Whether you’ve just moved or you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s always something new to discover in the city of bridges.

Despite what the cynics may tell you, Saskatoon does have some pretty unique spots to explore if you’re willing to go out and look for them. From rage rooms to mini-museums, we’ve got it all. As the city continues to expand at an exponential rate, you can always be sure that something new will pop up around the corner for you to explore on your own or with your friends. 

Luckily for you, dear reader, your days of going to the same places over and over again are over. I’ve compiled a short list of some underrated spots you probably haven’t checked out yet, for your browsing enjoyment. Take it from me, as a student who has done a fair share of complaining about the lack of things to do in this city, you’d be surprised what’s out there once you’ve looked. 

Cinema at the Museum and the Roxy Theatre 

For the film nerds out there, don’t fret! Your cinema experiences aren’t limited to just the mainstream blockbuster films that are constantly playing at the local Cineplexes. If you’re looking for something more niche and indie, be sure to check out the Roxy Theatre and the Remai Modern Museum sometime.

Every month, the Remai hosts various screenings, highlighting older movies, works from up-and-coming filmmakers and films that don’t show at other local theatres. Tickets are always $10 at the front desk, and admission is free for members and youth under 18. Check out their website for the latest showings, since they’re constantly updating their events calendar.

The Roxy Theatre is another great place to check out when you’re in the mood to watch underrated movies. The theatre is a Saskatoon staple; its doors have been open for nearly a century, welcoming generations of movie lovers into its embrace and bringing thousands of stories to life. From foreign features to blasts from the past, the Roxy is never a dull place to catch a movie. Tickets are $13.32 for adults 18+ and $6.67 for everyone on Mondays. 

YXE Smash Therapy Inc

Bad breakup? Tough midterm? Just want to break stuff? This is the place for you. 

Located on Aronec Avenue, Smash Therapy Inc offers an out-of-the-box solution to all of your suppressed anger issues. Take all of your frustrations out on the various household items they have available including, but not limited to: windshields, computer monitors, pc towers, glassware, lawn ornaments, and small kitchen appliances. Have something at home you can’t stand the sight of anymore? Feel free to bring it in for demolition! Just be sure to get in contact with staff for approval before bringing in any breakables for your own personal use, or for donation. 

They offer various packages—single swinger, tantrum for two, and group therapy for groups of up to 9 people. Prices depend on which session you book as well as the duration of your visit.  

The Stoked Centre

Okay, so this one might not be that underrated, but it’s definitely an option to keep in mind when you’re brainstorming weekend plans with your friends. Boasting an arcade, bowling, go-karts, indoor rope courses and a zipline, the Stoked Centre has plenty to offer. Not to mention the in-house restaurant with a menu that has options everyone can enjoy. It’s an especially great place to check out when you want to hang out with a big group of people, since there’s plenty of stuff to do, no matter what you’re into. 

The Purrfect Cup Cat Cafe

In need of a pick-me-up? Pop into the Purrfect Cup for the perfect dose of coffee and kittens to balance your serotonin levels.

If you and your friends are ever in the mood to spend an afternoon hanging out with a bunch of adorable cats, the Purrfect Cup is the place for you. Home to twenty cats, this cafe is the only place in the city where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee and play with cats at the same time. Admission is $14 dollars, and there’s no reservation required. 

Plus, as a bonus, if you’re looking to adopt a cat, you can apply online to give one of the cafe’s cats a forever home! 

Art Bar Theatre

Whether you and your friends are aspiring poets, comics or performers, or you just want to check out the local scene and support a local business, the Art Bar is a great place to spend your evenings, afternoons, or weekends.

The Art Bar hosts open mic nights, comedy nights, spoken word poetry nights, acoustic music sets and various other live performances. They also feature a gallery for visual art and encourage artists of all skill levels to apply to exhibit their work in the space. 

Check out their instagram or their website for more information on the current line up. They’ve always got something interesting going on!

Glitchy’s Oddities Museum

Located in a room at the back of Glitch’s Gifts and Novelties on 33rd street, this collection of strange items is something you should drag your friends and family along to. Home to the world’s largest cheezie and a two-headed calf (among other things), this mini-museum is a hidden gem for sure. It might not be an activity you spend a whole afternoon doing, but it’s still a pretty cool spot to check out if you’re in the downtown area.