Boats, bikes and balloons: Saskatchewanderer saw province from all angles

REGINA – Saskatchewan’s latest travel ambassador is returning to university after a summer of boating, biking and ballooning in the province.

Caitlin Taylor’s stint as the Saskatchewanderer saw her navigate the province’s lakes by sailboat, stand-up paddleboard and canoe.

She also biked down the trails of Moose Mountain Provincial Park, floated over Saskatoon in a hot-air balloon, flew a plane over Regina and rode on horseback through the Cypress Hills

Taylor says she wanted to encourage people to explore Saskatchewan any way they can.

The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport introduced the program in 2011 as a way to promote the province to tourists and residents.

The student who snags the Saskatchewanderer position shares  experiences using social media tools.

“Caitlin certainly did a wonderful job showing us how diverse our province is,” Parks Minister Kevin Doherty said.

“She showed us that no matter what you’re into – whether it be festivals, fashion, food, extreme sports or the outdoors – you can experience it here in Saskatchewan.”

Taylor, 21, plans to continue her studies in arts and science at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. After spending the summer interviewing residents, snapping photos and shooting and editing video, she thinks she might be well-suited to a career in photography or journalism.

“Saskatchewan is unique,” Taylor said. “There’s no place like it. And there’s no best way to see the province. I want to encourage people to explore Saskatchewan any way they can – whether it be on foot, or on the back of a horse, the back of a bike, or from the seat of a canoe.”