Saskatchewan is unique among Canadian provinces for having borders that are based on lines of longitude and latitude rather than natural geographical features. Historically known as the “breadbasket of Canada”, it remains a major agricultural producer of wheat, canola, and other grains and is also the sunniest province in Canada. 

Miles of prairies across SE Alberta

Cornfields galore

The Saamis Tepee, a massive steel structure built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, serves as a tribute to Canada’s Indigenous heritage

Medicine Hat is a stop on the Canadian Pacific rail route

Graffiti art is abundant, thoughtful and beautiful in The Hat

No mistaking where we are in the art district

Miles of prairies across SE Alberta

Cornfields galore

The Saamis Tepee, a massive steel structure built for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, serves as a tribute to Canada’s Indigenous heritage

Medicine Hat is a stop on the Canadian Pacific rail route

Graffiti art is abundant, thoughtful and beautiful in The Hat

No mistaking where we are in the art district

The capital was renamed Regina (Latin for “queen”) in 1882 to honor Queen Victoria. The city boasts numerous parks and greenspaces, with all its trees and plants being hand-planted. We really liked this pretty city.

The only way to serve a Smokey Prohibition Tea at the Hotel Saskatchewan, Regina

The name Moose Jaw nearly convinced us to stopover in this city but Regina, the capital seemed more appealing

The elegant lobby of the landmark Hotel Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s grand railway hotels

Thoroughly modern Regina

We took this photo of an exhibit in the Royal SK Museum since we never saw a single live moose in Canada

Gerry Quigley, art at the MacKenzie Art Gallery

Totem pole in the park at Wascana Lake

The name Moose Jaw nearly convinced us to stopover in this city but Regina, the capital seemed more appealing

The elegant lobby of the landmark Hotel Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s grand railway hotels

Thoroughly modern Regina

We took this photo of an exhibit in the Royal SK Museum since we never saw a single live moose in Canada

Gerry Quigley, art at the MacKenzie Art Gallery

Totem pole in the park at Wascana Lake

A real head turner at Mackenzie Gallery

Manitoba province is the geographical center of Canada, and the landscape along the stretch we drove was no different than neighboring Saskatchewan. Indigenous peoples have lived in the area for about 10,000 years with European fur traders arriving in the early 17th century. It was the first province to grant women the right to vote in provincial elections in 1916. Over half Manitoba’s population resides in the capital city, Winnipeg. With 750,000 it has a vibrant cultural scene.

We had a full day to explore this modern city and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights was at the top of our list. It’s the first national museum dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights.  It was designed as an idea museum, focusing on concepts and fostering dialogue rather than solely on historical artifacts.  The museum aims to engage visitors in an immersive, interactive experience, promoting understanding of human rights principles, and inspiring action against hate and oppression.  It further acknowledges the global context and influences on human rights. It was well worth the morning and afternoon before we broke for lunch at the Forks Market. The afternoon was spent wandering a small but tempting farmers market before we walked the laneways of an interesting outdoor art space in Winnipeg called the Back Alley Arctic created by local artist Kal Barteski.

Evidence of the ag presence

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Fabulous architecture at the Museum for Human Rights

Provencher Bridge crosses the Red River in Winnipeg

One of many Back Alley Arctic murals

Garage Art mural

Garage Art mural

Clever signage – get it…Winnipeg, Wienerpeg?

Dining hall at Forks Market

As we approached the US border we stopped to buy some local corn. The young farmer failed to mention that we weren’t allowed to import home-grown crops into the US.

Evidence of the ag presence

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Fabulous architecture at the Museum for Human Rights

Provencher Bridge crosses the Red River in Winnipeg

One of many Back Alley Arctic murals

Garage Art mural

Garage Art mural

Clever signage – get it…Winnipeg, Wienerpeg?

Dining hall at Forks Market

As we approached the US border we stopped to buy some local corn. The young farmer failed to mention that we weren’t allowed to import home-grown crops into the US.

Our route from Bozeman to Winnipeg