Moose Jaw Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Uncover the secrets of the prohibition era and relax in geothermal mineral waters in this vibrant Saskatchewan prairie city. From underground tunnels to towering roadside giants, Moose Jaw offers a unique blend of history and relaxation.
Moose Jaw is a city that defies the typical expectations of the Canadian Prairies. Often called “The Friendly City” (and historically, “Little Chicago”), it boasts a colorful past filled with bootleggers, underground tunnels, and whispers of Al Capone. Yet, beneath the notoriety lies a charming, walkable downtown core filled with heritage buildings, vibrant murals, and a genuinely welcoming community spirit that invites you to slow down and explore.
Beyond the history, Moose Jaw is a sanctuary for relaxation. It sits atop an ancient geological formation that feeds the famous Temple Gardens Mineral Spa with therapeutic geothermal water. Whether you are here to uncover the secrets of the prohibition era or to simply float your cares away in steaming mineral pools while snow falls gently around you, Moose Jaw offers a unique blend of intrigue and restoration.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
Subterranean Secrets and Prairie Giants
What truly sets Moose Jaw apart is what lies beneath the streets. In the early 20th century, a network of tunnels was constructed for steam engineers, which later became hideouts for bootleggers and a refuge for persecuted Chinese immigrants. Today, these tunnels are the heartbeat of the city’s tourism, offering theatrical tours that transport you back to the Roaring Twenties. It is this commitment to storytelling, living history rather than just displaying it, that makes a visit here so memorable.
The city also embraces its kitschy side with pride. Mac the Moose, a towering 10-meter sculpture, stands guard at the visitor centre. Recently reclaiming his title as the world’s tallest moose after a friendly feud with a Norwegian town, Mac represents the big heart and humor of the locals. Combined with the stunning Wakamow Valley that winds through the city, offering miles of green space, Moose Jaw balances its urban legends with natural beauty.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Tunnels of Moose Jaw
Explore the underground network used during the Prohibition era with theatrical guided tours telling stories of Al Capone and early Chinese immigrants.
Temple Gardens Mineral Spa
Soak in Canada's largest therapeutic geothermal mineral water pool, which draws water from an ancient seabed deep underground.
Western Development Museum
Discover the history of transportation in the prairies, featuring vintage cars, trains, and planes in a massive gallery.
Deja Vu Cafe
Feast on massive portions of chicken wings and milkshakes at this local institution featured on 'The You Gotta Eat Here'.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw - Located on Main Street North, this is the city’s headliner. You can choose between three distinct guided theatrical tours: ‘The Chicago Connection’ (Al Capone history), ‘Passage to Fortune’ (early Chinese immigration), and ‘Bunker 24’ (Cold War history). Tickets are approximately $22 CAD per adult, and tours run year-round.
Temple Gardens Mineral Spa - Situated right downtown, this indoor/outdoor geothermal pool is fed by water from 1,350 meters below the earth’s surface. A drop-in swim costs around $25 CAD for adults. It is open daily and is particularly magical in the winter when the steam rises into the cold air.
Mac the Moose - You cannot miss him at the Visitor Centre on Diefenbaker Drive, just off the Trans-Canada Highway. It is free to visit, take photos, and see the vintage Snowbird jet nearby. It is located about 4 km from the downtown core.
Western Development Museum - Located on Diefenbaker Drive near Mac the Moose, this museum focuses on the history of transportation. It features steam locomotives, vintage automobiles, and the Snowbirds Gallery. Admission is roughly $15 CAD for adults.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Moose Jaw is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, about 45 minutes west of Regina and the Regina International Airport. Driving is the easiest way to arrive, and having a car is beneficial for reaching attractions on the outskirts like the Western Development Museum and Wakamow Valley. However, the downtown core is incredibly walkable, with most shops, restaurants, and the spa located within a few blocks of each other.
