Travel Guides Crafted by Experienced Archaeologists & Historians
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Saskatchewan
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

One of the Prairie Provinces in Canada’s inner heartland, Saskatchewan split from the Northwest Territories to join the union in 1905. Historically inhabited by indigenous peoples like the Cree and Assiniboine, the area that became Saskatchewan came under the control of the Hudson’s Bay Company from the late 17th century, when fur trapping became key to its economy. The mixing of indigenous and European peoples resulted in the emergence of a distinct Métis population in the Prairies during the 18th century. In 1869, the British crown asserted its ownership of the area, facilitating its integration into Canada’s Northwest Territories. In 1944, the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation took over the provincial administration, forming what has often been labelled the first social-democratic government in North America.

Archaeology & History Sites in Saskatchewan

Batoche National Historic Site

Located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, the Batoche National Historic Site marks the former location of a settlement of the Métis people, an ethnic group of both Indigenous and French heritage. It was here that the Battle of Batoche took place in 1885, part of the broader North-West Rebellion in which Métis communities clashed with the Canadian government. Today, visitors can explore a number of reconstructed buildings and interact with costumed re-enactors, as well as peruse the displays of various artefacts in the Batoche interpretive centre.

Fort Carlton

Located on the North Saskatchewan River, Fort Carlton was used by the Hudson Bay Company between 1795 and 1885, over the course of which it was rebuilt twice. The fort was ultimately destroyed amid the North-West Rebellion, a violent clash between the Canadian government and Metis communities. In 1976 the government classified Fort Carlton as a National Historic Site. Today, much of the site has been reconstructed, including stores, the clerks quarters, and the teepee encampment, allowing visitors a better appreciation of 19th century life.

Museums & Art Galleries in Saskatchewan

© Grahampurse / Wikimedia

Royal Saskatchewan Museum

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum is spread across two locations. That at Regina, the museum’s original base, was launched in 1906, making it the province’s oldest museum. It moved to its current premises in the 1950s and adopted the ‘Royal’ appellation in the 1990s. As well as featuring dioramas and other displays focusing on Saskatchewan’s First Nations communities, it also includes a collection of material exploring the region’s natural history and palaeontology, including a fossil display on mosasaurs and the world’s largest tyrannosaurus rex skeleton – a dinosaur that has been nicknamed ‘Scotty’.

Ukrainian Museum of Canada

Established by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon delves into the rich heritage of the Ukrainian migrant community who settled in this area of southern Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among its collection is a rich array of traditional costumes, painted eggs, and photographs. Temporary exhibits of Ukrainian art supplement the permanent display collection, while a library is available to researchers. A great place to learn more about the contribution of Ukrainian Canadians to the development of modern Canada.