Saskatchewan is an agricultural powerhouse, holding nearly 50 percent of Canada’s arable land. The province ranks as one of the world’s top exporters of wheat, oats, canola, barley, peas and other crops, and it’s the second-largest beef-producing province in Canada.
“Saskatchewan is known as the breadbasket of Canada, providing easy access to fresh, high-quality ingredients for chefs, brewers and distillers,” says Amy McInnis, manager of marketing for Tourism Saskatchewan. “As a result, we have a host of delicious touring options that operators can add into itineraries, and all of them are easily accessible off major highways.”
McInnis offers ideas for groups visiting two top Saskatchewan foodie cities:
Regina
- To discover Saskatchewan’s microbrew scene, have lunch at Bushwakker Brewpub and follow the meal with a tour and beer school. Bushwakker is rated as one of Canada’s best brewpubs both by experts and the public.
- Just down the road in the Warehouse District is another popular local establishment, Rebellion Brewing, known for the creative use of Saskatchewan-grown ingredients in its lentil cream ale.
- Twenty minutes north of Regina is the scenic Qu’Appelle Valley and Over the Hill Orchards, a certified organic grower of exotic fruits including peaches, blackberries, grapes, strawberries and prairie cherries. Guests can relax with a glass of wine and a selection of dessert appetizers on the patio and then move indoors for Supper in the Orchard—a multi-course, locally sourced meal offered weekends from May 5 to Oct. 8.
Saskatoon
- Shop for a taste of the province at the SaskMade Marketplace, a retail outlet dedicated to sourcing Saskatchewan-made products. Tastings are available for groups.
- Enjoy a tour and tasting at Black Fox Farm & Distillery, winner of the best cask gin at the World Gin Awards, and take a tour of the site’s massive cut-flower gardens. Continue down scenic Valley Road to The Berry Barn, which has a number of menu items featuring Saskatoon berries.
- Visit Lucky Bastard Distillers and learn the too-good-to-be-true story behind the name. While there, sip samples including Gambit Gin, which is infused with Saskatoon berries.
For more details on Saskatchewan foodie tours, contact Amy McInnis or visit trade.tourismsaskatchewan.com.
Top photo: Black Fox Farm & Distillery
Photo by Chris Hendrickson
