A wonderful way to explore a city filled with bridges and a long river (the South Saskatchewan runs 1,392 km) is by boat. And aboard Shearwater Boat Tours’ Prairie Lily, we got to explore four of Saskatoon’s seven bridges.
The tours normally last about an hour, passing along downtown Saskatoon, its parks, nature spots, landmark architecture and a few swish homes. The weather was gorgeous as the early evening light played on the water.
The ship accommodates groups, weddings, business gatherings and new this month, a gangplank bbq. A variety of burgers (including veggie) are cooked onboard, with salad, dessert, and coffee included ($39.95 per person).
Current sailings are at 4 and 6:30 pm leading into the colder months. A captain’s brunch is offered on Sundays (pre-booking mandatory) at noon, with a 2 pm separate matinee cruise. Friday evening dinner cruises feature a three-course meal and full table service and run an hour and a half. There’s a licensed bar with wine, beer, and cocktails onboard.
All cruises are weather-dependent; customers are offered either a refund or re-booking on a future cruise.
We boarded just behind the Mendel Art Gallery on a fully booked 6:30 pm cruise. Geese flew overhead and an occasional paddle boarder skimmed the water’s surface.
This was a very relaxing way to see the city from another perspective. A guide also provided commentary of what we were seeing as the boat moved along.
Visit the website for schedules, fares, dinner cruises and live entertainment aboard the Prairie Lily.
My cruise was compliments of Shearwater Boat Cruises. Opinions, as always, are my own.