Saskatoon’s first full-service resort, Dakota Dunes Resort, shines as a top-notch destination in the province of Saskatchewan. Located just 20 minutes from the city, the hotel offers an 18-hole golf course, a casino, and a top-notch restaurant. Guests can also book on-site activities through the resort’s Adventure Desk.
It’s a wonderful place to unwind after a business stay in Saskatoon.
Whitecap Dakota First Nation opened the Dakota Dunes Resort hotel in 2020 on their ancestral land. It was an addition to the casino and golf course that had welcomed visitors for over a decade. The resort survived the pandemic and now bustles with conferences and individual guests.
Our group’s van passed the rolling golf course hills and pulled up to the hotel. Our eyes were instantly riveted to the magnificent buffalo sculptures in front of the casino. Next, the hotel’s black metal slanted window trims caught my eye, reminding me of tipi lines.
When I entered the lobby, I walked past glass-encased fireplaces filled with birch logs. Although I visited in summer and had no need to warm up, the setup still evoked a comforting campfire feel.
Researching the hotel online, I learned the architects designed the 155-guest-room hotel to celebrate Whitecap Dakota heritage. They used natural materials, light colors, and large windows, helping guests connect with the surrounding environment.
The Rooms at Dakota Dunes Resort
My King room was a sleek, restful retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the golf course. A picture of the headdress that belonged to Whitecap Dakota Nation’s Chief Bear adorned the wall behind the bed. The black-and-white spackled ceiling reminded me of a dazzling night sky free from city lights.
The room had a workstation, a coffee-maker, a mini-fridge, and high-speed WiFi. Plus, it had a 55-inch LED TV.
Guests can also book two double beds. Another option is the King Executive Suite. It has an L-shaped layout with a King bed, sofa, and work area.
Food with an Indigenous Twist
The hotel’s Moose Woods Home Fire Grill welcomed us with its warm, inviting design. It featured stone fireplaces, wood panels, and outdoor views. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant serves dishes crafted by Chef Chris Hill. Menu items contained locally sourced ingredients that reflected Dakota Territory heritage. A bar was at the restaurant’s front.
At dinner, my group and I shared bison meatballs, pickerel cheeks, tomahawk steak, and roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
We ended our meal with a s’more dessert. The gooey chocolate brownie, topped with toasted marshmallow icing and mini graham crackers, melted in my mouth.
Fitness and Activities at Dakota Dunes Resort
On the hotel’s top floor, a fitness room houses treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. I enjoyed floating in the indoor pool. After my swim it was relaxing to soak in the hot tub while surrounded by prairie views.
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You can also tee up for a golf game or rent an e-bike and explore nearby trails.
Guests can book other activities at the Dakota Dunes Adventures desk in the hotel lobby. I joined a canoe paddle on the Saskatchewan River. It was guided by Dakota guide Dru Swain and Kheaven Dumais, who was French Cree. For a meaningful cultural experience, our group attended a presentation by 76-year-old Dakota elder Freda Greer. She shared stories about willow basket-making, star symbolism quilting, and attending Pow Wows.
Some Background on the Whitecap Dakota People
The Dakota Dunes Resort website gave me a glimpse into Dakota history. Their traditional territory spans parts of southern Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. In the U.S., it also covers Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and northern Montana. Following the buffalo herds, they traveled seasonally. Rivers were their transportation routes. European colonization forced many Dakota to move north. They followed Chiefs Wapaha Ska (Whitecap), Tatanka Najin (Standing Buffalo), and Taoyateduta (Littlecrow).
Chief Whitecap and his community maintained their seasonal circuit when they first moved north. But, in the 1870s, the Canadian government confined them to reserve lands. The reserve and Dakota Dunes Resort are located 16 miles south of Saskatoon. It’s in an area once rich with game called Moose Woods. You can learn more by visiting the hotel’s website or the Whitecap Dakota First Nation website.
Nearby Sights and Programs
Dakota Dunes Adventures offers year-round activities that are close by. In winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, kick-sledding, and snowshoeing. Year-round, there is stargazing and Bannock roasting around a bonfire. In summer, you can paddle the Saskatchewan River, play Indigenous games, and learn to install a tipi. The hotel can arrange a shuttle to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site. It features Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig. The park also has a First Nations visitor center featuring galleries and exhibits. One highlight is observing the site’s bison herd.
Rates at the Dakota Dunes Resort
King guest rooms start at $190. Two Queen guest rooms start at around $200. The King Executive starts at $290. Rooms with a golf course view are extra. Barrier-free guest rooms are available.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing two dogs of any size for $50 per pet, per stay. Dog beds, bowls, and treat bags provided. Free parking is available onsite.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Tourism Saskatchewan arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
