When people think of francophone culture in Canada, provinces like Quebec or New Brunswick often come to mind first. But what many travellers don’t realize is that Saskatchewan has deep francophone roots and vibrant French-speaking communities throughout the province – from Gravelbourg and Ponteix in the south to St. Louis, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert in central and northern Saskatchewan.
Fun Fact: 22% of Canada’s population is French – nearly 8 million people, with about 84% of them living in Quebec. In Saskatchewan, it’s just under 5%, with about 50,000 people who can speak French conversationally here.
This blog was created in partnership with the Conseil Economique et Coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS). All opinions, experiences, and thoughts are my own.
History of Francophone Communities in Saskatchewan
For generations, francophone communities have played an important role in shaping Saskatchewan’s culture, agriculture, arts, and tourism experiences. Today, those influences can still be discovered through local businesses, destinations, festivals, food, and family-run experiences that warmly welcome visitors from all backgrounds — whether you speak French or not.
3 Unique Francophone Petit Bijou Cache (Hidden Gems) in Saskatchewan
From distilleries and orchards to ranch experiences and prairie hospitality, these three incredible places across Saskatchewan celebrate francophone heritage in unique ways.
Plus, you don’t need to speak French beyond a simple bonjour or merci to enjoy these welcoming experiences.
Black Fox Farm & Distillery
Just outside of Saskatoon, Black Fox Farm & Distillery has become one of Saskatchewan’s most celebrated destinations in the craft distillery scene. Originally fifth-generation farmers, John Cote and Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote sold their grain farm to build a beautiful on-farm distillery and event space close to the city.
One of the most fascinating parts of their story is how Saskatchewan’s extreme temperatures actually help shape their award-winning whisky. Originally, their whisky casks were stored outdoors simply because there wasn’t enough indoor space. But the dramatic prairie temperature swings from -40°C winters to +40°C summers produced one-of-a-kind spirits with incredibly rich flavour profiles. It’s a distinctly Saskatchewan approach that has helped Black Fox gain international recognition for their spirits.
Beyond the distillery itself, Black Fox offers experiences year-round. Visitors can stop in for a tasting, tour, or cocktail class. They can also stroll through flower fields during u-pick season, and attend live music and events, including an outdoor symphony. Or you can simply sip a cocktail on the patio while enjoying the atmosphere of the property.
Over the Hill Orchards & Winery
Located in the hills of the Qu’Appelle Valley, Over the Hill Orchards & Winery is a Saskatchewan destination that really shows off the beauty of the prairies, especially from one of their lookout points at sunset, glass of wine in hand.
The winery and orchard are known for their fruit wines, spreads, preserves, and toppings. They’re also known for the incredible amount of innovation and research behind-the-scenes in their organic orchard. Dean and Sylvia Kreutzer have spent decades experimenting with exotic and prairie fruit varieties that can thrive in Saskatchewan’s climate. This has helped pave the way for fruit-growing and winemaking in the province.
During the summer in Saskatchewan, their orchard is open to visitors for a glass of wine and a piece of pie on their patio, as well as wine tasting and flower picking.
My partner and I drove out specifically to experience their signature Picnic in the Orchard and Supper in the Orchard events, and we left completely charmed by the experience. Between the delicious food and wine, valley views, and the baby kittens exploring the property, it was one of those Saskatchewan experiences that reminds you of how much beauty exists right here at home.
READ MORE: Over the Hill Orchards and Winery: Picnic and Dinner in the Orchard
Champêtre County
Located less than an hour northeast of Saskatoon near St. Denis, Champêtre County is one of Saskatchewan’s most charming “rural” four-season ranch destinations.
This is a multipurpose venue with Western-themed accommodation, small animal barn, event venue, plus a wooden maze (which is surprisingly tricky to find your way through). When you arrive, you genuinely feel like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home. That’s because it’s a family-run business based on francophone warmth, hospitality, and a true sense of joie de vivre.
It also holds a special memory for me personally. Years ago, it was the destination of one of my first dates with my partner, who surprised me with a Valentine’s dinner at Champetre.
Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy everything from campfire pitchfork steak suppers in the summer to snowshoeing and fondue in the winter. And of course, horse-drawn sleigh or carriage rides in any season.
More Saskatchewan Francophone Gems to Explore
There are several other francophone-owned and influenced businesses worth discovering throughout Saskatchewan.
In Broderick, local potter Susan Robertson has spent more than 40 years crafting colourful creations from clay. In 2023 alone, she produced 3,500 mugs. Her work is sold in boutiques and shops all across Canada.
Prairie Bee Meadery, twenty minutes west of Moose Jaw offers another uniquely Saskatchewan tasting experience, crafting mead (honey wine) using local honey while creating a space for visitors looking to experience something a little different.
Learn More with Conseil Economique et Coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS)
To discover more bilingual-owned businesses, attractions, accommodations, and experiences throughout the province, visit the CÉCS website Circuits touristiques bilingues et Bilingual Routes (in English). You can also explore their current 2026 Venez Nous Découvrir – Come Discover Us campaign highlighting unique bilingual and francophone destinations across Saskatchewan.
