This page is designed for visiting researchers to get to know a little about Saskatoon and visiting accommodations and to receive an introduction to the services of the University. The Special Collections at the University of Saskatchewan Library has many great collections worth researching, and Saskatoon is a great place to visit in the summer or winter.  Please note that letting us know when you plan on visiting will help us accommodate your research requests early allowing you to maximize your time with the research material; we are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday (closed holidays).  Reach us at spec.coll@usask.ca.

Aerial view of U of S Campus from Google Maps.  Need to see more? View Larger Google Map

University Amenities

• Accommodation: For those researchers looking to stay directly on campus, the University Hospitality Services has online bookings available for the summer months (10 May - 14 August) for low rates.
• Parking: There are several lots that allow pay-per-hour (or day) parking, including right in front of Place Riel (next to the Murray library) as well as a Stadium Parkade across the street on College Drive.
• Food: There are many food services available on campus, including Marquis Hall above Upper Place Riel, Marquis Cafe just below it (with Tim Hortan's), St. Thomas More cafeteria in the St. Thomas More building, an A & W in the Arts Tower Buffeteria (located near the library with underground walkway). In the newly renovated Lower Place Riel there is Treats (a muffin/sandwhich shop), Crepe Bistro, Harveys (hamburgers), Purblendz (smoothies), Extreme Pita, Umi Sushi, Mac's Convenience store, and Mrs. Vanellis (pizza).  Louis Pub and Grill is located on Voyageur Crescent (near the Library and with underground walkway via Upper Place Riel) with Broswers cafe located above. There is a Starbucks on the ground floor of the library and there are many more buffeterias around campus.  On College Drive across the street there is a Dairy Queen, a Subway, Alexander's Restaurant, and a Starbucks.
• Recreation: There are plenty of recreational activities on campus. Kineseology (the PAC) at 87 Campus Drive has a wall climbing facility, work out facilities, a running track, gymnasiums, swimming pools and online racquetball booking.  The Education Building (28 Campus Drive) also has some recreational facilities.

City of Saskatoon

Aeriel view of Downtown Saskatoon from Google Maps.  Need to see more? View Larger Google Map

• Accommodation: There are several hotels in downtown Saskatoon, near campus. The Delta Bessborough, the Sheraton Cavalier and The James Hotel are on Spadina, the Raddison is on 20th St., The Hotel Senator is on 21st St., and, a little further from the river, the Hilton Garden Inn is on 22nd St.;  Closest to the University is the Parktown, located at the base of the bridge on 25th St., called the University Bridge (turns into College Drive). For a map of the hotels, click for Hotel accomodation near the University of Saskatchewan.
• Transportation: Taxi fare from the airport to downtown should cost around 12-15 dollars. We have Blueline Taxi (653-3333), Saskatoon Radio Cabs Ltd. (242-1221), United Cabs Ltd, (652-2222), Comfort Cabs Ltd (664-6464). Saskatoon Transit Services website has bus information, and the Saskatoon Airport has information on shuttles, limos, and car rental.
• Food: There is plenty of fine dining downtown, including the Samurai in the Bessborough, Windows Restaurant in the Sheraton, Aroma Resto in the Raddison, Rembrant's at the Hotel Senator, Tusq, and Truffles Bistro on 21st St. Not quite so expensive but still very good are Earl's a little out of downtown at 2nd Ave and Queen St. and 2nd Avenue Grill, the Rook and Raven and Otowa also on 2nd Avenue. Some downtown pubs include Winston's at the Hotel Senator and O'Shea's on 2nd Avenue. There are many more great little coffee shops and bistros downtown, as well as many great restaurants around the city!
• Recreation: In the Summer, there are a variety of festivals and shows that occur on River Landing, and Riverside Park and Kiwanis Memorial park by the river. Be sure to check out Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, a Taste of Saskatchewan and Folkfest. During the winter there is a beautiful rink in Bessborough park, voted the best outdoor skating rink in Canada (Readers Digest 2006), with skate rental available. All year around be sure to attend a play or Opera at Persephone Theatre or see a movie at the Galaxy Cinema both on 19th St. downtown, see the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in action, or view some art at the Mendel Art Gallery on Spadina Crescent just north of 25th St.. There are many other great things to do in the Paris of the Prairies. See the Tourism Saskatoon website for more details.