Saskatoon, the largest city in SASKATCHEWAN, is situated in rolling parklands on the banks of the northward-flowing south Saskatchewan river, 235 km (by air) northwest of Regina.
It serves as regional centre for the northern prairies and for central and northern Saskatchewan. It is noted for its extensive riverbank parks and trails, wide tree-lined streets and attractive UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN campus.

Economy
Because of its dependence on agriculture, Saskatoon has experienced many "booms and busts." Its earliest "boom" came in 1903 with the arrival of the BARR COLONISTS. This was followed by the real estate "boom" of 1911-12. Other cycles followed; however, continued diversification, beginning with the expansion of the mining industry in 1970s, has diminished this tendency.
Recent trends include a significant increase in advanced technology industries and manufacturing to service the resource and agricultural sectors. Saskatoon continues to act as a retail and distribution centre, as well as a centre for health and education services, business and mining services, food processing and research. The research capabilities of the university and the presence of Innovation Place Research Park have had a significant impact on Saskatoon's economy, especially in information technology and the growing agricultural biotechnology industries.
First Nations people are playing an ever-increasing role in the economy.
The University of Saskatchewan and its associated religious colleges and SIAST-Kelsey Institute, the SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN FEDERATED COLLEGE (Saskatoon campus) and the Saskatoon public library are the city's key educational institutions.