SASKATOON — We celebrate Canada Day on July 1 and Saskatchewan Day on Aug. 4, but is there a Saskatoon Day? While no official day exists, the city’s 120-year history is full of remarkable moments that make for fascinating trivia.
Saskatoon was first established in 1883 by the Temperance Colonization Society, a group of Toronto-based Methodists. They chose the location, situated on the 小蓝视频 Saskatchewan River, with the goal of creating a community free from alcohol. While settlement began in 1883, it was officially incorporated as a city in 1906.
While the Saskatoon StarPhoenix has long been the city’s most recognized newspaper, the first publication was The Sentinel, first printed on Aug. 9, 1884.
The City of Saskatoon currently has 65 neighbourhoods divided among nine designated Suburban Development Areas. Each SDA has around 10 neighbourhoods and approximately 50,000 residents, district and multi-district parks, a mixed-use suburban centre and high schools.
Saskatoon is home to several professional, semi-pro and university sports teams, including the National Lacrosse League’s Saskatchewan Rush, the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades, and the WCBL’s Saskatoon Berries — a highly marketable and competitive baseball team that returned to the city in 2024. The Prairie Junior Football League’s Saskatoon Hilltops also give fans plenty to cheer about.
The University of Saskatchewan Huskies offer fans live action in football, men’s and women’s hockey, volleyball, basketball and track athletics.
The city’s three curling clubs, including Nutana Curling Rink, offer recreational and competitive opportunities. Nutana is home to Saskatchewan’s Team McEwen.
Known as the “Paris of the Prairies,” Saskatoon earned the nickname for its picturesque bridges spanning the 小蓝视频 Saskatchewan River. These crossings also lend the city its nickname “Bridge City.” Saskatoon has eight river crossings, including the photogenic University Bridge.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage applicant, represents more than 6,000 years of First Nations history and culture.
Saskatoon’s oldest building was designated a National Heritage Site in 2016.
The tallest building in the city is the Nutrien Tower, standing 88 metres (289 feet) across 18 storeys.
The Ronald McDonald House, a valuable resource for Saskatchewan families, opened in September 1985 and has supported hundreds of families in its nearly 40-year history.
Saskatoon has been home to many notable Canadians, including dual Olympic gold medallist Catriona Le May Doan and world-renowned folk singer Joni Mitchell.
SaskTel Centre is the largest indoor entertainment venue in the province, with a capacity of 15,000. It’s home to the Rush and Blades, and has hosted major concerts including Elton John, Garth Brooks and Luke Combs.
The city has played host to numerous national events, including the 1989 and 2010 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, the 2020 Juno Awards and the upcoming 2026 Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Saskatoon has also welcomed the Canadian Curling Championships — the Brier in 2000 and 2004, the Scotties in 2011 and the Olympic Curling Trials in 2021.
Saskatoon also boasts more Tim Hortons locations per capita than any other Canadian city.
For trivia fans who enjoy ghost stories, Saskatoon has its share of spooky legends. St. Paul’s Hospital and the Western Development Museum are said to be sites of paranormal activity — including a woman in red reportedly seen in the museum’s café and lobby.
The Bessborough Hotel, a majestic riverside building, is also rumoured to be spiritually active. The ballroom, third floor and stairwell are said to host unexplained sights and sounds.
The Canadian Light Source, Canada’s only facility, is located at the University of Saskatchewan and has operated since 2004.
Whether shared at a backyard barbecue or community event, these trivia tidbits reflect Saskatoon’s proud history and the community spirit that continues to shape its future.
Reviewing community trivia not only enhances cognitive skills and social connection but also deepens pride and knowledge in Saskatchewan’s largest city.
