Your Complete Guide To Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Written on 09/26/2025
SOUBHIK CHAKRABARTI


Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a National Historic Site and cultural gathering place just outside Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is dedicated to the history and traditions of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples. The park brings together archaeology, art, culture, nature, and living heritage. Visitors can walk ancient trails, see the bison herd, explore galleries, join guided programs, and learn from thousands of years of history.

Getting There – Wanuskewin Heritage Park

  • Location & Address: Wanuskewin is situated just north of Saskatoon, accessible via Penner Road.

  • Address: RR #4 Penner Road, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J7.

  • It’s approximately 15 minutes from Saskatoon’s city centre and 15 minutes from Saskatoon John D. Diefenbaker International Airport.

  • By Car
    Follow “Wanuskewin Bison” signs. Turning off Wanuskewin Road leads to the park’s entrance, just south of Penner Road. On-site parking is available for a flat day rate of $5.00, unless you are a member, in which case parking is free. 

  • By Foot
    Wanuskewin is connected to the Meewasin Trail, a scenic trail network exceeding 105 kilometres. 

  • By Bike
    Cyclists can use the Meewasin Trail to reach Wanuskewin. Bike racks are available at the Visitor Centre for securing your bike on arrival. 

  • By Bus / Public Transit
    There is no direct bus route to the park at this time. 

Hours & Admission

  • Regular Hours: Open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Spring/Summer Statutory Holidays (May–September): 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Fall/Winter Statutory Holidays: Closed

  • Christmas Break: Closed December 25 – January 1

Admission Rates

  • Adults: $16

  • Seniors: $10

  • Students: $12

  • Children (6–12): $8

  • Family (up to 6 people): $40

  • Infants (0–5): Free

  • Parking: $5 flat day rate (credit card or Honk Mobile app)

Things to See & Do

Visitor Centre

  • Permanent Exhibits: Learn about the peoples of the Northern Plains.

  • Art Galleries: Contemporary and traditional Indigenous artwork.

  • Gift Shop: Indigenous-made jewellery, art, books, and crafts.

  • Restaurant: Open 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., serving locally inspired meals.

  • Theatre & Events Spaces: Hosts cultural presentations and performances.

Trails & Landscape

  • 7 km of Walking Trails through the Opimihaw Valley.

  • Bison Viewing Platform with views of the herd, reintroduced in 2019.

  • Access archaeological sites that reveal over 6,000 years of continuous human presence.

Tours & Programs

  • Guided Tours (2 hours): Led by Indigenous interpreters, including cultural teachings, stories, and trail walks.

  • Self-Guided Visits: Explore trails, exhibits, and galleries at your own pace.

  • Seasonal Cultural Activities: Tipi raising, traditional games, dance, and storytelling (schedule varies).

Visitor Tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes; trails are natural surfaces.

  • Bring water, sunscreen, and dress for prairie weather.

  • Book guided tours in advance, especially in peak season.

  • Only certified service dogs are permitted (no pets otherwise).

  • Bikes and motorised vehicles are not allowed on internal trails.

  • Drones are prohibited.

  • Arrive early to enjoy both the indoor galleries and the outdoor trails.

Getting Back

Simply return by car to Saskatoon (about a 10-minute drive). Parking payment is required before leaving. For those joining group tours, confirm transportation in advance.

Final Note

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is more than a museum or park—it is a living cultural site where Indigenous traditions are celebrated and shared. With its trails, exhibits, art, and bison herd, it offers visitors a chance to experience the deep history and living culture of the Northern Plains. Whether you join a guided tour or explore on your own, a visit here connects you to a story stretching back thousands of years.