2025 Skate Canada Int'l in Saskatchewan & 2026 Canadians in Gatineau QC

[kwanfan1818]

They wouldn’t let any backpacks into Skate Canada one year in Kelowna. I had to go back to my hotel and leave mine there. Security was very slow that year, too, and I missed some skating in the process. It’s the arena that calls the shots.

 

[manhn]

I vaguely recall Kelowna reversed their backpack ban midway through the comp. Anyone else remember that?

 

[kwanfan1818]

I do, but by the time I found out, I’d already left my backpack at the hotel, with all of my stuff in my Tilley Vest and jacket pockets.

 

[chewy]

I like the Saskatoon Inn for lunch if anyone keeping count.

 

[pat c]

Ok, I've booked a reservation at the Saskatoon Inn for 18. Hopefully I have booked enough seats. It's from 11:30 to 2ish Oct 31st, I doubt if they'll kick us out if we go over. Reservation is in my name. pm me for my name if you don't know it.

I did try a few other places, but this one prevailed.

 

[YukiNieve]

Looks like it's the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel.

According to Media Information on the ISU website, this is the hotel for the media.
Could this also be the official hotel?

 

[skatingguy]

According to Media Information on the ISU website, this is the hotel for the media.
Could this also be the official hotel?

Not sure - I'm also seeing that this is the official hotel, but since I was wrong once I don't want to sound to confident about it.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yxedb-delta-hotels-bessborough/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

 

[pat c]

The Bess and the Sheraton Cav are right across the street from one another. So both are probably in play for media and official hotel. My guess would be the Bess for official hotel as it's been before and the Sheraton for media. And it's a guess not a fact.

 

[chewy]

https://skatecanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gpcan2025_ColouredTimeSchedule.pdf

Schedule as of 2025.08.15

 

[YukiNieve]

Is the rink cold?

 

[victorskid]

For those planning ahead for Skate Canada International -
Saskatoon is 2 hours behind EDT Thursday through Saturday but only 1 hour behind ET on Sunday.
Just a reminder that Saskatchewan does not make a time change overnight on November 1-2 while much of the rest of North America does.

 

[pat c]

Is the rink cold?

I can't remember, it's been a while. Layer and you'll probably be ok. It's been quite windy here lately, so make sure your top layer if you're going to do a lot of walking, is wind resistant.

 

[4rkidz]

The Bess and the Sheraton Cav are right across the street from one another. So both are probably in play for media and official hotel. My guess would be the Bess for official hotel as it's been before and the Sheraton for media. And it's a guess not a fact.

I’m in the media hotel on the weekend its the Sheraton.

 

[victorskid]

From Skate Canada:
"Heading to Saskatoon for #SCI25? Take a look at the must-do things while you're there"

 

[chewy]

So where would one find Saskatoon Berry Pie?

 

[skatingguy]

'Stroll along the Messawin River'

The day time high for Saskatoon for Thursday, and Friday is 3°C (37°F) - better dress warmly.

 

[pat c]

So where would one find Saskatoon Berry Pie?

You'd just have to look at the menus and see if the restaurant has them. Saskatoon Inn has cheesecake with saskatoon berry topping.

 

[pat c]

From Skate Canada:
"Heading to Saskatoon for #SCI25? Take a look at the must-do things while you're there"

I'm late to the party, my apologies.

Wanuskewin -

Home - Wanuskewin

wanuskewin.com

Batoche - site of Louis Riel's rebellion isn't far from Saskatoon. I just looked and it's tempoarily closed. Too bad it's a nice site.

Mendel art Gallery - https://remaimodern.org/

Broadway has a lot of nifty restaurants and shops. Nutana Bakery is there, Christie's Il Secondo, the Cheese Factory. https://www.prairiesun.ca/ is on Broadway as well.

Western Development Museum - https://wdm.ca/saskatoon/

There are 4 western development museums in Sask.

Saskatoon - development of small towns in Sask.
Moose Jaw - aviation
North Battleford - recreation of farm and rural life
Yorkton - communications and travel

If you like history, they've done a great job of recreating small businesses, original artifacts etc. I've been to all 4 and Stoon is probably my fav.

Wanuskew to the WDM would be a long expensive taxi ride. So pick one or the other unless you're going to rent a car.

Others but require a car:

Black Fox Farm and Distillery | Canadian Gin and Whisky Distillery

Created by nature. Transformed by Black Fox. Artfully combining agriculture and distilling to craft Canadian gin and whisky with a story and sense of place.

www.blackfoxfarmanddistillery.com

PRAIRIE PATHWAYS

www.prairiepathways.ca

 

[Winnipeg]

In Saskatoon, I would suggest erring on the warm side when packing. I recall the arena is on the bald prairie but then again the last time I was there was 2003. The wind can be brutal when combined with a cold temperature.

Inside the rink, should be no colder than other rinks.

 

[pat c]

In Saskatoon, I would suggest erring on the warm side when packing. I recall the arena is on the bald prairie but then again the last time I was there was 2003. The wind can be brutal when combined with a cold temperature.

Inside the rink, should be no colder than other rinks.

It's built up quite a bit around Sasktel Centre, but the wind has been very strong and cold this week. Dress warm and if you're walking a far amount, a scarf and gloves/mitts would be a good idea.

 

[YukiNieve]

They are quite strict about the banner size for now. We will see if that changes.

 

[Winnipeg]

It's built up quite a bit around Sasktel Centre, but the wind has been very strong and cold this week. Dress warm and if you're walking a far amount, a scarf and gloves/mitts would be a good idea.

Add a winter hat to that................

 

[victorskid]

Hoping for some voids in the thread in SS