River Safety Advisory
Due to increased flows on the South Saskatchewan River, river conditions have become hazardous, with higher water levels, faster-moving currents, and changing conditions. For your safety, please stay out of the river and avoid all recreational activities, including:
- Boating
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Floating
- Fishing from the shoreline
- Other water-based activities
Please also avoid approaching the river's edge. Fast-moving water, unstable banks, and submerged hazards can create dangerous situations.
Pet owners: Please keep pets leashed and away from the river and shoreline. Strong currents and unstable banks can pose serious risks to animals.
To help protect visitors, the following Meewasin-administered beach access sites are temporarily closed:
- Poplar Bluffs Conservation Area
- Fred Heal Canoe Launch
- Paradise Beach
Cranberry Flats Conservation Area and Chief Whitecap Park remain open; however, visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution near the river and follow all posted safety signage.
The City will continue to closely monitor river conditions and flow rates. Updates and additional information will be posted on the City of Saskatoon Service Alerts webpage.
The Meewasin Trail
The Meewasin Trail lives in and outside of the City of Saskatoon, on both sides of the river, and includes several sites and services to help you make the most of your adventures. Explore the natural habitat along the riverbank, discover culture at museums and interpretive sites, and take advantage of enhancements such as parks and canoe launches. Our Trail Guide which includes a map, is sponsored by the Saskatoon Road Runners, and is available at our office.
Many parks and sites are located along the Meewasin Trail, a must-see attraction. The trail runs over +105km along both sides of the river, winding under the bridges, and through beautifully landscaped parks and natural areas. Residents and visitors flock to the trail to cycle, jog, stroll or simply gaze at the scenery.
Exploring the trail is easy! Access points are found throughout the city, with maps and interpretive signage along the route. View our Meewasin Trail Guide 2023 for site information and a detailed map of the trail on the Meewasin Trail Map!
Current Meewasin Trail Closures
View Map of the Meewasin Valley, which includes many loops and their distances.
Featured recommendation for hikes, loops and paddles along the Meewasin Valley!
*Thanks to SaskHiker for featuring several Meewasin hikes on the Central
Saskatchewan page of his website: Beaver Creek Conservation Area, Cranberry Flats Conservation Area, Saskatoon East Bank Trails, Meewasin Northeast Swale, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, & Chief Whitecap Park Trail
*Saskatchewan River Canoe Guide: River Eco Canoe Guide & Maps
* May not be up to date.
The Development Plan is prepared and adopted in accordance with the Meewasin Valley Authority Act, which requires a special resolution of the board. Any changes to this Development Plan also require a special resolution.
The Development Plan includes*:
- The Meewasin Valley Project- 100 Year Masterplan (1979)
- Meewasin Park Master Plan with Maps
- Beaver Creek Plan (1980)
- East Bank Open Space Study (1981)
- River Edge Industrial Location Policy (1981)
- Meewasin Valley Trail System Plan (1990)
- West Bank South Study Development Plan (1991)
- East Bank South Development Plan (1996)
- Land Acquisition Policy (1997)
- Cultural Works/Unsolicited Donations Policy (2002)
- South Downtown Local Area Design Plan (2004)
- South Downtown Concept Plan 1 (2004)
- South Downtown Concept Plan 2 (2004)
- Northeast Policy (2015)
- Meewasin South Downtown District Development Policy (2016)
- Development Review Policy (2021)
- Land Policy (2016)
*This may not be a complete list.