Released on August 15, 2013
Caitlin Taylor demonstrated that Saskatchewan is a province best explored in multiple vehicles during her stint as the 2013 Saskatchewanderer.
In addition to exploring the province in multiple motor vehicles supplied by Bennett Dunlop Ford, she navigated Saskatchewan lakes by sailboat, stand-up paddleboard and canoe. She biked across the trails of Moose Mountain Provincial Park. She floated over Saskatoon in a hot air balloon, flew a plane over Regina and rode horseback through Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, where she discovered the hidden conglomerate cliffs and a view accessible only by foot or horseback.
“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. It doesn’t matter whether you’re paddling or peddling - as long as you’re outside experiencing this great province for yourself.”
The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport began the Saskatchewanderer program in 2011 as a fresh way to promote the province to tourists and residents. The student who snags the Saskatchewanderer position travels the province and shares his/her experiences using social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. This year, Instagram was added to the Wanderer’s social media tool repertoire.
Some of the project’s goals include raising awareness of the province’s diverse tourist attractions, building pride in the province among residents and breaking Saskatchewan stereotypes.
“Caitlin certainly did a wonderful job showing us how diverse our province is,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “She engaged her followers, who watched her experience everything from Saskatchewan Fashion Week to sailing to a hot air balloon ride over the prairies. Saskatchewan caters to such a wide range of interests. 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.”
Throughout the summer, Taylor engaged established followers and gained new ones. Early on, she posted a photo of her Saskatchewanderer vehicle in front of the A and W in Davidson and asked followers, “Where’s the Wanderer?” More than 750 people commented on the photo, more than 130 people liked it and more than 30,000 people viewed it.
In the fall, Taylor plans to continue studying at the University of Saskatchewan. After spending the summer interviewing Saskatchewan residents, snapping photos and shooting and editing video, she thinks she might be well-suited to a career in photography or journalism.
“I am so fortunate to have been on this journey,” Taylor said. “It’s been a jam-packed summer and although I’ve always loved my home province, I appreciate it even more now. I dedicated an entire summer to exploring Saskatchewan and I still haven’t seen it all. Nobody should be allowed to say they’re bored in our province!”
To relive Taylor’s 2013 summer adventure, visit www.saskatchewanderer.ca.
The Saskatchewanderer project is sponsored by CAA Saskatchewan and Bennett Dunlop Ford.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152