14 Must-Do Winter Outdoor Activities in Saskatoon: Cold Weather Fun

Are you ready for some cold-weather fun? This article will take you through 14 amazing winter outdoor activities in Saskatoon that are sure to make your winter unforgettable. 

The purpose of this article is to help you discover new ways to enjoy the winter season. You'll not only find exciting things to do but also learn about some hidden places in the city, so let's start!

Optimist Hill, located in the heart of Diefenbaker Park, is the go-to spot for winter sports lovers in Saskatoon.

This popular destination offers a range of activities for all ages, making it a perfect choice for families and friends looking to enjoy cold weather fun.

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, Optimist Hill has it all covered. With convenient rentals and daily passes, it's easy for everyone to join in, even if they don't own their own gear.

One significant aspect of Optimist Hill is its comprehensive ski and snowboard lessons. These lessons cater to various skill levels and schedules, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable time to learn. On weekdays, lessons are available in the late afternoon and evenings, while weekends offer all-day sessions.

For families or groups, the family or group lessons are ideal. These sessions accommodate different skill levels within a group, making it a fun and inclusive activity.

Instructors focus on building confidence and improving skills, ensuring everyone has a memorable time on the slopes. Private lessons are also available for those seeking personalized instruction.

When preparing for a day at Optimist Hill, remember to dress warmly for the cold weather. If you don't have your own equipment, don't worry—rentals are available on-site.

For younger children under five, the Parent and Tot sessions provide a fantastic introduction to snow sports, ensuring even the littlest ones can join in the fun.

Lace up your skates and slide into Sip & Skate, the coolest activity in town! For a few select nights each season, the Meewasin Skating Rink in Downtown Saskatoon transforms into an exclusive skating experience under twinkling lights.

Glide across the ice from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink Nutrien Plaza, right beside the Delta Bessborough Hotel.

Why is Sip & Skate so special? First off, you get exclusive entry to the rink, meaning no usual crowds. You have all that space to enjoy!

To keep you warm, there's a hot beverage featuring local spirits by LB Distillers. And for a sweet treat, you can savor a Sweet Prairie Grazer Fireside S’mores Box—yum!

Need a break from the ice? Warm up in the cozy skate chalet or by the outdoor fire. Additionally, you get to spend one-on-one time with the Meewasin team to learn about their conservation efforts.

The rink itself is a beloved winter destination, open annually from mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting.

But Sip & Skate is more than just a fun night out. It’s an opportunity to support the Meewasin Valley’s mission to conserve the natural beauty of the area and educate the community about environmental stewardship.

All proceeds from this activity go directly towards these vital programs, making it a truly sustainable experience.

When you think of dog sledding, you might see it as something only for experts. With Sundogs, anyone can give it a try!

Sundogs offers an immersive experience that ranges from quick introductions to multi-day adventures. Curious about the basics? Their Introduction Excursion is perfect for you. It's a fun and educational way to learn the ropes.

You'll get to meet the friendly sled dogs, familiarize yourself with the sled and equipment, and even try your hand at mushing.

For those with a bit more time, the Half-Day Excursion provides a deeper look into the mushing experience. It's a fantastic way to balance adventure with comfort.

Guided by skilled and knowledgeable guides, you'll venture further into the peaceful beauty of the forest. The sleds are equipped with insulated cushions and backrests, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Additionally, each sled usually carries one or two guests, giving you the option for more legroom and driving time if you're riding solo.

What's really special about Sundogs is their inclusion of Canadian Signature Experiences. These adventures offer a unique blend of exhilarating speed and quiet reflection, giving guests a deeper connection to nature and the cultural heritage of the region.

The thrill of the ride is just one part of the entire experience, which includes bonding with the dogs and absorbing the peaceful beauty of the winter landscape.

Why was Diefenbaker Park chosen as a top winter activity spot in Saskatoon? Simply put, it’s a winter wonderland filled with fun for everyone!

Located in the heart of the city, this park is a hub for winter enthusiasts, offering a variety of thrilling activities. One of the highlights? Tobogganing!

At Diefenbaker Park, the tobogganing experience is unparalleled. You can zip down a 70-foot slope on a groomed lane and feel the wind rush past you.

There are two conveyor lift systems, making the journey back to the top easy peasy. No more hiking up the hill, just pure, uninterrupted fun!

