Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/250756
7 christalee froese 5 porcupine, bobcats and bison, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm, Park and Zoo provides a unique opportunity for small children to enjoy a close encounter with some of the creatures they live among but seldom see. Our kids couldn't get over how much the wolves looked like domestic dogs – until they noticed their nervous pacing and wild, piercing stares. The cougars (Malcolm and Jethro) and grizzly bears (Mistaya and Koda) provided some jaw-dropping moments for the little ones. For the teenagers in tow, Saskatoon's Meewasin Valley Authority maintains extensive trails perfect for skateboarding as well as walking, running and cycling. The teens were especially happy to be taken to the Samurai Japanese Restaurant, where beef slices and onions sizzled before their eyes on a tabletop grill. Wonder tips: Definitely pack or buy a lunch for a visit to the fishing pond and picnic area at the Forestry Farm. saskatoonzoosociety.ca (clockwise from above) Southern Prairie Railway's 1944 locomotive; bubble fun at the All Folk'd Up Music Festival; grizzly encounters at the Saskatoon Zoo. 6 The children danced, played instruments, sang and chased bubbles. This is very much a familyoriented festival (July 4-6, 2014). Hosted by the small southeastern community of Montmartre, it features an enclosed area for children that is visible and accessible from the main stage area. For three days, we pitched our sun umbrella in Kemoca Regional Park (camping and swimming included), spread out our blankets, kicked off our shoes and let the kids run wild while we took in a lineup of musicians that included Captain Tractor (Celtic), the Alex Runions Band (country) and Library Voices (pop rock). With cotton candy in hand, Mom and Dad in view and great live music playing, our kids only stopped dancing when it was finally time to sleep. And sleep well they did. Wonder tips: Kids 12 and under get in free. allfolkedup.net christalee froese, (all folk'd up) shawna lukowski p16-19_Seven Wonders.indd 19 All Folk'd Up Music Festival 7 6 Southern Prairie Railway Fun with the kids doesn't get much better than trying to keep your balance at the back of an old railcar as you rumble and sway through the golden fields of the prairies. Our trip to Ogema and Saskatchewan's Southern Prairie Railway was a wonderful opportunity for our children to enjoy the experience of prairie rail travel – as it used to be. Our 1922 passenger coach, pulled by a 1944 General Electric diesel locomotive, took us back to a time when the railway was the primary mode of longdistance travel. After 30 minutes, we arrived in the small town of Pangman with enough time to take in the farmers' market and its host of homemade goods. We boarded the train for home carrying cinnamon buns for dessert. I have a feeling this is one trip our children will never forget. W Wonder tips: Be sure to stop by the Deep South Pioneer Museum in Ogema, the largest communityowned museum in western Canada. ogema.ca S p r i n g 2 0 14 | w e s t w o r l d 19 14-01-23 8:45 AM