Recorded Version
Saskatoon : June 2025
PART3
WEDNESDAY
We were fortunate to have been gifted Edmonton Valley Zoo Memberships this
year. One of the perks of membership is free entry to several zoos across the US & Canada (Sadly not Calgary Zoo).
Knowing this, I wanted to utilise the pass at another location. Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park was included in the list, so I knew we had to again we made sure to go. Once again we made sure to get there for open at 9am. My, partner also called ahead to ask what we needed to provide as we don’t get physical cards for our zoo membership. They had said it would be no problem as they could look it up in their system.
However, when we got there it was a different story. 2 different people at the front desk insisted that we needed physical cards and didn’t believe us when we said the zoo doesn’t give them anymore. Not even when I had a membership 3 years ago…
It took a 3rd person to give a silent nod of approval to get us in. Meanwhile my youngest was getting upset not realising the wagons you can use fits 2 kids (He was trying to get another). I think wagon rentals are usually $5, but in the mix up they didn’t charge us.
Looking past that, the zoo itself was a nice little walk. Honestly, it felt smaller than the Edmonton zoo, but the highlight was the Butterfly House. It’s not far from the entrance, but when we got there, there were 2 schools of kids going through at the same time. The Zookeeper gives lots of instructions before you enter to try and keep the butterflies safe, although I’m not sure it was effective with so many kids not watching where they walked. I saw several at the end of their life on the path.
Despite the chaos, once again we had a good time. The kids loved the butterflies and seeing the other animals.
I believe there is a park outside of the zoo that you can go to since you have to pay for parking to enter the area. But we decided it was best to move on to find calm once again.
LUNCH Las Palapas
Resort Grill
We knew we were heading South of the city for our next stop, so we found a restaurant on the way. The pictures and reviews assured me this would be the place
to go. We got a table outside again to enjoy the sunny weather. The decor and atmosphere is really pleasant. The service and food matched, along with a nice menu. Except I wasn’t told about the kids menu by the server. I’ll attach the pictures below, as the kids were feeling restless and we were here for under an hour before heading out.
WESTERN DEVELOPMENT MUSEUM
Saskatoon
This was the real underdog of the whole trip, a living museum. This experience solidified for me just how much I love living museums, now I need to go to more. In school, I always preferred geography over history – what is going on in our world now. But I’ve enjoyed learning bits of world history from my ESL students over the past year. And in general, I enjoy learning it more now if it feels more accessible.
Accessibility, that’s what living museums provide, in a way that a stuffy classroom cannot. My geography class was always full of pictures & videos. My history class was dark & dull, with dry delivery – dates and names I couldn’t care to remember.
dark
This museum is nothing like that, instead it’s a feast for the senses, without being overwhelming.
BOOM TOWN
Street
Upon walking through the doors past admissions, you’re greeted with a full sized town straight
out of a movie set. The attention to detail is admirable. You can go inside every single building. To me, it feels like a life sized blind box / Mystery
box as you never know what interesting scenes will greet you beyond each door.
Did I mention this place is huge?! Beyond this street is SO much more. There’s a section on indigenous culture, agricultural machinery, transportation, a fun house, and more!
They also have a cafe, I heard good things about their pie, and wish we went. In addition they have a nice -sized gift shop – that you’re not forced to walk through. I forgot to mention, it was a requirement to exit the zoo. I also noticed that they appeared to have some wheelchairs and kids push carts that you can rent.
Personally, I could’ve easily spent the whole day here. I used to sell antiques and vintage items on Etsy, so I have a particular interest in looking at how all the shelves were lined. That being said despite being a visual leamer, a I really appreciate the condensed way they provided information on their signs, and in photobooks. It felt a lot more accessible than your average museum. Informative without being overwhelming, & realistic with time expectations.
Sweet treats!
•TIP: you can buy Sugar mice at the British Panty
in WEM
A feast for the eyes. I could easily spend hours looking at everything
Well, it’s my intention to tell you my experience without giving every little thing away. So you’ll have to explore for yourself. The kids had a great time, and loved the scavenger hunt also
Westem Development Museum
Rating 5/5 Stars
Forestry Farm Park & Zoo
Rating 2/5 Stars
DINNER
Pink Cadillacs
I wanted to by and visit one ‘quirky’ family friendly restaurant on the trip that would be fun for the kids and I found Pink Cadillacs. This was located very close to our hotel on 8 St, So it fit the bill.
I had called in the moming while at the zoo to make a reservation & the staff member was kind to get us booked to sit in the cadillac (there’s only one). We arrived for 4:30pm, at which point there were only a couple other tables taken, and seated promptly at our car.
It was nicely decorated inside but coming from the museum, it felt like it could’ve had a bit more as they had a themed diner. But I could only make out some Elvis Presley memorabilia.
I don’t intend to thoroughly review every place I visit, but I think even without trying you will get the idea. I read reviews before picking this place regarding the food. And I get it, it was… not great – but maybe 50’s Style? I could only eat a few bites of my pasta, which honestly never happens. But I think it’s suitable for children, and maybe the elderly? The Milkshakes didn’t disappoint, so maybe skip the savoury dishes there. I could also see cadillac colouring sheets from where we were sat so l asked about them since the kids were getting tired. Apparently they can’t give if you’re in the car. Which… I kind of get, except it’s a vinyl booth like the rest of the restaurant. So it would’ve been nice if they had something else, since my kids don’t watch shows while eating.
I hadn’t realised that the car my son had picked from the museum earlier that day was a cadillac, both a happy coincidence & convenience that he had brought it along.
Overall, I like diner style restaurants as they suggest a simple laidback experience which I much prefer over a fancy restaurant 9/10 times.
The Service & unique experience would give this place:
3/5 stars
That’s all for wednesday, the next day is our returning trip. We stopped at the Western Development Museum in Battleford, if you’re interested to learn about that location!
Typed transcripts of my written notes and voice recorded audio files will be available
below – along with photos.
Thanks for reading,
Rebecca