Worried about gear? Don’t be! Diefenbaker Park provides rental services. From toboggans to snow tubes, and even skis and snowboards, everything you need is right there.

This ensures that everyone, regardless of whether they own winter sports gear, can join in on the excitement.

Additionally, the park offers ample parking and warm-up facilities, guaranteeing a comfortable visit.

And let’s not forget, Diefenbaker Park is not only a winter hotspot. Come summer, the park transforms, offering a variety of recreational activities amidst its natural beauty.

A warm, wooden barrel sauna located in the heart of Saskatchewan's pristine wilderness awaits you. That's exactly what the Winter Sauna Experience at Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures offers!

The highlight of this experience is the Sol Sauna located at Echo Valley Provincial Park.

This wood-burning barrel sauna provides a cozy and rejuvenating environment, ideal for immersing oneself in the traditional Nordic Cycle of Hot-Cold-Rest-Repeat.

The 75-minute sessions are self-guided, which means the sauna is preheated and ready for guests, allowing them to relax without any hassle. Just bring your water bottles and towels, and you're all set!

For those looking for a private retreat, the Private Sauna Experience is highly recommended. This exclusive session ensures 75 minutes of uninterrupted relaxation, perfect for couples, families, or even co-workers.

If you're more of a social butterfly, the Public Sauna Experience offers a communal 75-minute session open to up to six people per time slot.

This is a fantastic opportunity to not only enjoy the health benefits of the sauna but also to meet and connect with fellow sauna enthusiasts.

Participants can engage in the invigorating cycle of hot, cold, and rest, enhancing their overall well-being in a shared, friendly environment.

Glide effortlessly across a pristine winter wonderland, the snow crunching softly beneath your skis. That's the magic you’ll experience at the Canoe Ski Club in Saskatoon.

For those new to skiing or hoping to improve, the Canoe Ski Club offers a range of courses at the Gordie Howe Complex and Holiday Park Golf Course.

These courses span about six hours over three sessions, and they blend practical instruction with just enough theory to make learning a breeze.

Classic & Skate Ski Courses

If you're interested in classic or skate skiing, there are courses designed just for you. Beginners can learn the basics like diagonal stride, balance, weight shift, and double poling. Meanwhile, intermediate skiers can fine-tune these techniques for more efficient and enjoyable skiing.

Ski Instructional Courses

For the adventurous souls, the Ski Instructional courses offer an educational day trip to Eb’s Ski Trails in the Nisbet Forest. This unique experience allows you to apply what you've learned on the training track to a more challenging wilderness trail system.

Private Instruction

Have a busy schedule or specific areas you want to improve? The club also offers private or semi-private lessons.

These personalized sessions provide targeted instruction, ensuring you get the most out of your skiing experience.

Exploring Wanuskewin Heritage Park on snowshoes is a must-do winter activity in Saskatoon! From 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily, visitors can borrow snowshoes at the Interpretive Centre and embark on a snowy adventure through the serene opimihāw Valley.

Wanuskewin offers a variety of trails that welcome all levels of snowshoeing enthusiasts.

The trails are designed to let you soak in the natural beauty while also learning about the region's rich history. Remember to stay on the designated trails to help protect the valley's health and preserve its natural beauty.

Admission is required for all site access at Wanuskewin, including self-guided trail use. This is a National Historic Site of Canada and a proposed UNESCO site, dedicated to protecting the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the valley.

What makes Wanuskewin truly special is its cultural and historical significance. As a multi-award-winning Plains Indigenous cultural heritage site, it's more than just a place for outdoor activities.

The trails wind through archaeological points of interest, offering glimpses into the past and the significance of this land where all Nations have gathered for over 6,400 years.

After a refreshing snowshoeing session, visitors can warm up with a meal at the on-site restaurant.

The menu features traditional Indigenous cuisine with a contemporary twist—think hearty bison burgers, stews, fresh-baked bannock, and plant-based dishes, all made with local, fresh ingredients.

If you're looking to take a piece of history home, don't miss the Wanuskewin Gift Shop. It offers a collection of thoughtfully curated items from local and rural artisans, showcasing a wide representation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists from across North America.

Ever wondered what it's like to zoom through a winter wonderland on an ATV? At Historic Reesor Ranch in the beautiful Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan, you can do just that!

