Prairie Lily Riverboat
Cruise the South Saskatchewan River on a beautifully restored paddlewheel boat, offering scenic views and unique dining experiences in Saskatoon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset views & wildlife
Prairie Lily Riverboat
Best Time
Sunset views & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cruise the South Saskatchewan River on a beautifully restored paddlewheel boat, offering scenic views and unique dining experiences in Saskatoon.
"It's still a fantastic time aboard! Support this cherished local gem."
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll want to stroll the deck and enjoy the ambiance. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Light Sweater
It can get breezy by the river, even on warmer evenings. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinner or Brunch Cruise
South Saskatchewan River
Enjoy a meal with stunning river views aboard a beautifully restored riverboat. A classic Saskatoon experience.
Wildlife Spotting
Along the riverbanks
Keep an eye out for beavers and other urban wildlife often seen near the riverbanks during cruises.
Scenic River Views
South Saskatchewan River
Experience Saskatoon from a unique perspective, taking in the city's skyline and river valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Cruises
Check River Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll want to stroll the deck and enjoy the ambiance. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Light Sweater
It can get breezy by the river, even on warmer evenings. :cloud:
Consider the 'Beaver Cruise'
Guest hosts share insights about local beavers during special themed cruises.
Food is Novelty
Food is pre-made and served buffet-style; focus on the experience, not fine dining. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll want to stroll the deck and enjoy the ambiance. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Light Sweater
It can get breezy by the river, even on warmer evenings. :cloud:
Consider the 'Beaver Cruise'
Guest hosts share insights about local beavers during special themed cruises.
Food is Novelty
Food is pre-made and served buffet-style; focus on the experience, not fine dining. :forkandknife:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Prairie Lily Riverboat for its unique Saskatoon experience, excellent service, and beautiful setting, especially for dinner and brunch cruises. While the food is noted as pre-made buffet style, the novelty of dining on the water and the scenic river views are consistently highlighted as major draws. The chance to spot local wildlife, like beavers, adds an extra layer of enjoyment for many.
"Last night we enjoyed a wonderful dinner aboard the iconic Prairie Lily. Although the boat remained docked due to high sand and low water levels this season, the view was still spectacular, and the atmosphere was just as magical.
The service was excellent, and the beautifully restored riverboat offered a unique and relaxing setting. As many locals know, it used to be nearly impossible to get cruise tickets—so if you’ve always wanted to experience the Prairie Lily but never had the chance, now is the perfect time.
Whether it’s dinner or cocktails with friends, we highly recommend coming out to support this cherished local gem. It’s still a fantastic time aboard!
p.s. Wear comfy shoes—you’ll want to stroll the deck and enjoy the ambiance. Bring a light sweater—it can get breezy by the river. And responsibly enjoy their reasonably-priced cocktails!"
Karen Spelay
"We did the Captain’s brunch and we HIGHLY recommend. The buffet brunch was super tasty, and the staff are exceptional. The boat is beautifully kept and clean, and the view on the tour is amazing! The tickets were 75.00 per person which I thought was super reasonable for such an activity such as an all you can eat brunch, the cleanliness of the boat, and the amazing staff! Definitely a lovely outing for people local to Saskatoon such as ourselves or those visiting Saskatoon!"
mkeq wellness
"With low water levels, there's no travel on the river this year, but The Prairie Lily is still a welcoming space to gather and catch a view of our gorgeous river."
Suzanne Noesgaard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Prairie Lily Riverboat is typically docked in Saskatoon, often near the downtown area. Parking availability can vary, so checking local parking options or considering public transport is advisable. +1
Parking availability can be limited in the downtown area. It's recommended to research nearby parking garages or street parking options before your visit.
If you are staying in downtown Saskatoon, walking to the riverboat dock is often feasible and a pleasant way to see the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can usually be booked online through the official Prairie Lily Riverboat website or by contacting them directly. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular dinner and brunch cruises.
Ticket prices vary depending on the type of cruise (e.g., dinner, brunch, sightseeing). The Captain's brunch was around $75 per person, which is considered reasonable for the experience.
