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Newsletter
12.2025
Dear Canada friend,
From tipi-inspired lodges rooted in Indigenous culture and now easy to book through a receptive tour operator to award-winning prairie whisky, Saskatchewan continues to offer compelling additions for your clients’ itineraries. November also brought national recognition at the 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards, where several Saskatchewan finalists took home top honours, underscoring the province’s growing influence within Canada’s tourism landscape.
Alongside these new opportunities, this update also brings moments of transition – a heartfelt farewell to a long-standing partner in Saskatchewan’s tourism industry and a warm welcome to a new colleague joining our trade team in Regina. Together, these developments reflect continuity and renewal in a province that never stops evolving.
Enjoy reading!
CANADVAC
adds more Saskatchewan product:
Tipi Lodges at Pêmiska Tourism
The receptive tour operator CANADVAC Travel Services, based in Nova Scotia, is expanding its product portfolio in Saskatchewan with the Tipi Lodges at Pêmiska Tourism.
Located 45 minutes north of Saskatoon, in Fort Carlton Provincial Park in the heart of Treaty 6, the signature tipi-inspired lodges pay homage to Indigenous culture.
The all-season lodges include a private washroom, kitchenette and air conditioning. They can accommodate up to four guests each and feature one queen bed and one double pull-out bed. Further amenities are:
• snack pack
• 43" Smart TV
• electric fireplace, wall heater, two fans
• bed and bath linen
• fridge, BBQ, microwave, Keurig coffee maker
• dishes and cutlery for four, assorted pots and pans
• front deck with table and chairs
• loft space
• access to washrooms and showers with shampoo,
• conditioner, body wash and lotion
• free WiFi
Pêmiska Tourism offers Indigenous-owned experiences that blend history, culture and nature. Visitors can enjoy culinary experiences such as “Bannock on a Stick,” explore the region on foot by hiking parts of the Trans Canada Trail, join historical van tours to sites such as the Battle of Duck Lake and the Treaty 6 Monument, or take guided ATV, canoe and kayak tours.
Contact:
CANADVAC Travel Services
Christina Wentzell
info@canadvac.com
Saskatchewan shines
at the 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards
Saskatchewan’s tourism community has every reason to celebrate: With nine finalists across seven categories, this year marked a record-setting presence for the province at the 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards, celebrated on November 20 in Gatineau, Québec - and several Saskatchewan nominees have taken home top honours.
Particularly noteworthy are the award winners:
• Wanuskewin Heritage Park – Indigenous Tourism Award
• Field to Shield, co-created by Adventure Destinations International
• and Chef Jenni Lessard – Culinary Tourism Experience Award
• Ag in Motion – Business Event of the Year
• Dakota Dunes Resort – Employer of the Year Award
These successes highlight the depth and quality of tourism experiences created in Saskatchewan, from culturally grounded storytelling and innovative culinary programs to world-class events to exemplary employer leadership. Together, they reinforce the province’s reputation as a place where authentic experiences, warm hospitality and community-driven leadership shape every visitor’s journey.
Additional finalists – including Canadian Western Agribition (shortlisted for Business Event of the Year), Blackstrap Glamping Resort (shortlisted for Small or Medium Sized Business of the Year) and The Saskatchewanderer (shortlisted for Travel Media Professional of the Year) – further demonstrate the sector’s diversity and continued momentum.
Our warmest congratulations go to all nominees, and especially to this year’s distinguished winners. Their achievements shine a national spotlight on Saskatchewan’s growing influence within Canada’s tourism landscape.
Earth to Sky:
Black Fox Farm and Distillery – Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year 2025
Black Fox Farm and Distillery in Saskatoon has achieved a remarkable milestone at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC):
During the awards ceremony in London (UK) on November 12, the distillery was named Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year, one of the IWSC’s highest honours. The jury highlighted Black Fox’s unique approach, where extreme prairie weather becomes an integral part of the whisky-making process, shaping spirits that reflect both place and personality.
This major award follows four product-specific IWSC wins earlier this year, including Gold Outstanding for Black Fox Haskap Gin and additional Gold and Silver medals for several whisky expressions. With more than 95% of its grains grown on-site, Black Fox combines terroir, craftsmanship and innovation – from outdoor barrel aging to a fully traceable production process.
The recognition reaffirms Black Fox’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of premium Canadian spirits, celebrated for quality, integrity and a strong sense of origin. Congratulations!
Visitors can discover the distillery just outside Saskatoon on a guided tour and sample a selection of its spirits and liqueurs.
Contact:
Black Fox Farm & Distillery
Angela Biaz
hello@blackfoxfarmanddistillery.com
Closing a cherished chapter
in Saskatchewan:
Goodbye to La Reata Ranch
As the season draws to a close on the wide-open prairies of Saskatchewan, La Reata Ranch has permanently ended its guest operations. After decades of welcoming visitors with his warm hospitality and unmistakable passion for ranch life, George Gaber is stepping back from hosting. Going forward, he will dedicate himself entirely to the work that has always been at the heart of La Reata: caring for his horses, tending his cattle and embracing the rhythms of true rancher life.
We feel a sincere sense of wistfulness at this news, as the ranch has touched and inspired travellers for decades. While this marks the end of an era at the ranch, it also opens a new chapter shaped by George’s deep connection to the land – a fitting continuation of his story. We wish George all the very best for the future!
News from the team:
Welcome to Natalie Hoffarth
Last month, Natalie Hoffarth joined the trade team at Tourism Saskatchewan in Regina as Market Development Consultant, Travel Trade. Having previously worked with Tourism Saskatchewan within the Global Markets team, she brings valuable insight into the organization and its partners. Working closely with Alison Singharath, she will be involved in coordinating upcoming initiatives for the European markets and beyond. We are very much looking forward to working with her and are pleased to welcome her alongside Alison.
Contact:
Natalie Hoffarth
natalie.hoffarth@tourismsask.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with:
Michaela Arnold
UK Market Representative
c/o Denkzauber GmbH
Phone: +49 2151 5124669
michaela@denkzauber.de
Karin Schreiber
UK Market Representative
c/o Denkzauber GmbH
Phone: +49 160 99130712
karin@denkzauber.de
Imprint:
Denkzauber GmbH
Neustadt 13
47809 Krefeld
Germany
Fon: +49 2151 5124669
info@denkzauber.de
Managing Director: Michaela Arnold
HRB 13436, Administrative Court of Krefeld
USt-Id-Nr.: DE277015365
Responsible for the content according to § 10 MDStV /§ 6 TDG: Michaela Arnold