🇨🇦 Saskatoon Survival Guide

🇨🇦 Saskatoon Survival Guide: A Family’s Downtown Dilemma – Pizza Hut Saves the Night When an overnight stop in Saskatoon turns into a homelessness-induced pizza emergency, you know your family travel plans need recalibrating. Our stay at the Hilton Garden Inn (safe but sterile) and failed attempt at dining at Thirteen Pies (adults-only, alas) led to an unexpected Pizza Hut redemption arc. Here’s how to navigate Saskatoon’s downtown with kids after dark – and where to find surprisingly decent emergency ‘za. 🏨 The Hotel Basecamp: Hilton Garden Inn Location: • Pros: • 5-min walk to River Landing (pretty by day) • Free parking (rarity downtown) • Cons: • 2nd Ave = Ground Zero for panhandlers after 7pm • Kids spooked by aggressive squeegee guys at lights Room Review: • Clean but Cramped: 2 queens + workspace = Tetris with luggage • Lifesaver: 24/7 pantry with microwave (for leftover pizza) • Missing: Pool (promised on website, “under renovation” forever) Parent Hack: Request river-view rooms – quieter than street side. 🚶♂️ The Downtown Dilemma: Safety vs. Exploration 8:30pm Reality Check: • Empty Streets: Even Tim Hortons locked doors early • Visible Issues: Needles near Midtown Plaza fountain • Kid Reaction: 10yo clutched my arm whispering “Can we Uber?” Alternative Routes: • Riverwalk Detour: Longer but better lit • Skybridge: Connects hotels to TCU Place (indoor escape) 🍕 The Pizza Redemption Arc 1. Thirteen Pies (Failed Mission) 🍸🚫 • Vibe: Exposed brick, craft beer taps, hipster heaven • Policy: Strictly 19+ after 8pm (even with teens) • Silver Lining: Their takeout Detroit-style is legendary (next time…) 2. Pizza Hut Rescue 🏆 The 2nd Ave location became our savior: Ordered: • Super Supreme ($24) ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ • Toppings: Fresh-ish peppers + real mushrooms (not canned!) • Crust: Hand-tossed, no cardboard aftertaste • Honey Sriracha Chicken ($22) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • Sweet Heat: Kids devoured it (mild spice) • Bonus: Extra sauce cups for dipping crusts Why It Worked: • Delivery Option: But we needed to escape the room • Booth Seating: Felt safer than street-facing tables • Nostalgia Factor: Remembered Book-It program free personal pans 🌃 The Morning Escape Breakfast at Hotel: • $14 Buffet: Scrambled eggs better than expected • Coffee: Local Collectivo beans (Midwest chain surprise) Final Verdict: ✅ Stopover-Worthy: If you stay river-adjacent ❌ Not a Destination: Unless you love pizza + panic 📍 Hilton: 90 2nd Ave S 📍 Pizza Hut: 122 2nd Ave S (open till 11pm) #FamilyTravel #TravelFails #PizzaHutRedemption