Full day in Saskatoon

Full day in Saskatoon. Started the day off cleaning up the dusty bikes. Did we mention there are a lot of gravel roads in SK? Saskatoon has a gorgeous river valley trail system called Meewasin. We are able to access the mostly paved multiuse trails just outside our campground and thus began a 32 km relaxing bike ride along the river valley, 

Meewasin Trail along both sides of the South Saskatchewan River

Delta Bessborough Hotel - circa 1935

We come upon the Saskatoon weir, which turns out to be a landmark structure built in 1939 to regulate water flow and levels for the city's water supply. It's no longer needed but it remains a popular sightseeing spot to watch the birds, especially pelicans waiting for the fish to go over the weir into their waiting mouths....now that's easy fishing

The Saskatoon Weir

The Meewasin Trail runs over 105 km along both sides of the South Saskatchewan River over bridges and through beautifully landscaped parks. It really is a gem for this city. 

Meewasin Trail part of the Trans Canada Trail

We eventually cross the river on the Circle Drive Bridge. 

Circle Drive Bridge - it's own bike lane for crossing

Views of downtown Saskatoon

We head off the bike path and then up to the gorgeous University of Saskatchewan grounds.

 

Very nice trees and buildings

Thorvaldson Building - Science Place

By now our stomachs are grumbling so we head for a restaurant called Mano's, recommended by our long time friends, Rick and Mariann. They have spent a big chunk of their lives living and working in Saskatoon so we trust they know where to eat. 

We see this unique oil change place - The Great Canadian Oil Change - Fastest on the Strip....lol

Lubritorium

Finally we find Mano's on 8th avenue.  We learn it's been a family run business in the city for over 40 years that the son, Tasso, now runs as Mano passed away 3 years ago. 

Great food - great prices :)

 

We share a delicious late lunch of souvlaki and a Greek platter on an awesome outdoor patio complete with vines growing all over it.  Thanks Rick and Marianne, we were totally impressed. 

 

We get back on the Meewasin Trail and continue on through more lovely neighborhoods and beaches along the river where people are boating and swimming to beat the heat. We eventually come to the Gordie Howe Bridge and cross over again to the side of our campground. 

Old Character Homes are plentiful

Beaches along the South Saskatchewan River

Gordie Howe Bridge - bike lane is below the car traffic :)

Back at camp, we have some much needed down time and Sheila worked on the blog and Chris played guitar for a while.

After supper we head out on our bikes with our festival chairs on our backs to catch the final act of the Saskatoon Jazz Festival. 

Festival chairs on our backs.

We take in the last act of the night, a multi-genre band out of Boston. Some of the band members are wearing white cowboy hats, which they apparently proudly received last night while playing at the Calgary Stampede :)

That's another wrap on our day.