The ranch offers an exciting Guided ATV Tour that promises both adventure and stunning views.

Ride through snow-covered trails, surrounded by spruce and pine forests, with breathtaking vistas of the Reesor Ranch landscapes, Cypress Hills Wilderness Area, and Battle Creek Valley.

The tour is designed to be accessible for everyone, even if you've never ridden an ATV before.

The one-hour journey takes you through diverse terrains, and you'll have two breaks to soak in the scenery and snap some memorable photos.

Before you set off, a 15-minute safety and driving orientation will ensure you're well-prepared. Helmets and visors are provided and are mandatory for all riders.

And don't worry if you're a novice, the knowledgeable guides are there to assist you, making sure your ride is both safe and enjoyable.

But the enjoyment continues with more than just the ride. To make the day even more special, you can add a hearty pizza or lasagna meal for lunch or supper.

The tours take place on private ranch property, ensuring a controlled and secure environment. However, it's important to note that the ATVs are not permitted on Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park property.

If you find yourself wanting more time in this winter paradise, consider staying at one of the ranch's lodging options. .

Many people think that winter is a time to stay indoors, but Saskatoon has some incredible outdoor adventures that prove otherwise. One such adventure is joining a Snowy Owl Tour with Living Sky.

These tours offer a unique chance to see and photograph the majestic Snowy Owl in its natural habitat. You’ll be standing in a rural farming district, surrounded by the calm winter landscape, with one of nature’s most striking birds right in front of you.

Living Sky offers both private half-day and full-day tours, ensuring that your experience is personalized. The half-day tour runs from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, perfect for a quick yet immersive birding trip.

For those wanting to immerse themselves further, the full-day tour spans from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and if you’re a true birding enthusiast, there's an extended full-day tour from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

If you prefer a group setting, consider joining the public Snowy Owl Group Tours. These self-drive tours require advance registration and are ideal for bird photography enthusiasts.

What can you expect on these tours? Besides the awe-inspiring Snowy Owls, you may also encounter other fascinating bird species such as Golden Eagles, Gyrfalcons, Prairie Falcons, and many more.

For novice photographers, there's even the option to get assistance from a professional wildlife photographer to help you get that perfect shot.

If you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping winter adventure, consider snowmobiling through Saskatoon's breathtaking Nisbet Forest.

Hosted by Sno Cruise, this snowmobile tour offers an exhilarating journey through the heart of Saskatchewan's unique landscapes.

The adventure kicks off in Nisbet Forest, a historically rich area once known as the Pines Forest Reserve.

This ancient forest, formed from river silt, has massive dunes and a rare, varied terrain that's ideal for snowmobiling.

A key highlight of Sno Cruise's tours is their commitment to exploring the wilderness. Rather than sticking to groomed trails, their tours venture off the beaten path, allowing participants to experience the full diversity of the area.

From dense forests to open meadows and historical trails, every tour is a unique journey through Saskatchewan's natural beauty.

For those who want to share the fun with family, Sno Cruise offers family-oriented tours, ensuring that every member, regardless of experience level, can enjoy the adventure.

The snowmobiles are equipped to handle a variety of conditions, making them perfect for group settings.

Participants can enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling while exploring the historical and natural landmarks of the region.

One iconic stop on the Sno Cruise tour is Fort Carlton, where the historic Carlton Trail meets the North Saskatchewan River.

Glide effortlessly through a winter wonderland, surrounded by tranquil snowy landscapes. That's exactly what you get with the Kicksled Adventure at Dakota Dunes Resort, located in the traditional Whitecap Dakota Territory.

So, what exactly is kicksledding? It's a unique winter sport that combines the ease of sledding with the stability of walking. Think of it as a small, low sled equipped with ski-like runners and a seat.

Upon arriving at Dakota Dunes Resort, guests receive a quick tutorial on how to use the kicksled.

This brief introduction ensures that everyone, from beginners to seasoned adventurers, can comfortably navigate the snowy trails.

Once the basics are mastered, it's time to head out on the picturesque Arrow Head Trail. This scenic route winds through the resort's snowy landscape, featuring gently rolling natural sand dunes and expansive winter views.

All necessary equipment is provided, and each kicksled is designed for comfort and optimal performance on snow and ice.

