River Valley Bliss in Saskatoon

Wow.. what a surprise! The Meewasin Valley Trail following along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon is one fine waterfront pathway. It is right up there with some of the top BC waterfront pathways. It was an enjoyable adventure following the paved walkway from park to park, trail to trail, bridge to bridge.

But first.. lets talk my arrival. I arrived in Saskatoon and not a campsite was to be found. Struck out at the first two. Not much to miss there. Scored on my third try.. but only because of a cancellation. It ends up being that the campground is very clean, has power and offers some privacy. And in the prairies, I am finding out quickly, more and more campgrounds are little more than open fields with no privacy.  And get this, the campground I am right now has the best showers ever in all my travels.  Eat your heart out Bro! Warm and full of power.. it was like being in la la land. And they are free.

Last night I sat down and researched my Saskatoon material. After pouring over maps and reading endless brochures and travel books I had completed my list of “want to sees” and “maybes”.  This morning the plan was to go and checkout the riverfront pathway, the riverfront  parks and do a walk about of the downtown.  If there is any time we will visit a few of the “maybes”.

History and heritage buildings along the Meewasin Valley Trail

The Meewasin Valley Pathway was a jolt to the senses this morning. What a beautiful pathway.  Not only is the pathway a gem with the flower gardens, manicured lawns, statues and art.  In the downtown core section of the path there are rows of old heritage brick buildings with monster steeples and elaborate brick work lining the route. Most are all churches from the pioneer era.

As I looked up at these buildings of history ghostly shivers crawled down my spine.  I thought .. what if these walls could only talk.

The Meewasin Valley Pathway extends for about 10 kilometres. Each section is divided up into little parks.  Each park is a different experience. Each park connects with the trail.

The section I enjoyed the most was near the weir.  Here the river falls over a mini waterfall creating some white water.  And in the white water, playing, were some pelicans.  Opportunity knocks! We have been trying to get one of these pelicans to sit still so we could take a picture but by the time we have gotten the camera ready the pelicans take off.

The weir of the pelicans

This time I was ready. I waited a second as the pelican was floating towards  me. Then click.. got em. Scored a great pic (main picture above). The pelicans must of saw me as it took off but not before i snapped an arm load of pictures. Also near the weir was a great tower leading up to a train bridge. Just happen as I was at the top of the tower a train zoomed by. The whole tower was a shaking. Wahooooo.. cho cho!  There was also a boardwalk trail, a viewing platform, interpretive signs and benches.

Another treat along the path was Friendship Park.  The walkway was more elaborate following along a developed rock wall type promenade. There were big sails covering the sitting benches. In the corner was a concession stand and a spray park.  There were people sprawled out on the grass everywhere. Some were sitting on the rockwall with their feet hanging in the water.  Others took up the picnic tables in the shaded trees.  Me I just people watched.

My visit downtown Saskatoon.. well.. was like most downtowns.  Lots of stores and people.  However the downtown of Saskatoon is lined with more older buildings than most communities its size. Amongst the older buildings were a mix of new modern buildings. The  streets were a bit rough but I am guessing that is from the winter conditions taking a beating on the roads.  The community has made a good effort to have plenty of flowers and greenery around.

Otherwise it was a another great day in the life of  this Bro. A day which turned some heads and made a good impression on me. If ever in Saskatoon bring a mountain bike and take a ride on the Meewasin Valley Pathway. It is the only way to view Saskatoon on land.

Tomorrow we are visiting a few parks and some conservation areas. A little more nature and allot more sunshine I hope.