Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Layover Guide (YXE)

What are you looking for in YXE?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Saskatoon Airport (YXE) is an international airport located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It’s situated about 6 km (3.7 miles) from downtown Saskatoon. The airport officially opened in 1929. Saskatoon is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Canadian Prairies and is known for its vibrant arts scene, riverfront parks, and welcoming community. The city also offers a rich cultural experience and serves as a hub for both business and leisure travel.

Can you leave Saskatoon Airport (YXE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can exit Saskatoon Airport (YXE) during a layover provided you clear Canadian immigration and hold proper entry authorization. Visa-exempt travelers require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), while others need a Visitor Visa. There is no transit-only zone; all arrivals join general customs. Check eligibility and application details before arrival (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Saskatoon Riverbank Bird Walk

Join a small group for a 2-hour easy walk along the South Saskatchewan River in Cosmopolitan Park, spotting Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, Canada Geese and various songbirds. Follow gentle paved and wood-chip trails through shrubland and wooded areas while your guide identifies bird species and their songs. » book this tour

Saskatoon: Donna Birkmaier Park Birding and Walking Tour

Join a 2-hour guided walk on level trails at Donna Birkmaier Naturalized Park to observe water birds like Red-necked Grebes and terns, and songbirds including Brown Thrashers and Eastern Kingbirds. Borrow binoculars, learn field marks and bird calls as you explore diverse habitats. » book this tour

Buffalo Pound Park Birdwatching Private Tour

Explore Buffalo Pound Provincial Park on a 6.5-hour private tour. Walk marsh boardwalks, view Western and Eared Grebes, herons and sparrows; hike around Nicolle Flats Marsh; enjoy a picnic lunch near an old homestead; and spot prairie and grassland songbirds along the Qu’Appelle River valley. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Wanuskewin Heritage Park Explore Indigenous history through interactive exhibits, interpretive trails, and ancient bison hunt archaeological sites at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, celebrating First Nations culture amid scenic prairie landscapes, educational programs and traditional storytelling experiences. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or Saskatoon Transit Route 60 + Route 6 bus ~1 hour.)
  • Remai Modern Discover cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions, diverse collections of modern masterpieces, interactive installations, and community programs at the Remai Modern gallery, housed within a striking architectural landmark along the South Saskatchewan Riverbank. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Saskatoon Transit Route 60 bus + 5-min walk ~45 min.)
  • Meewasin Valley Trail Walk or cycle scenic Meewasin Valley Trail, enjoying picturesque riverfront views, public art installations, lush greenery, historic bridges, and wildlife spotting opportunities along its 60-kilometer corridor weaving through Saskatoon’s urban and rural landscapes. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Saskatoon Transit Route 60 bus to River Landing ~40 min.)
  • Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo Visit the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo to encounter exotic and native wildlife, stroll through Victorian-style gardens, enjoy family picnics, and explore heritage farm buildings narrating the region’s agricultural history. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Route 60 bus + 10-min walk ~45 min.)
  • Broadway Avenue District Stroll along Broadway Avenue’s vibrant district, browsing unique boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafes, artisan bakeries, eclectic restaurants, and live music venues, immersing yourself in Saskatoon’s creative and culinary spirit. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Route 60 bus to Broadway Ave. ~40 min.)
  • University of Saskatchewan Campus Discover the University of Saskatchewan campus, admiring Collegiate Gothic architecture, touring the Geology Museum, visiting the Museum of Natural Sciences, wandering manicured gardens, and relaxing by the picturesque Vandon Hall ponds. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Route 60 bus to campus ~35 min.)
  • 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Sample handcrafted beers at 9 Mile Legacy Brewing, learning local brewing techniques, touring the taproom, enjoying diverse flight samplers, and pairing beers with artisanal sharing plates in a relaxed industrial-chic brewery space. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Route 60 bus + walk ~50 min.)
  • Western Development Museum Explore Saskatchewan’s history at the Western Development Museum, featuring interactive pioneer life exhibits, restored vintage vehicles, historic agricultural artifacts, immersive dioramas, and relocated heritage buildings under one expansive indoor gallery. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Route 60 bus + transfer ~45 min.)

Things to Do in Saskatoon Airport (YXE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at YXE sits airside near Gates 5 and 6, offering comfortable seating, complimentary hot and cold snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, business workstations, newspapers, TVs, and power outlets. Open daily roughly 5:30 AM–6:15 PM, access via eligible tickets, Aeroplan status, or paid passes. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within 2 km of the terminal, options include the Saskatoon Inn, Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott. Each offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, fitness facilities, and on-demand airport shuttles. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, in-room coffee, and 24-hour front-desk service, ensuring restful stays for all travelers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
YXE’s pre-security seating area remains open 24/7 but lacks designated sleep pods or lounges. Comfortable benches and armchairs are available landside and airside, though space is limited. Travelers seeking closed-eye rest often spread blankets by quieter gates early in the morning; earplugs and eye masks are highly recommended.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Saskatoon Airport. Simply connect to “Saskatoon Airport WiFi” (often shown as “YXE Free WiFi”), agree to the terms, and start browsing. Signal strength is strong in both landside and airside areas, with speeds sufficient for video calls, emailing, and streaming light content.

SIM/eSIM Card: YXE does not host dedicated SIM-card kiosks. Visitors can order international eSIM profiles online before arrival or purchase prepaid Canadian SIM cards at downtown convenience stores and official carrier outlets. Major providers like Rogers, Bell, and SaskTel sell eSIM vouchers and physical SIMs with data, voice, and text packages. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A designated Taxi Zone outside the arrivals curb offers both metered and flat-rate zone fares. Downtown trips average CA $19–23 and take 15–20 minutes, inclusive of a $2 airport surcharge. Taxi brokers operate 24/7, and credit-card payment is accepted. Tipping is customary but not required.

Train: There is no direct rail service at YXE. The nearest passenger train station is Saskatoon station downtown, served by Via Rail. Travelers must take a taxi or Route 11 bus to the station. For schedules and bookings, visit the official Via Rail site: more info.

Bus: Saskatoon Transit Route 11 links the airport to Downtown Terminal West 2, running hourly from early morning until late evening. The journey takes about 34 minutes and costs CA $3 per ride; exact-fare payment is required. For schedules and route maps, see more info.

Shuttle: Most nearby airport hotels offer complimentary shuttle service between YXE and their properties. Shuttles typically run on-demand, aligning with flight arrivals and departures. Reservations are recommended. There is no centralized public shuttle; guests should contact their hotel’s front desk for pickup instructions and scheduling.

Car rentals: On-site car rental counters for Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are located landside in the terminal. Rental desks operate daily from early morning until late evening. Vehicles are parked in the adjacent lot; some vendors provide delivery directly to the curb upon request. Drivers must present a valid license and credit card. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: YXE offers three public lots: Express (first half-hour free, then CA $3/hr), Short-Term (up to 4 hrs at CA $4/hr), and Long-Term (daily max CA $17, weekly max CA $119). All lots are a short walk or shuttle ride from the terminal. Online pre-booking may yield discounts.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no luggage lockers or storage facilities within the terminal. Travelers requiring bag storage can use off-site services like LuggageHero, which offers hourly and daily rates from around CA $4.90/day at nearby shops and hotels. Reservations via app ensure guaranteed space and insurance coverage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Saskatoon Airport (YXE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks