Cross Canada Road Trip:
Home for the Hockey Game

One of our main goals in our semi-retirement is to travel a little bit.  Nothing too extravagant, but we’d like to hop in the car and make the approximately 6,000 km (3,700 mile) drive east from our home near the Rockies in Canada all the way to Newfoundland.  We have family and even a co-worker to visit along the way.  We’ve never been to Newfoundland but have friends from the area who highly recommend it for it’s laid back charm and abundant natural beauty.

We drove the Alaska highway from Calgary, Alberta to Seward, Alaska about 10 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our one constructive criticism is that we didn't give ourselves nearly enough time (we drove the 3,500 km there and then back again in three weeks, yikes) so for this road trip we're giving ourselves a full five months so we have plenty of time to stop and enjoy ourselves along the way.

And so we packed the Jeep yesterday, half full of computer equipment for Darren’s work, lol, and set off on the first leg of our big adventure – the 7 hour trip to Saskatoon.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is where we met in university 30+ years ago and it’s where Darren’s mom and brother still live so this portion of the journey is one we’re very familiar with!

We had our regular rest stop at the Cactus Corner in Oyen which is near our farmland.  We like their riblets and potato wedges to go.

As we neared the Saskatchewan border we noticed that the springtime scenery of Alberta was changing to more wintery weather.  This isn’t unusual but we were certainly surprised by the amount of snow that greeted us in Saskatoon!

Darren's comment, "I don't miss the shoveling here!"

The first day of spring, in Saskatoon! lol

A Wintery Walk: Meewasin Valley Trail

One of Saskatoon's winter jewels is the Meewasin Valley Trail, which meanders along the banks of the picturesque South Saskatchewan River. This extensive network of paths offers not only breathtaking views of the frozen river and frosted trees but also a serene escape into nature, right in the heart of the city. During the winter months, the trail is well-maintained, making it accessible for walkers, joggers, and even cross-country skiers.

The trail stretches for miles, but a particularly beautiful section to explore in winter is the area around the University Bridge and Victoria Park. Here, you'll find a magical winter landscape, with snow-laden branches and crisp, fresh air. Don't forget to bundle up, though—the beauty of the trail is matched only by the chill of the Saskatchewan winter!

A Scenic Drive: Blackstrap Provincial Park

Just a short drive from Saskatoon, Blackstrap Provincial Park offers a scenic retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In under an hour, you can find yourself surrounded by the serene beauty of this unique area, highlighted by the man-made Mount Blackstrap, which was originally created for a winter sports event.

This is one of the most comfortable places to try out winter camping if that's something you'd like to do. It has glamping domes you can book, year-round with giant panoramic windows. If you're very lucky, you'll be able to lay in bed and watch the northern lights at night after a fun filled day of tobagganing on the man-made "mountain" and snow-shoeing or cross country skiing on the prairie. They offer ice-fishing there too, but only when the ice is thick enough to be safe, which it usually isn't by this time in March.

Tips from the locals:

• Don't plan an entire trip here around the Northern Lights! We grew up here and saw them frequently, but you can easily go weeks in between sightings.
   
• Mount Blackstrap isn't a mountain. If you're from away and are picturing the Rockies, please don't!! It's a 150 foot high man-made hill plopped in the middle of the prairies that's great for tobogganing. Generally speaking, a hill has to be over 1,000 feet to be considered a mountain. The Canadian Rockies are around 10,000 feet, a whopping 65 times higher than poor little Mount Blackstrap.

Despite the diminutive size of its "mountain", late winter/early spring in Blackstrap Provincial Park is quietly magnificent, with its frozen lake and snow-covered landscapes offering a peaceful backdrop for a leisurely drive. The park's roads are well-maintained during the winter, providing safe and accessible routes for visitors. Along the way, there are several spots to pull over and take in the panoramic views or even strap on some snowshoes and explore the surroundings on foot.

Why Stop in Saskatchewan?

