For residents in and around Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a relaxing excursion with Shearwater Tours might be the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Shearwater Tours operates two small steel ships that cruise down the South Saskatchewan River. The Meewasin Queen offers daily cruises and the Saskatoon Princess is the dinner and group charter boat.
The cruises begin operating in early May and last through September. All cruises start from and return to the Shearwater docks behind the Mendel Art Gallery on Spadina Crescent in downtown Saskatoon. The carrying capacity of both boats has been reduced to 35 passengers in order to provide a comfortable atmosphere, complete with bar service.
The Meewasin Queen
The daily cruises are on board the Meewasin Queen and last for one hour. Passengers will sail under four of Saskatoon's seven bridges, past the downtown core, parks, natural areas, and some of Saskatoon’s most luxurious residences. Passengers might enjoy watching canoes, kayaks, rowing skiffs, wakeboarders and water-skiers taking part in this scenic river valley.
Four daily cruises are offered each day at 13:30, 15:00, 16:30 and 19:00. To purchase tickets, passengers may arrive at the dock 15 minutes prior to departure. The ticket office located at the dock opens at 13:00. However, to secure a seat, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, either online on the Shearwater Tours website or by telephoning 1-888-747-7572. The daily cruises sail on time every day, even if there is only one passenger.
The Saskatoon Princess
The Saskatoon Princess is the dinner and group charter boat. Dinner cruises operate every Friday evening throughout the summer. All dinner cruises offer a three-course meal, which changes every Friday, as well as full table service. Typically, the menu includes a salad, main course, and a dessert with coffee. In addition, a fully licensed bar offers cocktails and other drinks. Charter tours also contain a three-course meal and full table service. The menu for these tours are selected in advance by the party.
Dinner cruises leave the dock at 18:30 and return at 20:00. Passengers must make and pre-pay dinner reservations. Both the dinner and charter cruises must be booked two days in advance. To enquire about dates and menus, or to book a cruise or purchase a dinner cruise gift certificate, call Valerie at 1-888-747-7572 or email valeriek@shearwatertours.com.
For more information about the cruises or Shearwater Tours, visit the Shearwater Tours website. Shearwater Tours has received three Tourism Saskatchewan Awards of Excellence, and was recently a finalist for a SABEX (Saskatoon) Award of Business Excellence in Marketing.
Tennille Simmonds - Born: North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. Current Residence: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Formal Education: Bachelor Degree ...
