Things to Do in Saskatoon

Karttrack invites racers of all ages to compete in high-velocity go-karting competition. Helmets in place, guests climb behind the wheels of one- or two-person karts for up to 15 minutes of racing around a course whose twists and turns are outlined by old tires. Karttrack also carries kiddie-sized karts, and offers an outdoor patio with picnic tables where friends and family can gather to cheer on your high-speed antics or boo the pirouettes in your victory dance.

At In Charge Self Defense, women master a mélange of karate, krav maga, kickboxing, and tae kwon do. Taught by a third dan black belt with Level 3 NCCP certification, the studio’s intimate classes help build self-confidence and discipline in students, while also borrowing fitness training techniques from yoga and Pilates. In Charge can work one-on-one with students for more personalized attention, and also offers co-ed training sessions for local high schoolers.

Three-time taekwondo world champion and current captain of Team Canada Clint Diekema has taught self defense and fitness classes at Diekema Taekwondo for more than 14 years. The seasoned instructor categorizes each of his Taekwondo classes by age and belt to ensure that students train alongside others of the same skill level and Power Ranger preference. The 3,000-square-foot training centre's schedule also carves out time for women-only sessions. During classes, students run through a set of warm-up exercises before they can strap on gloves and practice their skills by striking padded shields with their hands and feet.

The top rope and lead climbing routes at Grip It Indoor Rock Climbing beckon wall scramblers up an extensive variety of vertical terrain suitable for any skill level. For novices, the gym's team of certified instructors offers one-on-one coaching and lead classes such as an Introductory offering, appropriate for those unacquainted with the sport or those with an uncontrollable tendency to keep rocks as pets. Climbers can also enlist themselves for longer climbing programs, such as the Technique course, which helps improve form and mindset, and Learn to Lead, which instills safe indoor climbing skills.

Although he’s Canadian, Dez Reed’s talent has international appeal. The busy comic has toured 17 countries on four continents and even appeared with an American president—he opened for George W. Bush on his book tour.

Via Dez Reed Comedy Club, Dez brings his cosmopolitan jokes to Saskatoon audiences twice a week, with shows that pair his performances with guest stars from Edmonton, Seattle, and other nearby locales. Patrons can nosh on pub grub such as Reuben sandwiches and bacon-cheddar burgers, as well as beers poured onsite during shows, which are held on the second floor of Maguires Irish Pub and Brewery. The charmingly simple stage contains only a microphone, unlike the heaps of discarded banana peels found at most comedy clubs.

Inside Ground Yoga, the hustle and bustle of the city seems a million miles away. Though cars whiz past every few seconds, stillness rules between the walls of this urban sanctuary. Here, seasoned instructors impart ancient poses and breathing techniques to help students calm the chaos that rages within. Earth-toned paint and shiny wooden floors infuse the space with hints of nature, making stress melt faster than a snowman at a chili cook-off. In the classroom, students explore classical traditions such as Hatha and Ashtanga through alignment-focused bends and balances. Beginners flock to Sivananda classes, which build strength and flexibility at a leisurely pace. Filled with inversions and arm balances, Power 2 sessions cater to seasoned yogis and novices seeking a steep physical challenge. To guide students through all stages of life, the studio also hosts classes for expecting mothers and children aged 6–12.