SASKATOON — A familiar location on Valley Road just outside Saskatoon, once known as Strawberry Ranch, has rebranded as it continues evolving into a seasonal destination. Once popular for its u-pick strawberries and later its elaborate corn maze, the site now operates under the name Prairie Pathways.
The location has existed for more than four decades. The original owners stopped producing u-pick strawberries in 2018 to focus on family but continued operating the corn maze, which had grown into a popular fall attraction.
“The Strawberry Ranch was family owned and operated for over 40 years and sold strawberries in a u-pick fashion up until the spring of 2018,” said Chloe Kook, the current manager of Prairie Pathways. “We brought back the strawberries because we missed them too. We already have a history growing a few strawberries ourselves and now that our team is larger, we feel confident in growing a larger quantity of them.”
Kook said the team expanded the ranch this year, not only continuing the corn maze but also adding a pumpkin patch. They decided it was the perfect time to bring strawberry picking back.
“This would align with our vision of Prairie Pathways as a perfect place to spend the day with family and friends, as there will be lots to do and enjoy,” adds Kook.
A small team of five managed the corn maze in 2024, including Kook. For 2025, the expanded operation now includes 14 team members.
105,000 strawberry plants and 21,000 pumpkins planted
With the new venture, Prairie Pathways planted 105,000 strawberry plants on eight acres. The produce is expected to be ready in mid-to-late July.
“The corn maze has been running since 2000 and is a family favourite. We know a lot of families who consider the corn maze a yearly tradition and we are quite honoured to have the opportunity to continue the fun for people. Other than a new theme for the maze, as there is a new one every year, there won’t be too many noticeable changes with the corn maze and how it runs.”
A new addition is the u-pick pumpkin patch, which the owners say pairs perfectly with the corn maze to embody the feeling of fall.
“We have loved growing pumpkins for years even before we obtained the ranch, so naturally we were excited to introduce a u-pick patch as well.”
They said they planted 21,000 pumpkin and squash plants over eight acres, with hopes they will be ready by mid-September.
“As new owners, lots of new things to be added and this really led us to the idea of rebranding to match our new vision.”
While the name Strawberry Ranch was iconic and well loved, Kook said the rebranding reflects a broader experience for guests.
“The biggest highlights are our new field experiences: The Strawberry Ranch [strawberry u-pick patch], Harvest Hollow [pumpkin and squash u-pick patch], and of course, continuing with our corn maze now called The Little Maze on the Prairie.”
More offerings and community involvement
The business also plans to add more games, photo ops and themed weekends — though they’re keeping some surprises under wraps. One new addition will be fresh vegetables from Spring Creek Garden, a family-run operation started in the 1980s near Outlook and also owned by the Prairie Pathways team.
“They are a local favourite and go-to for fresh vegetables who sell their produce at the Community Farmers Market of Saskatoon on 8th Street and 51st.”
The original owners, Ben and Ann Epp, created the corn maze designs by hand — something Kook and the team found “mind-blowing.”
“It is crazy to know the intricate designs of the past years’ mazes were all done section by section, without the aid of programmed GPS.”
The rebranding included a community contest to help choose names. Prairie Pathways and The Little Maze on the Prairie were selected, and naming contest winners will receive a free maze pass for the season.
While the exact opening date is not yet confirmed, Prairie Pathways is aiming for mid-July and hopes to run the season through October. Operating hours will be Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., to accommodate evening visits after work or school.
“We want to make sure it is a place for a whole day of fun, since it’s a bit outside of the city,, so we also have tons of outdoor games, we will have a few playsets, and plan to host seasonal events, workshops or themed weekends.”
The Prairie Pathways team says their vision is to become a staple seasonal destination — a place families can return to year after year, building traditions and memories rooted in nature.
“It’s more than just a slogan, it’s how they have designed the whole experience.”
