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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (City)




Canada is a country in the northern half of North America. Saskatoon is a city located in central Saskatchewan, Canada, on the South Saskatchewan River. Saskatoon is the most populous city in the province of Saskatchewan, and has been since the mid-1980s when it surpassed the provincial capital of Regina. Residents of Saskatoon are called Saskatonians. Saskatoon is often called the City of Bridges for its seven river crossings. It is also occasionally referred to as The Paris of the Prairies, for the same reason. The name Saskatoon comes from the Cree inanimate noun misaskwatomina, which refers to a sweet, violet-colored berry that grows in the area.

The first permanent settlement of Saskatoon occurred in 1883 when Toronto Methodists, wanting to escape the liquor trade in that city, decided to set up a dry community in the rapidly-growing Prairie region. Their organization, the Temperance Colonization Society, first examined this area in 1882 and found that it would make an excellent location to found their community based on the ideals of the Temperance League. The settlers, led by John Lake, arrived on the site of what is now Saskatoon by traveling by railway from Ontario to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and then completing the final leg via horse-drawn cart.
 
Saskatoon lies on a long belt of rich, potassic chernozem in middle-southern Saskatchewan and is found in the Aspen parkland biome. The lack of surrounding mountainous topography gives the city a relatively flat grid, though the city does sprawl over a few hills and into a few valleys. Saskatoon is located on the Yellowhead Highway also known as Saskatchewan Provincial Highway 16 connecting Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Provincial Highways 5, 7, 11, 12, 14 and 219 all meet at Saskatoon. Provincial Highway 60, which meets up with route 7 just west of Saskatoon, goes south to nearby Pike Lake Provincial Park. Another provincial Highway, 41, terminates at Highway 5 just east of the present city limits.
 
Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and gain enthusiasm in its natural beauty and populace. Saskatchewan enjoys a very positive reputation with worldwide travelers.

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