Yes, the riverboat typically offers various options including dinner cruises, brunch cruises, cocktail cruises, and themed events like wildlife-focused tours.
Operating hours and cruise schedules vary seasonally and by day. It's best to check the official Prairie Lily Riverboat website for the most up-to-date schedule.
While it might be possible, it's strongly advised to book tickets in advance as popular cruises often sell out.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Passengers can expect a relaxing experience with scenic views of the South Saskatchewan River and Saskatoon's skyline. The boat is beautifully maintained, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Food is typically served buffet-style, with options like brunch or pre-made dinner meals. While some find it tasty, others note it's not fresh due to being prepared off-boat.
Yes, it's common to spot beavers and other urban wildlife along the riverbanks, especially during evening cruises. Some cruises even have guest hosts discussing local wildlife.
While the boat itself is generally accessible, it's always best to contact the Prairie Lily Riverboat directly to discuss specific accessibility needs and arrangements.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for strolling the deck. Bringing a light sweater is also a good idea as it can get breezy by the river.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The riverboat offers dining experiences, most notably buffet-style brunches and dinners. While the food is generally considered decent, the novelty of dining on a boat is a major draw.
The food is prepared off-boat and served buffet-style, meaning it's not freshly cooked onboard. Some reviews suggest it's pre-made and kept warm.
Yes, the riverboat offers reasonably-priced cocktails and other beverages, which can be enjoyed while taking in the scenic views.
It's advisable to contact the Prairie Lily Riverboat directly in advance to inquire about dietary accommodations for their meal services.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverboat offers fantastic photo opportunities of Saskatoon's skyline, the river valley, and potentially urban wildlife like beavers. Sunset cruises provide beautiful lighting.
Absolutely! The scenic views and unique perspective of the city make it a great place to capture memorable photos.
Evening cruises during the 'golden hour' before sunset offer stunning light. Daytime cruises provide clear views of the city and riverbanks.
Yes, beavers are often spotted near the riverbanks and docks, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider booking a brunch cruise for a relaxed start to the day, or an evening cruise for potential wildlife sightings as the sun sets. Remember to bring a light sweater for the kids, as it can get breezy by the river. While the food is buffet-style and pre-made, it's generally palatable for most children, and the overall experience of cruising the river is often the main attraction.
🥂 Couples & Friends
The beautifully restored boat provides a charming and intimate atmosphere, perfect for conversation and enjoying the scenic views. Even if the boat is docked due to water levels, the experience remains enjoyable with spectacular views and a magical atmosphere.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The 'golden hour' before sunset provides stunning light for capturing the city's beauty. Keep your camera ready for potential wildlife sightings, especially beavers, which are often seen along the riverbanks. The boat itself, with its classic design, also makes for interesting shots. Consider booking a cruise during different times of day to capture varied lighting conditions. The contrast between the urban landscape and the natural river environment offers a wealth of photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Prairie Lily Experience: More Than Just a Boat Ride
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding the food. Reviews suggest that while the meals are decent, they are pre-made and served buffet-style, meaning they aren't cooked fresh onboard. The real value, according to many, lies in the novelty of dining on a boat and the picturesque surroundings.
Community insights emphasize that the Prairie Lily is a cherished local gem that supports the community. Even when river conditions prevent cruising, the boat remains a welcoming space for gatherings, offering continued scenic views and a chance to support a beloved local attraction.
Wildlife Encounters on the River
+1 Social media content often captures these moments, showcasing beavers feeding or swimming near the boat. +1Some special cruises even focus on these furry residents, with guest hosts sharing insights into beaver behavior and their role in the Meewasin Valley.
This adds an educational and exciting dimension to the riverboat experience, turning a scenic cruise into a potential wildlife safari. Passengers might even witness beaver scent mounds, used for territorial marking, which are sometimes located near the Prairie Lily's dock. +1For nature enthusiasts and families, the chance to see beavers up close from the comfort of the riverboat is a significant draw. It offers a unique perspective on Saskatoon's natural environment and the coexistence of urban life and wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit