IN THE fast-paced rhythm of a hurly-burly city like our dear Saskatoon, finding a moment of true silence can feel like a luxury. Yet, whether you are seeking a spiritual connection or a simple mental reset, Saskatoon is home to several “pockets of peace.” From the architectural hallowed halls of our universities to the raw, sweeping vistas of the riverbank, here is where we recommend you can go to find your own place of calm.
1. The Robin Smith Meditation Garden (Forestry Farm)
Tucked away within the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, the Robin Smith Meditation Garden is a purpose-built sanctuary. Designed specifically for quiet contemplation, this garden features winding paths and intentionally placed benches surrounded by a diverse array of perennials. In the spring and summer, the fragrance of the Heritage Rose Garden next door adds a sensory layer to your mindfulness practice. It is one of the few places in the city where the “hush” of nature is protected by a dense perimeter of trees.
2. The Remai Modern (River-Facing Lounges)
For those who find stillness through art and architecture, the Remai Modern offers an unexpected indoor refuge. While the galleries are meant for exploration, the floor-to-ceiling windows on the upper levels provide some of the most meditative views of the South Saskatchewan River. On a quiet weekday morning, sitting in one of the lounge areas and watching the ice floes or the steady current of the river can be a profound exercise in “just being.” Admission is by donation, making it an accessible space for a reflective afternoon.
3. The Boffins Garden (Innovation Place)
Located at the north end of the University of Saskatchewan campus, Boffins Garden is a hidden masterpiece of landscape design. This spot features a tranquil pond, a small waterfall, and a Japanese-inspired Zen garden. In the summer, the resident koi fish provide a rhythmic, calming visual for focused meditation. Even in the winter, the stone paths and frosted evergreens offer a stark, beautiful environment for a mindful walk.
4. Wanuskewin Heritage Park
For a deeper, more ancestral sense of stillness, a twenty-minute drive north to Wanuskewin is transformative. The park is situated on land that has been a gathering place for over 6,000 years. Walking the trails above the Opimihaw Creek—far from the sound of traffic—allows you to tap into the “quiet of the plains.” The vastness of the horizon here serves as a natural reminder of the scale of the world, often helping to put personal stresses into perspective.
5. The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
If you prefer a structured or community-based meditation, the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery (located near Valley Road) offers a traditional spiritual atmosphere. The
monks lead guided sessions that focus on loving-kindness and breathing techniques. The residence is situated in a secluded area, ensuring that your practice is not interrupted by the city’s hum. It is an ideal spot for those looking to learn the “how-to” of stillness from experienced practitioners.
Tips for “Street-Level” Stillness
- The Early Bird Advantage: The Meewasin Trail between the Broadway and University bridges is remarkably quiet between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM.
- Noise-Canceling Tech: If you can’t leave the downtown core, a pair of noise-canceling headphones and a “brown noise” track can turn a bench at River Landing into a private retreat.
- Winter Mindfulness: In Saskatoon, we embrace “Hibernation Meditation.” Find a local library—like the Frances Morrison Central Library—and utilize their quiet study zones for a 15-minute mental reset.