If you ever plan a road-trip from coast to coast across Canada, I assure you that you will see some of the most spectacular natural beauty there is to see! But you'll also see the prairies -- a lot.

One of the first things we did when our son-in-law moved here from England was to take him from our home near the beautiful Canadian Rockies on a road trip for Christmas at Darren's family's place in Saskatoon (this is the same 7 hour drive we're on right now). He was gobsmacked (his word) by the sheer size and emptiness of the prairies and then further astounded when we explained to him that we weren't even halfway across yet! You're going to need to embrace the prairies and find something you enjoy if you plan to cross Canada by road.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Blades Game

Darren and his brother are hockey fans and while there isn’t an NHL team in Saskatoon, there is a very lively Western Hockey League scene.  When they were young, the brothers had tickets to the local team (the Blades) and we made it to Saskatoon in time for the last game of the regular season.  The Blades are the number one team in the league this year so they’re definitely going to the playoffs but that doesn’t make the guys any less excited about seeing the last regular season game together.  If you’re visiting Saskatoon from away and want to experience some local flavour, a Blades game is definitely something I’d recommend!  Tickets are usually fairly easy to come by -- the guys tend to just buy them at the door on game night.

Darren and Brenton, brothers in their early fifties, found themselves walking into the familiar, yet somehow different, arena of the Saskatoon Blades, the WHL team they grew up cheering for. This wasn't just any game; it was the last regular-season game, stirring a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The chill of the ice rink brought back a flood of memories: the countless games attended, the victories celebrated, and the losses mourned, all side by side, decked in blue and white.

As they took their seats, the atmosphere was electric, buzzing with the energy of fans old and new. For Darren and Brenton, it was more than just watching a hockey game; it was a revival of their youth, a time when life was simpler, and hockey was everything. The game unfolded, echoing the familiar sounds of puck against stick, players crashing into the boards, and the roar of the crowd. It was as if they were teenagers again, living and breathing every moment of the play.

Win or lose, it didn't matter. For Darren and Brenton, this game was a celebration of their shared history, a reminder of the bond formed years ago in these very stands. As the final buzzer sounded, they joined in the standing ovation, not just for the Blades' performance, but for the years of memories this team had given them.

First-Time Fan Tips: Maximizing Your Hockey Game Experience

Attending a hockey game is an exhilarating experience, especially if it's your first time. I actually think the junior level hockey of the WHL is as exciting or more exciting than NHL hockey because the players are young and eager -- some are already drafted to NHL teams, the rest are hoping to be. The WHL teams are the last step before the pros! Think of it like the Canadian version of "college football" in the US.

To ensure you get the most out of your first game, consider these tips:

1. Arrive Early: Get to the arena with plenty of time to spare. This gives you a chance to soak in the atmosphere, explore the venue, and maybe even catch the players during warm-ups.

2. Dress Appropriately: Remember, it's an ice rink, so it will be chilly. Wear layers and don't forget your team colors to show your support!

3. Learn the Basics: Familiarizing yourself with the basic rules of hockey will make the game more enjoyable and easier to follow.

4. Engage with Fans: Don't be shy to chat with fellow supporters. Hockey fans are passionate and sharing the excitement can enhance your experience.

5. Cheer Loudly: Be part of the action by cheering for the Blades. The energy of a live hockey game is contagious, and your enthusiasm will contribute to the home advantage.

6. Enjoy Local Eats: Concession stands often offer local favorites and traditional hockey game snacks. Try something new or stick with classic game-day food like a "rink burger" and a cold drink.

7. Capture the Moment: Take photos or buy a souvenir to remember your first Blades game. However, remember to also put the phone down at times and immerse yourself in the live experience.

By following these tips, you're set for an unforgettable introduction to the excitement of WHL hockey with the Saskatoon Blades. Enjoy the game, and who knows, you might just become a lifelong fan or at least make a few new memories!

Go team go!
Leanne