A group of intrepid travelers spent Saskatchewan Day exploring some of the province’s hidden gems — though they didn’t know they were heading to Saskatchewan until the moment they arrived at the airport.
The visitors were part of a “mystery tour” organized by Travel With Bradley, a unique travel experience led by Ontario-based tour operator and guide Bradley Walters. The group’s latest mystery destination turned out to be the prairies, with stops in Saskatoon, Manitou Beach, Watrous, Moose Jaw, and Regina.
“They had no idea,” Walters said of his group, speaking in an interview on Tuesday. “In fact, they didn’t even know they were going to Saskatchewan until they arrived at Toronto Pearson Airport and I handed them an envelope. They opened it and found out they were flying into Saskatoon; they were pretty excited.”
The Saskatchewan Day itinerary on Monday, August 4 featured a visit to Manitou Beach, where the group toured the outdoor art gallery and historic Danceland. It’s a spot that had special meaning for Walters, whose grandfather once built a dance hall in small-town Ontario.
“I come from a musical family,” said Walters. “So, I was intrigued by Danceland when I came across it in my research. And I have to say, it absolutely lived up to expectations.”
The group was warmly welcomed by local dignitaries, including Mayor Cheryl Hanson and Watrous/Manitou Beach Marketing’s Jeff Siegfried, during their stop at the art gallery.
“That kind of personal welcome made everyone feel extra special,” Walters said. “They even gave everyone a small gift. The hospitality has been absolutely amazing.”
From Manitou Beach, the travelers headed to Watrous, where they enjoyed a festive turkey buffet lunch at The Peppertree, a long-standing local restaurant.
“The chef has worked there for 44 years, which is just incredible,” Walters said. “The meal felt like Christmas.”
For Walters, who has been leading tours for decades and began organizing “mystery tours” several years ago, it’s the surprise element and the connections people make that keeps his guests coming back.
“These travelers trust me completely. They don’t want any hints or spoilers. The mystery is part of the fun,” he explained. “But what’s really standing out to all of us on this trip is the people. The hospitality here in Saskatchewan reminds me of when I take tours to Newfoundland. It’s the locals who make the biggest impression.”
After Manitou Beach and Watrous, the group continued their adventure with stops in Moose Jaw, where they toured the famous underground tunnels.
But as always with a Travel With Bradley mystery trip, the rest of the itinerary remains strictly under wraps.
“I can’t tell you any more - it’s a secret,” Walters said with a laugh.