YXE Bucket List

Fall is officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited to dive into all the cozy, festive activities that make the season so special. If you’re like me and love to embrace everything autumn, you’ll want to check out this fall bucket list packed with my favorite things and some new experiences I’m looking forward to in and around Saskatoon!

1. Sip on a Hand-Crafted Fall Drink
There’s no better way to warm up than with a delicious, seasonal drink. I’m excited to try a few local favorites this fall:

• City Perks – Root beer latte (Yes, you read that right!)
• Citizen Cafe Bakery- Pumpkin Pie Matcha Latte
• The Lifestyle Cafe at Wilsons– Maple Cookie Latte

2. Experience “Pumpkins After Dark”
If you love Halloween vibes and unique experiences, don’t miss Pumpkins After Dark at Prairieland Park. Featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, it’s a walk-through spectacle happening October 10-31. I can’t wait to check out this dazzling display!

3. Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Carve Pumpkins
Is it really fall if you don’t visit a pumpkin patch? Two amazing options near Saskatoon are:

• Robertson Valley Farm: Roberton Valley farm my have recently closed their stand for vegetable sales but luckily they will still be open for pumpkin season!
• Black Fox Farm – They have a massive 3-acre pumpkin patch with pumpkins priced by size ($5-$10), and they’re open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.

4. Bake Something New
Fall baking is a must, and I’m eager to try these cozy recipes:

• Pumpkin Crumb Muffins with Cream Cheese Glaze Get the recipe
• White Chocolate Chai Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Get the recipe
• Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Get the recipe

5. Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Exploring a corn maze is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the season! Two nearby options include:

• The Strawberry Ranch Corn Maze is a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the fall season. Open Friday to Sunday from 12-7 pm, it offers a maze adventure perfect for all ages. With general admission priced at $11 for adults and $9 for youth, it’s an affordable and exciting outdoor activity. After getting lost in the maze, visitors can grab cold drinks and snacks from the on-site concession, making it a great outing for a crisp fall day!
• Youth Farm Corn Maze near Rosthern offers a fun-filled fall experience for visitors of all ages. Open Friday to Sunday from 1-8 pm, the maze features a family-friendly small stalks maze for younger guests and the challenging crazy cobbler maze for those looking for a bigger adventure. Admission is $12.95 plus tax, and if you purchase online, you can save $2. The general admission also includes access to a petting zoo and a variety of food options like the Burger Shack, Basement Café, and Pumpkin Barn, making it a perfect spot for a full day of fall fun!

6. Start a Scary or Seasonal Movie Marathon
It’s hard to pick a favorite scary movie because most of them aren’t “good” but are still fun to watch! I’m planning a Saw marathon this year (I love how the storyline ties together at the end). For some nostalgia, I’ll probably throw in Halloweentown and, of course, binge Harry Potter – fall is the perfect time for a magical movie marathon. And for snacks, I’m all about creating cool popcorn combinations!

7. Tell Spooky Stories or Go on a Ghost Tour
If you’re into spooky tales or want to learn more about the haunted side of Saskatoon, keep an eye out for ghost tours. One option is to check out the Diefenbaker Canada Centre ghost tours here.

8. Enjoy Nature Before the Cold Hits
Fall is such a beautiful time to get outside and soak up the fresh air. I love walking or biking the Meewasin Valley Trail, and feeding the birds at Beaver Creek Conservation Area is a peaceful way to enjoy nature. Make sure to visit before the cold really sets in!

9. Curl Up with a Book
On those chilly fall days, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. I’m currently reading Pumpkin Spice Café, which feels perfectly on theme for the season.

10. Take a Road Trip to See Fall Colors
If you’re up for a scenic drive, a road trip to one of the best spots for fall colors is a must! I’m eyeing Narrow Hills Provincial Park and Prince Albert National Park for stunning autumn landscapes. It’s also the perfect chance to snap a few family photos!

11. Roast Marshmallows Over a Campfire
A cozy campfire with roasted marshmallows and warm blankets is one of the best ways to enjoy fall evenings. If you don’t have a fire pit at home, you can head over to Crossmount Cider Company, where you can rent a fire pit and enjoy their delicious, festive ciders. It’s the perfect setting for a warm, relaxing autumn night with friends or family!

12. Get Spooked in a Haunted House
No fall bucket list is complete without a little fright! I haven’t been to a Haunted House since first year university in Houston, Texas so I am thinking I need to gther my nerves and give it another shot. Here are some popular haunted house attractions in and around Saskatoon:

1. Theater of Madness Haunted House – Part II begins October 11th at center mall. Noon to 3pm offers a more family friendly scare priced at $15. In the evening the 7-10pm time frame is $20 and is recommended for ages 16+. There is even an R rated version for $30 from 11pm to 1am.

13. Make Soup from Scratch
As the temperatures cool, nothing beats the comfort of a homemade soup. This fall, I’m planning to try out some delicious new recipes like this classic Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup for those cozy evenings Get the recipe. I’m also excited to make a creamy Butternut Squash Soup that’s both simple and satisfying Get the recipe. For a heartier option, I’ll be whipping up a flavorful Turkey Taco Beer Chili, perfect for a chilly day Get the recipe. These soups are sure to warm up your fall!

14. Visit a Fall Market
Saskatoon’s fall markets are a perfect way to enjoy seasonal treats, crafts, and local produce while supporting the community. Some must-visit spots this season include the YXE Artisan Market, which showcases unique handmade goods, and the SCAT Fall Craft and Bake Sale, where you can find delicious baked goods and handcrafted items. Don’t forget to stop by the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and local delights—it’s a great way to connect with local vendors and stock up on everything fall!

15. Take Family or Pet Photos at Dutch Growers
Dutch Growers is the perfect destination for capturing adorable family or pet photos this fall! With beautifully curated seasonal displays, vibrant pumpkins, and cozy autumn décor, it offers a picturesque backdrop for all your photo needs. Whether you’re snapping pictures of your kids, pets, or the whole family, Dutch Growers’ warm, rustic setting makes for a fun and festive photo shoot. It’s a great way to create lasting fall memories with your loved ones!

There you have it—my ultimate fall bucket list for Saskatoon! What’s on your list this season?