Winters are long and dark in Saskatchewan. It’s a long haul to spring, and we’re all looking for a getaway to ease the winter blahs. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find one. Moose Jaw is the perfect place for a fun winter weekend that won’t break the bank.
Drive in on a Friday evening, and check into one of Tourism Moose Jaw’s fine member properties. There are 14 to choose from. You’ll find the perfect place to rest, guaranteed. Once you’re refreshed and recharged, it’s time to check out the town and find some fun!
Cask 82 Ale and Table
Live music and a delicious menu are just the beginning. A trendy, laid back vibe will greet you at Cask 82 Ale and Table. Tucked away at 82 Manitoba Street West in a beautiful building dating back to 1907, you’ll find the best handcrafted cocktails, wine, bourbon, scotch and beer selection in the city. “Our patrons enjoy our classic cocktail menu including our old fashioned, whiskey sours & martinis,” says owner Alex Carleton. “Stop by for a beverage or check out our fantastic appy & dinner menu. And, our live music every weekend has been a real hit with locals and tourists alike.” After some tunes and the perfect nightcap at Cask 82, you’ll want to retire to your comfy bed, and get ready for a busy day ahead.
Your options for a decadent breakfast are almost endless, from home style cooking at Veroba’s Family Restaurant to chef inspired creations at Harwood’s Restaurant and Lounge, your first meal of the day will fill you up and get you going.
Voted #3 of the coolest Downtowns in all of Canada, Moose Jaw’s historic and eclectic Main Street will be the focus of your day today. Quaint, independently owned shops line the cobblestone lined walks. Make sure you check out the original light standard in front of the beautiful City Hall/Police Station. It’s over 100 years old!
OLiV Moose Jaw
Entice your taste buds with a unique shopping and flavor experience at OLiV. Owner Charmaine Franken and her team is waiting to give you a tour through the world’s finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils and balsamic vinegars. More than thirty flavors of olive oil and again as many flavors of balsamic await you, and the sky is the limit when it comes to enjoying them. “Olive oils can be used for so much more than just salad dressing,” says Charmaine. “Let us guide you through a taste experience like no other.” When you leave OLiV, your life and cooking will never be the same.
Yvette Moore Gallery
Once you are stocked up on olive oil and balsamic vinegar, Yvette Moore Gallery is the perfect mid-day stop. Local artist, Yvette Moore has curated an experience worthy of any big city art gallery. At Yvette Moore Gallery, the attention to detail is unparalleled. Be amazed by the extraordinary detail of Yvette Moore’s fine art; the extensive collection of handcrafted works from local and Canadian artisans; and the impeccably preserved 1910 Land Title’s Building that houses it all. No artistic touch is overlooked—including your lunch! Recharge the day at The Gallery Café and enjoy an artistically delicious and homemade lunch or dessert. Call to reserve your table—they will save you a seat!
In the afternoon, you can take a break to take in the waters at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, test your luck at Casino Moose Jaw, or try something totally different at Sir Viver virtual reality experience. If you need more ideas, Tourism Moose Jaw’s website is full of all the information you could need, or stop in to visit them at 450 Diefenbaker Drive. While you’re there, be sure to take a selfie with Mac the Moose.
Rock Creek Tap and Grill
After a fun afternoon exploring, it’s time for supper. Head north to Thatcher Drive and find Rock Creek Tap and Grill. Rock Creek is your key to kicked-up casual dining. Locally owned, you’ll find an array of chef inspired dishes, prepared every day with fresh ingredients and served in a classy yet casual environment. “We’ve got great wine, beer and cocktail selections to accompany our fantastic menu,” say owners Jeff and Ashlea Street. “Rock Creek is a friendly, fun place for an elegant, well-priced dinner and drinks, and our team is always happy to see you.”
If you’re not quite ready to wind down, you have an almost endless variety of choices to liven up your night. Take in a show at the legendary Mae Wilson Theatre, visit one of the many pubs around the city or take a drive into the country to see wide open skies, alive with stars and maybe even some Northern Lights!
After another restful night and a leisurely morning, Sunday brunch is order. There are so many to choose from, you’ll have to come back again and try them all. The Grant Hall, Seasons Café and Brown’s Social House are just a few of the great places to get a decadent Sunday brunch.
Prairie Bee Meadery
Once you’ve filled your tummy, it’s time to walk it off again! Parking is free on weekends, so grab a spot and finish your downtown exploring. No Main Street excursion is complete without taking part in the Premium Local Craft Experience offered at Prairie Bee Meadery. Located in one of downtown Moose Jaw’s notorious Tunnel buildings, Prairie Bee’s “cool-factor” is off the charts! With a resurgence in popularity of the ancient beverage, Prairie Bee’s wine-style Meads have been gaining notoriety and winning awards since local fruit and honey producers, Vickie and Dennis Derksen decided to step into Saskatchewan’s thriving Craft Beverage Industry. Friendly staff provide free Honey and Mead tastings, offer pairing suggestions and regularly host fun tasting events. Furthering their commitment to showcase Saskatchewan’s best, Craft Beers, Ciders and Spirits are also available as well as unique giftware and bee-centric products.
There is nothing quite as majestic as a walk in Crescent Park in the winter. The beauty of frosted trees, white covered grounds and the crunch of snow under your feet is an invigorating and soul-pleasing experience. While you’re there, you have to check out the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, as well as the beautiful Moose Jaw Public Library.
A coffee for the road is in order—and Chrysalis Coffee Roasters or Mitsu Sweet Café will fill up your cup. Chrysalis is the perfect spot for people watching, and a delicious locally roasted coffee. Mitsu is a Japanese inspired, cool coffee shop that is a unique stop to be sure. Either way, get your caffeine fix, fuel up and hit the road home. You’ll love your winter weekend escape in Moose Jaw, and you’ll want to come back in the summer to see all the things you missed.
