Cross the border to Saskatchewan this winter to check out a massive agricultural exhibition, discover the RCMP’s history, and indulge in excellent contemporary Canadian cuisine. Save on flights, hotels and car rentals in Canada and beyond by booking with AMA Travel.
LUMINOUS DRIVE
Sure, you can string blinking bulbs from your eaves and make snowmen on the lawn, but they’re unlikely to match the grandeur of the Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour. The popular annual attraction features more than 75 custom animated LED light displays, which can be viewed from the comfort of your car on an evening drive through Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park. Nov. 19-Jan. 7
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
Make your moooooove to Regina’s Evraz Place for this year’s Canadian Western Agribition, one of the largest livestock shows in the country. Of course it’s not only a gathering of cattle farmers—it’s a festive prairie party featuring a food pavilion, marketplace with 500-plus vendors, live entertainment, First Nations cultural experiences and more. Nov. 21-26
HANDMADE EXPO
Make your holiday gift list truly one-of-a-kind by shopping this year’s Sundog Arts & Entertainment Faire at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. The province’s premiere handcraft exhibition boasts a juried market of more than 200 artisans and specialty food producers, selling wares ranging from jewellery to knitwear to pyrographic (burned wood) artworks. Local musicians provide a shopping soundtrack and a children’s stage helps keeps kids entertained. Dec. 2-4
LIKE THE DICKENS
Celebrate the spirit of the season the old-timey way at Government House in Regina, which hosts Victorian Christmas festivities over two December evenings. Free to attend (though a donation to the Regina Food Bank is encouraged), the family-friendly event features all manner of traditional activities: carol singing, cookie decorating, horse-drawn wagon rides and, naturally, a special visitor from the North Pole. Dec. 8 & 10
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SNOW AND SOUP
The best way to beat the winter blahs? Embrace the cold at Potashcorp Wintershines! The Saskatoon-based festival inspires visitors to dawn their toques, mitts and down-filled coats to take in a world-class ice-carving competition, snow park and petting zoo. And when you need to come in from the cold, sample hearty recipes of novice and pro chefs in the annual soup cookoff. Jan. 28-Feb. 5
EAT STREET
Saskatoon’s Riversdale District long had a notorious reputation, but it’s slowly shed that troubled past by welcoming new residents and unique businesses—including trendy bars, restaurants and cafés. Much of the action is on 20th Street West: Try Odd Couple for sophisticated Asian fare, Leyda’s for locally sourced offerings and The Grazing Goat for upmarket comfort food. Over on 334 Avenue, sample seasonally cured and smoked fare at The Hollows. And finish off your Riversdale dining tour with a decadent French pastry
at Little Bird Patissserie and Café.
FOR FINER FARE
For urbane dining in the heart of downtown Regina, it’s hard to beat 20Ten City Eatery. The classy restaurant offers a menu of seasonal favourites, from meat and seafood charcuterie boards to grilled lamb sirloin to a 10-ounce New York steak topped with garlic prawns. Organic and biodynamic wines make for memorable sipping, while free valet parking helps make your evening out just a little easier.
MOUNTIE MONTAGE
There’s more to Mounties than crimson uniforms and horses. Originally founded as the North-West Mounted Police in 1873, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police act as our country’s national police force, with responsibilities including organized crime, terrorism, drugs and economic crimes. Explore their rich history and legacy at Regina’s RCMP Heritage Centre. Take an interactive tour and watch daily police drills.