Business – Infrastructure – Transportation

Saskatoon is the commercial centre of Saskatchewan, and was identified as one of Canada’s “Hub Cities” by the Conference Board of Canada. From its central location, the Saskatoon Region has excellent highway, air, and, rail transportation links to markets throughout North America. With a metropolitan population of over 240,000, Saskatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city. Saskatoon follows Central Standard Time year round, ensuring excellent and efficient access to the widest range of other North American time zones during normal working hours.

Rail

The Canadian National (CN) Railway and Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway lines connect Saskatoon to the world. North American ports on the east coast, west cost and the Gulf of Mexico receive goods from Saskatoon. Both rail service providers also have inter-modal container ports in Saskatoon, allowing goods to be moved from rail to truck with ease.
For more information, visit:
Canadian National Railway

CN Rail Network

Canadian Pacific Railway
CP Rail
Location of Rail Yards in Saskatoon

Highways

Saskatoon provides an excellent and cost effective location for the distribution of manufactured goods to markets throughout North America and the world. Saskatoon lies at the junction of two of Canada’s major highway systems: the Yellowhead, (Highway 16 from Winnipeg to Edmonton and west); and Highway 11, (a four-lane highway with a direct connection to the Trans-Canada Highway at Regina). Both of these systems join the U.S. Interstate system, through border crossings that serve both the Eastern and Western States. Saskatoon region companies also benefit from a highly competitive warehousing and distribution market out of which operate over 140 trucking companies.

Air Service (www.yxe.ca)

Operated by the Saskatoon Airport Authority, the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is located 10 minutes from the city centre. Recently upgraded, this spacious, modern facility serves approximately one million passengers per year. The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport ranks among the top airports of its size in Canada in a national survey of customer satisfaction.

Air Carriers Servicing Saskatoon

  • Air Canada
  • WestJet
  • Northwest Airlines Inc.
  • Pronto Airways
  • Transwest Air
  • West Wind Aviation Inc.
  • United Airline
Travel Times from Saskatoon
Driving
Flight
Canada
Calgary
6 hr 10 min
1 hr 6 min
Edmonton
5 hr 15 min
1 hr
Montreal
34 hr 45 min
4 hr 32 min
Ottawa
33 hr 50 min
3 hr 15 min
Prince Rupert*
19 hr 45 min
5 hr 30 min
Regina
2 hr 35 min
45 min
Thunder Bay*
15 hr 25 min
6 hr 43 min
Toronto
29 hr 30 min
3 hr 7 min
Vancouver
16 hr 45 min
2 hr 10 min
Winnipeg
8 hr 20 min
1 hr 14 min
United States
Chicago*
21 hrs 38 min
6 hr 3 min
Dallas*
28 hr 5 min
6 hr 50 min
Denver
18 hrs
5 hr 20 min
Los Angeles*
28 hrs
8 hr 30 min
New York*
33 hr 50 min
7 hr 30 min
Salt Lake City*
16 hr 55 min
2 hr 25 min
San Francisco*
26 hr 50 min
6 hr 20 min
Seattle*
18 hrs
4 hours

Oceanport Access

Saskatoon is uniquely positioned in Western Canada to take advantage of two ocean ports: Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

 

The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s Flagship Port, serves as a dynamic gateway for trade and tourism. As Canada’s largest and busiest port, trading $53 billion in goods with more than 100 trading economies annually, the Port of Vancouver offers access to intermodal connections that extend across the continent. The Port of Vancouver is the most diversified port in North America and ranks number one for export tonnage. In total, the port comprises 25 major marine cargo terminals that collectively offer 67 berths, super post-Panamax capacity and extensive on–dock rail facilities.

 

Located in northern British Columbia, the Port of Prince Rupert is the deepest port on the west coast. Port facilities include container, coal and grain terminals, with large tracts of land for development potential. The Port of Prince Rupert boasts the shortest land-sea route from North America to China. Located 700km/36 hours closer than Vancouver, and 1612km/68 hours closer than Los Angeles, it is North America’s closest port to key Asian markets.