Alberta isn’t the only western province celebrating its Centenary in
2005. On September 4, 1905, Saskatchewan was inaugurated into the
Dominion of Canada. Its name is from the Plains Indian word, "kisiskatchewan",
meaning "the river that flows swiftly"; a reference to one of the
province’s major rivers, the North Saskatchewan River.
Saskatchewan is celebrating throughout the year, and visitors will
discover there is much more to ‘Canada’s Bread Basket’ than fields
of wheat. Some fascinating facts about the province that is located
in the heart of North America:
-
Saskatchewan is approximately 651,900 square kilometres (more than
a quarter million square miles) in size. Contrary to popular
belief that is it flat prairie, one half the province is covered
by forest, one-third by farmland and one-eighth by fresh water.
-
There are 100,000 lakes and rivers in the province.
-
Regina’s Wascana Centre is one of the largest urban parks in North
America, complete with a 5 metre deep lake in the city centre. It
will be a major venue in the Canada Summer Games in August.
-
There are 427 documented species of birds in Saskatchewan,
including the whopping crane and during summer, and pelicans in
the Meewasin Valley along the South Saskatchewan River.
-
Saskatchewan is the site of North America's oldest bird sanctuary,
established in 1887 at Last Mountain Lake. An important breeding
ground for approximately 100 species, this area is used by over
280 species of birds during migration. From mid-August until the
end of October, more than 75,000 sand hill cranes and 400,000
geese use the lake as a stopover.
Saskatchewan is home to two national parks, 34 provincial parks and
many natural attractions:
Prince Albert National Park of Canada is one of Saskatchewan’s most
popular all season playgrounds. The park covers some 388,000
hectares, or nearly one million acres that includes some 1,500 lakes
and streams. Some of the best fishing in Canada can be enjoyed here.
Grasslands National Park of Canada, located in southwest
Saskatchewan, is a sanctuary where you can see some of the last
unspoiled prairie left in North America. You’ll discover spectacular
grasslands and unique landscapes of weathered cliffs, deep coulees
and badlands. An incredible variety of wildlife includes
white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse and
golden eagles. Endangered species that can be seen include
ferruginous hawks, short-horned lizards and burrowing owls.
The Cypress Hills rise to an elevation of 1,392 m (4566 ft.) above
sea level – the same elevation as the mountain resort town of Banff,
Alberta.
The Meewasin Valley Trail 21-km follows the South Saskatchewan River
through the heart of Saskatoon, offering year round recreation and
sightseeing opportunities.
During the Centennial, there are many celebrations around the
province, including:
-
The Western Development Museum hosts this national touring
exhibition. During Saskatchewan's Centennial year, explore the art
of Allen Sapp and the history and culture of the Northern Plains
Cree through a combined exhibit of art, artefacts and advanced
digital technology.
-
RBC 100 Years of Hockey Experience: Saskatchewan's great hockey
achievements are featured in this celebration of the spirit of the
people of Saskatchewan. It features stories, photos and
memorabilia that celebrate Saskatchewan's many great hockey
moments over the past century. This event is being held around the
province in various locations. It features Saskatchewan
memorabilia from the Hockey Hall of Fame and Saskatchewan hockey
greats.
-
Ten days of jazz music and music influenced by jazz including
blues, world, big band, soul, and groove. Participating cities:
Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw.
Jun 24, 2005 to Jul 3, 2005.
For more information about travelling to Saskatchewan and to order
regional guides,
click here.
Pets Can Stay Canada has accommodations in Saskatchewan certified or
just completing the certification process. For information,
click here.
Sources: Canadian Geographic, Tourism Saskatchewan, and Encarta.
All images on this page are courtesy of
Tourism Saskatchewan/Douglas E. Walker
|
