5 REASONS FOR A RIVER CRUISE
Spend a summer evening on the iconic Prairie Lily Riverboat, writes Jenn Sharp
A cruise down the South Saskatchewan on Saskatoon’s iconic Prairie Lily Riverboat is a beautiful way to spend a summer evening. Excursions can be booked online at theprairielily.com and run until Thanksgiving.
SIGHTSEEING
The Prairie Lily offers a unique sightseeing opportunity as it glides along the river. You’ll enjoy exceptional views of the Meewasin Valley and River Landing, along with life along the waterway. Mike and Joan Steckhan operate the Prairie Lily. Mike spent 26 years serving in Her Majesty’s Royal Canadian Navy before retiring. His experience ensures each cruise is safe, and the boat is well-equipped for emergencies. Joan takes care of the business side of things, with a focus on the customers.
THE SHIP
The Prairie Lily is a 120-passenger riverboat launched by Steckhan’s Prairie River Cruises in 2012. The ship had a full life before she made her way to Saskatoon. She was built in 1989 in La Crosse, Wis., and moved by truck to Laughlin, Nev. There, the ship was christened the Fiesta Queen and provided sightseeing, dinner and wedding charters on the Colorado River. A bar, two washrooms, a serving galley, plus heating and air conditioning are all on board. The pilot’s house is on the upper deck, giving the captain ample views. New engines and a generator that meet high environmental standards were installed in 2015.
FOOD ON BOARD
Dinner, Sunday brunch and tasting cruises are all options to enhance your trip. Brunch cruises include a breakfast buffet and omelette bar, while dinner cruises (provided by Flavours Catering) include two entrees, salad, potatoes, rolls and dessert. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be made, and the bar is open during the cruise for drink purchases.
A CRUISE AND A SHOW
If you’re looking for the perfect date, this might just be the ticket. The Cruisin’ to Shakespeare package will get you on the boat leaving at 4 p.m. After the voyage, your ticket includes entry into the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan main stage performance that evening (Twelfth Night and Richard III are playing this year). The combined ticket will save you $10, or more on Sundays, and leaves you plenty of time to dine in downtown Saskatoon before you watch the play at 7:30 p.m.
SCOTCH TASTING NIGHT
Four single malts from four geographical regions in Scotland are explained by sommelier Matthew Lapointe to guests on this unique cruise on Aug. 23. It doesn’t get much better than relaxing with a quality Scotch while you watch Saskatoon from afar and glide down the river.