When packing, consider the season carefully. Summer can be hot and dry, requiring sunscreen and hats, while winter demands heavy parkas, gloves, and boots. Regardless of the season, bring a swimsuit for the mineral spa. If you plan to dine at popular spots like Hopkins or take a Tunnels tour on a weekend, reservations are highly recommended as they fill up fast.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- Warmest weather for walking tours
- Full operation of the Trolley
- Vibrant festival calendar
- Lush Wakamow Valley scenery
Cons
- Hotel rates are highest
- Tunnels tours sell out quickly
- Mosquitoes can be active near the river
- Attractions are crowded
Shoulder Season: Spring & Fall (May, September - October)
Pros
- Comfortable temperatures
- Beautiful foliage in autumn
- Lower accommodation prices
- Better availability for tours
Cons
- Unpredictable weather
- Some seasonal attractions may have reduced hours
- Risk of late spring snow
- Cooler evenings require layers
Off-Peak: Winter (November - April)
Pros
- Best time for the Mineral Spa
- Lowest hotel rates
- Cozy atmosphere in historic downtown
- No crowds at museums
Cons
- Extremely cold temperatures
- Outdoor activities are limited
- Driving conditions can be icy
- Short daylight hours
Whether you are chasing the ghosts of the past or seeking the warmth of the mineral waters, Moose Jaw delivers a travel experience that is distinctively Saskatchewan. It is a place where history is not just remembered but performed, and where the prairie hospitality is as warm as the geothermal pools.
Sample Itineraries
The Notorious & Relaxing Weekend
A perfect blend of Moose Jaw's famous prohibition history and its world-class spa facilities.
Day 1: Underground Secrets and Geothermal Soaks
- Morning: Start your trip with the ‘Chicago Connection’ tour at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw to learn about Al Capone’s alleged hideout, costing roughly $22 CAD per adult. After the tour, walk two blocks to Main Street to admire the historic architecture and boutique shops.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a hearty lunch at Rosie’s on River Street for approximately $40 CAD, soaking in the tavern atmosphere. Afterward, check into Temple Gardens Hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon floating in the indoor/outdoor mineral pool.
- Evening: Walk across the street to Grant Hall Hotel for a fine dining experience at their steakhouse, budgeting around $120 CAD for two. End the night with a stroll through Crescent Park to see the illuminated fountain.
Day 2: Giants, Art, and History
- Morning: Drive to the Visitor Centre to take a selfie with Mac the Moose and climb aboard the replica jet plane, a free activity located 3 km from downtown. Head back to the city centre to follow the Moose Jaw Mural Trail, featuring over 40 massive paintings on downtown buildings.
- Afternoon: Grab lunch at Deja Vu Cafe, where you can split a massive order of wings and fries for about $35 CAD. Drive 5 km north to the Western Development Museum to explore the history of transportation on the prairies, with entry tickets costing $15 CAD each.
- Evening: Conclude your trip with dinner at Hopkins Dining Parlour, a Victorian house filled with antiques, budgeting $70 CAD. If you are brave, ask the staff about the resident ghost stories before you depart.
Prairie Family Adventure
An action-packed itinerary designed for families, featuring outdoor parks, interactive museums, and fun food.
Day 1: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
- Morning: Head straight to the Western Development Museum early to see the steam trains and vintage cars, allowing at least 2 hours for the visit at a family rate of roughly $35 CAD. Afterward, drive to the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village to see the bizarre sight of a sea-faring ship in the middle of the wheat fields.
- Afternoon: Return to town for a picnic lunch in Wakamow Valley, a massive urban park with playgrounds and walking trails along the Moose Jaw River. Rent kayaks or canoes if the weather permits for a small fee of roughly $30 CAD per hour.
- Evening: Treat the family to dinner at Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern for fish and chips, costing around $80 CAD for the family. Finish the day with a swim at the Kinsmen Sportsplex if your hotel does not have a waterslide.
Day 2: Tunnels and Trollies
- Morning: Take the ‘Bunker 24’ tour at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw which is specifically designed as an interactive cold-war spy experience great for older kids, costing roughly $70 CAD for a family of four. Grab a quick pastry and coffee at a local bakery on Main Street.
- Afternoon: Board the Moose Jaw Trolley for a guided tour of the city’s landmarks, a relaxing way to see the sights without too much walking, costing about $60 CAD for a family. Stop by the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre to see these endangered prairie birds up close.
- Evening: Enjoy a fun, messy dinner at Deja Vu Cafe where the kids can choose from dozens of wing sauces, budgeting $70 CAD. Wrap up the trip with an ice cream cone while walking past the historic CPR Station at the bottom of Main Street.
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