: An artful afternoon on the rooftop
Partner: Remai
Unleash your creativity on Remai Modern’s stunning rooftop deck. Saskatoon’s contemporary art museum overlooks the city’s iconic riverbank, offering ample inspiration as participants take part in an en plein air painting workshop. No art experience is required because Remai Modern’s knowledgeable and friendly team will be there to help you every step of the way. The day starts with a tour of Remai Modern’s Collection Galleries to get those creative juices flowing. Then, head to the top floor of the museum to paint, mingle and enjoy delicious snacks and cocktails by Hearth restaurant. This local food favourite is the only Saskatoon restaurant on this year’s Top 100 Best Restaurants in Canada list.
Tour #10: Behind-the-scenes at Remai Modern
Partner: Remai
Remai Modern is home to more than 8,000 collection artworks in all mediums including painting, sculpture and even performance. Go into the vaults with Remai Modern staff to see how the art museum stores these priceless pieces, what it takes to conserve artwork, and what unusual objects make their home in Saskatoon. Then, visit our Learning Studio to take part in a workshop inspired by Remai Modern’s collection of linocuts by Pablo Picasso. No artistic experience required. You might be surprised by how much you like the final product. End your afternoon with a sweet treat from Hearth, the museum’s incredible local food team.
Tour #11: Food Tour of Riversdale
Partner: Food tour
Foodies Unite! Explore the food scene in Saskatoon’s eclectic neighbourhood, Riversdale! You will dine your way through some of the cutest local businesses found in the neighbourhood. Have lunch and get to know some amazing entrepreneurs, then satisfy that sweet tooth with a chocolate tasting with Julianna Tan of Those Girls at the Market. Finally, end the day with a refreshing cocktail and snack with Wall of Chef’s Chef Christie Peters!
Tour #12: Beer Bus!
Partner: Beer Bus
Our city has seen an amazing evolution in the craft beer and spirits industry. It's not just the creativity and passion the makers put into their products, it's also their commitment to using locally grown ingredients. These entrepreneurs have deep respect for their work, but also for the community they call home - Saskatoon. Shelter Brewing Company - Shelter is a nano brewery and taproom located in the heart of downtown Saskatoon. They brew small-batch, high quality beers, with a tap lineup that's always changing. City Limits Brewing - City Limits Brewing is Saskatchewan's newest craft brewery. Created at Stumbletown, they are dedicated to creating top quality beers that are sure to please any beer lover. Striving to provide a creative, innovative, and unique experience that will have you coming back for more. Better Brother Brewing is a family-owned downtown brewery. They welcome anyone to enjoy their cozy atmosphere, where craft beer and house-made root beer are brewed with care!