I’m just going to come out and say it: Moose Jaw is my favourite city in the province.

Why, you ask? If I had to explain it in one word, it would be Wakamow – 20 km of trail stretched across 500 acres of valley. The urban park stole my heart from the moment we met.

 

But my love for the city goes deeper than the nature that runs through it. It’s the laid-back charm of the downtown – the heritage buildings, murals and boutique-style shops. The city begs to be photographed. And the cherry (or should I say cherries) on top are its food, art and history.

 

Oh, Moose Jaw and its notorious history that conjures images of a colourful past involving gangsters (Al Capone allegedly spent time here).

 

Because I think you’ll like Moose Jaw as much as I do, I built you an itinerary that’s guaranteed to make you fall in love with the city as quickly as I did. Let’s get started.

 

You have 12 hours in Moose Jaw. Your time starts now.

 

10 a.m.

Step back in time at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw with a themed tour that explores local legend. Beneath downtown streets, immerse yourself into the world of Prohibition-era bootleggers in the Chicago Connection Tour, or experience the life of a Chinese immigrant working at an underground laundry on the Passage to Fortune Tour. Bunker 24 is a new tour (wheelchair accessible) that tells the story of Canada’s growth as a nation following the Second World War. The backdrop is a 1950s Cold War bunker, and you are entering your first day of training as a new recruit.

 

 

 

12 p.m.

Enjoy art and lunch at the Yvette Moore Gallery. Housed in the restored 1910 Land Titles Building, the gallery showcases the work of the internationally renowned painter, along with creations from over 40 western Canadian artisans. Its onsite restaurant, The Gallery Café, serves classic prairie cuisine with an artistic take.

 

 

2 p.m.

Breathe in fresh air as you wander the trails of Wakamow Valley. The lush parkland and natural habitat is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 190 species of birds.

 

 

3:30 p.m.

Relax and unwind at Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa. One of the city’s most famous attractions draws visitors from far and near with its therapeutic geothermal mineral water pool and spa.

 

 

5:30 p.m.

Uncover the history of the local alcohol industry in Saskatchewan from the 1870s to today during a wine and dine experience with Prairie Bee Meadery, in partnership with Grant Hall Hotel. Sample cocktails and shop for your favourite products in the showroom of Saskatchewan’s first craft meadery. Then make your way to the Little Chicago Steak House in the hotel for some fine dining.

 

 

8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a beverage at Rosie’s on River Street. You’ve earned it.

 

 

Travel Tip:

If you want to extend your visit and spend the night, the accommodation properties listed above are great options.

 

Did you know?

You can relive history with a ride on the only operating steam locomotive in Saskatchewan at the Western Development Museum - Moose Jaw. Transportation is the theme of the museum, which dedicates part of its aviation exhibit to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds 431 Air Demonstration Squadron.

 

Author: Andrew Hiltz

Andrew Hiltz, the Saskatchewanderer, is the official travel blogger and adventurer for the province of Saskatchewan. Andrew is particularly fond of finding unique, out-of-the-way destinations and attractions and meeting the people who are the heartbeat of tourism in the province. Follow him on Instagram: @saskatchewanderer