There aren't a large number of cheap options in Saskatoon. The one, token hostel is the Patricia Hotel (2nd Ave. N., 306-242-8861), known to locals as The Pat. It's not affiliated with any hostel organization and the rooms come with mixed reviews. Phone for prices.

What Saskatoon lacks in dormitory accommodation, it more than makes up for in affordable Bed and Breakfasts. Try the Caswell Hill B&B (31st St. W, 306-933-2249), Brighton House, or the Sunshine Inn B&B. The Ninth Street Bed and Breakfast (9th Street E., 306-244-3754) is in a central and very attractive older neighborhood. All run in the $40.00-$80.00 range. If you have access to a car there are some beautiful options within a short jaunt of the city. Chaplins B&B and the Pond and Prairie Inn both combine rural charm with excellent facilities and cost about the same as the city options.

If you come in the summer, camping is also an option. Some people would insist that camping is also an alternative in the winter; they, however, are insane. Some of the better campgrounds include: the Parkland Campground, from $17-$24.00/day for a fully serviced site; the Gordon Howe Campsite (yes, named after the hockey player) is in an iffier part of town but has excellent facilities. It's open April 16 - September 23rd and its fully serviced sites cost about the same as the Parkland.

The most famous of Saskatoon's landmarks is the Delta Bessborough Hotel - "The Castle on the River." It costs a royal sum to spend the night here, but if you are looking to treat yourself it is definitely the premier place to stay in town. They currently offer a film and feast package. For $213 CDN you get two nights accommodation, an in-room movie and a $25 gift certificate for eating in the hotel.

Eating

Local Specialties
A large Mennonite community settled around the Saskatoon area, and as a result there is no shortage of cabbage rolls or perogies to eat. Try Taunte Maria's (Faithful Ave. 306-931-3212) for Mennonite Sausage and Sauerkraut. If you are in Saskatoon during the months of April-October, you have to try out the Berry Barn (306-978-9797), which specializes in dishes made from the local berry of choice, the Saskatoon. And yes, the city is named after the berry.

Ethnic
One of the most famous, and most affordable, eateries in town is the Make Me Well Kitchen (2nd Ave. S., 306-955-3609). Run by the indomitable Mercy, who fled Nigeria in the 90's, the Make Me Well offers a wide selection of North African cuisine at budget prices.

For Laotian/Vietnamese fare, try the Vientiane Inn (33rd St. W., 306-652-2533), which serves an incredible coconut curry. Other good Vietnamese choices include Ding Dongs, The Red Pepper, and Saigon Rose, all downtown.

If your taste runs to Mexican, try Amigos (10th St. E., 306-652-4912). The atmosphere leaves a little to be desired, but the food is excellent, especially at lunch. The Caribbean Kitchen Café (2nd Ave. N., 306-244-2428) is the place to go if you are craving curried goat, and Chic-Peas (2nd Ave. N., 306-244-6777) offers an all-you-can eat authentic East Indian Buffet.

General
You'll find the usual chain restaurants here, but the recently redesigned Earl's (2nd Ave. N., 306-664-4060) has enough atmosphere to make up for the commercialism. Moxies (8th Street E., 306-374-9800) gives you larger servings than you could ever possibly eat, and then tries to force mud pies on you. Chianti's (Idylwyld Dr. N., 306-665-8466) and Poverino's (8th Street E., 306-955-7319) are both excellent choices for Italian, and if you go on a Monday-Wednesday they offer affordable pasta specials. Crawdaddy's Louisiana Bar and Grill offers a fair selection of Cajun cuisine, but be warned, it's not the place to go if you are on a tight budget.

Drinking

The University dominates the city of Saskatoon. And where there is a University, there are students, and of course bars. There are lots of bars in Saskatoon.

Pubs
There are a number of great pubs in Saskatoon. McQuire's Irish Pub (8th Street E.) serves the request pints of Guinness at two temperatures. A campus favorite is The Black Duck Freehouse, (2nd Ave. North) and the Fox and Hound (Canarama Shopping Centre) pub finds a large number of professors hanging out.

Along with the sit and drink pub options, there are a number of great live music venues in Saskatoon:

Lydia's (Broadway Ave.)
Covering everything from folk to rock in a laidback atmosphere (and great beer)!

Louie's (University Drive)
The on-campus bar, Louie's is famous for getting acts in just before the big time. Case in point - Neko Case played there last month and Huxley Workman is on his way. Whoever hires the bands here is a genius.

Amigos
Mexican cantina by day, Ska and Punk haven by night. Quite the combo.

Buds on Broadway (Broadway Ave.)
The Biker and Blue's bar! Great guitar licks, just don't pick a fight.

Odeon (2nd Ave. South)
Generally brings in bigger names, proving the 80's still live!

Wash 'n' Slosh (Broadway Ave.)
Drink beer and listen to bands while doing your laundry. 'nough said.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area, check out our North America Insiders page.