A Visit to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon | EP. 4

Just a short drive from Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a place where time almost stands still, inviting you to step into a world shaped by millennia of culture and tradition. 

For over 6,000 years, Indigenous peoples have gathered here, sharing stories, celebrating traditions, and connecting with the prairie landscape. Every corner of the park has a story to tell, and every path leads to a deeper connection with the land and its history. 

As a key highlight of Saskatoon tourism, Wanuskewin offers a unique blend of nature, history, and culture that you won’t want to miss.

Where is Wanuskewin Heritage Park?

A short 15-minute drive from downtown Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is an easy escape from the city. It sits along the Opimihaw Creek valley, surrounded by rolling prairies and striking landscapes that are both serene and inspiring. 

The Cultural and Historical Significance of Wanuskewin

Wanuskewin, whose name means “seeking peace of mind” in the Cree language, has long been a sacred gathering place for Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous groups, including the Cree, Assiniboine, and Blackfoot, came to this area for ceremonies, seasonal gatherings, and hunting. 

The park’s landscape is filled with archaeological sites, ancient tipi rings, stone tools, and even buffalo jumps that speak to millennia of human presence. This history is preserved through interpretive displays and storytelling, allowing visitors to walk the same footpaths and touchstones that have connected people to this land for centuries.

For those interested in the Indigenous history of Saskatoon, the park offers something deeply meaningful. Through its trails and interactive exhibits, Wanuskewin offers you the chance to see, feel, and connect with a rich and living history that has existed here long before Canada was even a concept.

Bringing the Bison Back

One of Wanuskewin’s most transformative projects has been the reintroduction of plains bison—a creature that was, for centuries, an essential part of life on the prairies. The bison were reintroduced to Wanuskewin in 2019 after being absent from this land for nearly 150 years, and the return of these iconic animals has had a powerful impact on both the landscape and its visitors. 

This reintroduction project is a collaborative effort involving Indigenous knowledge keepers, conservationists, and scientists, all working to preserve the ecological and cultural heritage in Saskatoon. Walking the trails with bison in sight, you get a unique perspective on how traditional ecological knowledge and modern conservation can work together to bring life back to these prairies.

Listen to our episode to hear from experts about the bison reintroduction efforts, the park’s deep cultural significance, and how it’s transforming visitors’ experiences today.

Visitor Experience at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

From the moment you step into Wanuskewin, it’s clear that this is one of the top places to see in Saskatoon. If you’re looking for a space to be in nature and explore human history, this is it. 

Pop into the visitor’s center and Wanuskewin gift shop before taking a look at the multitude of things to do here. 

Things to do in the Park

• Guided Tours and Storytelling – You can join guided tours and storytelling sessions about the park’s history and Indigenous culture. I suggest looking at this option if it’s your first time here. 
• Bison Viewing – Obviously a highlight of any visit to the park, catching a glimpse of this magnificent creature. Observe the plains bison roaming from designated viewing platforms.
• Hiking Trails – Wear your most comfortable walking shoes because the hikes in this park are extraordinary. Explore scenic trails like the Trail of Discovery and Valley Lookout.
• Cultural Workshops – If you have spare time during your visit, you can learn even more from local experts. Participate in beadwork, drum-making, dance, and other cultural workshops.
• Archaeological Sites and Exhibits – Visit ancient tipi rings, bison jumps, and interpretive exhibits.
• Indigenous Art Gallery – View rotating exhibitions of traditional and contemporary Indigenous art.
• Self-Guided Audio Tour – For those who aren’t interested in guided tours, you can also take a self-guided audio tour at your own pace.
• Seasonal Wildlife Viewing – Enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing, especially in spring and fall.
• Winter Activities – Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the park is without reason to visit. Rent snowshoes or walk through the winter landscape.
• Traditional Foods at the Wanuskewin Restaurant – Don’t bother packing a picnic lunch, the on-site restaurant will keep you nourished and take your taste buds on their own adventure. Sample Indigenous-inspired dishes like bannock and bison.
• Interactive Children’s Programs – Bring the whole family and engage kids with educational and craft activities.

Practical Tips

• Best Time to Visit:

Wanuskewin is open year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant for comfortable temperatures and active wildlife. While summer draws the largest crowds, winter brings a captivating quietness to the trails, making snowshoeing or simply walking in the park a peaceful and reflective experience. There’s really no wrong time to visit.

• How to Get There & Places To Stay:

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is easily accessible from Saskatoon, with ample parking on-site. The convenience of the location makes it easy to add this enriching experience to any Saskatoon itinerary, whether for a quick half-day visit or a full day of exploration.

• Wanuskewin Heritage Park Open Hours and Entrance Fees:

Admission fees vary by age, with discounts available for families, seniors, and children. It’s worth checking their website for current prices and hours before visiting, as hours may change seasonally. Visiting during the week can sometimes mean smaller crowds and more opportunities to ask questions and engage with guides.

Find prices for Wanuskewin Heritage Park tickets here.

Cultural Programs and Indigenous Art

Wanuskewin Park offers visitors a rotating schedule of cultural programs and events designed to celebrate and share Indigenous art, stories, and traditions. The park’s Indigenous art gallery displays pieces that reflect both historical traditions and contemporary voices, with exhibits often curated by local Indigenous artists. 

Throughout the year, special events showcase traditional dance, storytelling, and workshops that provide an authentic and personal connection to Indigenous culture.

Wanuskewin’s Vision for the Future

As part of its ongoing mission, Wanuskewin is working toward becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a distinction that would underscore its global cultural and ecological importance. The park’s vision for the future includes expanded research and educational programs aimed at fostering Indigenous knowledge and land acknowledgment. 

Take a look at the park’s planned roadmap and how you can help them achieve this: The Road to UNESCO