The stability of the kicksled makes it an ideal choice for families and groups, especially those who might find skiing or snowshoeing a bit daunting.

This two-hour session offers ample time to explore, enjoy the fresh air, and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a monster fish from the icy depths of Wollaston Lake, and that's exactly what you'll experience on an ice-fishing adventure.

Start your day with a steaming thermos of freshly brewed coffee as you head to the frozen water.

The typical day begins at 9 a.m. and goes until about 6 p.m., with a delightful shore lunch break in between. You'll have the chance to catch Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Walleye while enjoying the serene beauty of untouched nature.

The licensing requirements are straightforward: Saskatchewan residents aged 16 to 65 need a Saskatchewan Angling License, while non-residents aged 16 and older must obtain a non-resident fishing license.

Fishing here is about more than just the catch. It's about connecting with the pristine environment and enjoying the majestic landscape.

Galloway Bay Outfitters offers an exceptional experience at Lake Diefenbaker. They provide fully equipped and comfortable ice houses and pop-up tents, making your outing both cozy and convenient.

Each rental package includes everything you need to start fishing immediately, from bait and rods to pre-drilled holes and a warm, crackling fire.

Enter the world of wine at Vintner's Cellar Saskatoon with their Wine Making Tour, where the journey from grape to glass is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation.

This hands-on experience allows you to craft your own wine, guided by experts dedicated to making the process accessible and enjoyable.

The adventure begins with selecting from over 60 wine kits available at Vintner's Cellar Saskatoon.

Once a wine kit is selected, the fermentation process kicks off in-store. Yeast is added to the kit, setting the stage for the transformation from juice to wine.

This crucial step takes a bit of patience but is essential for developing the wine's flavor profile. Typically, after about six weeks, it’s time to return for the next stage of the winemaking journey.

When the fermentation process is complete, it’s time to bottle the wine. No need to worry about supplies; everything required for bottling, corking, and labeling is provided by Vintner’s Cellar Saskatoon.

This final step is designed to be quick and enjoyable, with staff assisting throughout to ensure a smooth process. The result is a personalized bottle of wine, ready to be savored or gifted.

For those looking to take their winemaking experience to the next level, the Barrel Club offers a unique opportunity.

Members can participate in creating large batches of wine aged in oak barrels. This process not only enhances the wine's depth and character but also provides a communal experience.

At Vintner's Cellar Saskatoon, the foundation of great wine is high-quality ingredients. They offer an extensive selection of winery-grade juices, including 100% pure juice and region-specific kits.

Bird enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Saskatoon Winter Birdwatching Tour. This tour is a fantastic opportunity to engage deeply with the rich avian life of Saskatoon, designed for both novice and experienced bird watchers.

Walk through Saskatoon's most bird-rich parks, led by local birding expert Stan Shadick, and spot a variety of winter visitors like Bohemian Waxwings, crossbills, chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, and woodpeckers.

You will also see Common Goldeneye ducks and geese in their natural habitats.

The tour is a blend of walking and driving, taking you through some of the best birdwatching spots in the city. One of the main attractions is the Forestry Farm Park, known for its high bird activity.

These locations are carefully chosen to maximize bird sightings, and with Stan Shadick’s spotting scope, participants can get an up-close view of the birds, especially the ducks and geese on the river.

What makes this tour even more appealing is its flexibility. Private tours are available daily from November to March, with both morning and afternoon slots.

It’s important to be prepared for the winter conditions, so dressing warmly is a must. Think winter hat, coat, pants, long underwear, and snow boots.

The pace of the tour is leisurely, allowing ample time to soak in the beauty of the birdlife and enjoy the peaceful winter landscapes.

This tour is included in the article because it offers a unique and immersive way to appreciate Saskatoon's natural beauty during the colder months.

Winter in Saskatoon is a magical time, and there are so many ways to enjoy it! From the thrilling rush of skiing and snowboarding at Optimist Hill to the peaceful beauty of snowshoeing at Wanuskewin Park, there's a variety of activities to suit different preferences. 

Each activity provides an opportunity to create unforgettable memories, whether you're speeding down a hill, gliding across the ice, or exploring the snowy countryside.

And don't forget, ActiviFinder Saskatoon is always here to help you discover even more amazing things to do in your city.