Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Prairies Travel Guide

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo offers a unique blend of history, horticulture, and wildlife, making it a memorable destination for all ages. Established in 1913 as the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station, it played a vital role in settling the prairies by providing trees for farms and shelterbelts. Over 50 years, the nursery grew and shipped 147 million trees across the northern prairie provinces.In 1966, the City of Saskatoon purchased the land, and in 1972, it reopened as the Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. Today, the park is a designated National Historic Site of Canada, boasting restored heritage buildings that reflect its past. Visitors can explore the Superintendent's Residence, a Georgian brick farmhouse built in 1913, and wander through carefully crafted garden spaces. The Robin Smith Meditation Garden provides a tranquil escape, while the Heritage Rose Garden showcases a variety of beautiful roses.The Saskatoon Zoo, accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), is home to over 80 species of animals. Visitors can see local species like grizzly bears, wolves, and deer, as well as exotic animals such as meerkats and Goeldi's monkeys. The Kinsmen Express II offers a guided train tour of the zoo, providing an accessible way to see the animals. During the winter months, from November 1 to March 31, admission to the zoo is by donation.The park also features a fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout, where visitors can try their luck with a daily permit. With picnic areas, walking paths, and a playground, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo is a perfect place to spend a day enjoying nature and learning about prairie history.