Moose Jaw Inn: Your Unforgettable Saskatchewan Getaway!
Moose Jaw Inn: Your Unforgettable Saskatchewan Getaway! (Honestly, a Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Moose Jaw Inn, supposedly "Your Unforgettable Saskatchewan Getaway!" and, well, let's just say it was an experience. Forget the polished PR spin – here's the real deal, warts and all, from a regular traveler who appreciates a decent bed and, crucially, a working Wi-Fi connection.
First Impressions & Getting In (Accessibility & Service with a Side of… Well, You’ll See):
Okay, so technically the Moose Jaw Inn boasts accessibility. They have elevators (score!), and the website claims wheelchair-accessible rooms. I didn't personally require one, but I did see the ramps and stuff. The exterior… well, let’s call it character. Think hearty prairie charm meets, uh, slightly faded paint. Getting in was a breeze, the doorman was a cheerful fella who, bless him, actually helped with my ridiculously overpacked bags. He even offered a (free!) bottle of water, which was a lifesaver after the long drive from… well, everywhere. The check-in process itself was easy-peasy (contactless, even!), which I LOVE. No standing in line, no endless paperwork, just bam! Welcome to Saskatchewan, my friend!
The Room: My Cozy Prairie Fortress (Plus the Wi-Fi Wars!):
The room… well, it was a room. (Available in all rooms): Air conditioning (thank god!), a comfy bed (extra long, even!), and a decent view of… the parking lot (lolz). (Additional toilet): Yep, they have them. (Air conditioning): Working great. (Alarm clock): Functioning. (Bathrobes): Present, but I’m a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal, so. (Bathroom phone): A bit pointless these days, unless you’re calling for room service to ask for another coffee. (Bathtub): There was one, which, technically, is a luxury. (Blackout curtains): Yes! Sleep is sacred. (Carpeting): Ah, the familiar smell of hotel carpet. (Closet): Plenty of room for my stuff. (Coffee/tea maker): Essential. (Complimentary tea): Thank you. (Daily housekeeping): Spotless and unobtrusive. (Desk): Needed for my laptop, obviously. (Extra long bed): Perfect. (Free bottled water): Nice touch. (Hair dryer): Strong enough. (High floor): I asked for one! (In-room safe box): Never used it. (Interconnecting room(s) available): Good if you’re rolling with the fam. (Internet access – LAN): I'm pretty sure I saw the port, but uh, I didn't use it, lol. (Internet access – wireless): Yes, and… here's where the fun begins.
Okay, the Wi-Fi. They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (Wi-Fi [free]) – which is great in theory. But the Wi-Fi battle began as soon as I entered the room. Some days it was crackling and fast. Other days? It was like trying to stream cat videos using a tin can and a piece of string. I spent a solid half hour wrestling with the connection, muttering under my breath, and contemplating throwing my laptop out the window (which, thankfully, did open. (Window that opens).). I eventually just surrendered to frustration and went to the lobby, where the Wi-Fi, praise be, was a little stronger. (Wi-Fi in public areas).
(Internet). Okay, the internet thing is still bothering me. (Internet services). Didn't use most.
(On-demand movies): meh. (Private bathroom): Clean! (Reading light): Good for my books. (Refrigerator): Useful. (Safety/security feature): good to know. (Satellite/cable channels): Yep. (Scale): I didn't step on it, I prefer to remain blissfully unaware. (Seating area): I sat in it. (Separate shower/bathtub): Yep. (Shower): Works. (Slippers): Nope. (Smoke detector): Present. (Socket near the bed): Essential. (Sofa): I think I saw a sofa somewhere. (Soundproofing): It was decent. (Telephone): Meh. (Toiletries): Standard hotel stuff. (Towels): Clean. (Umbrella): Didn't need it. (Visual alarm): Nope. (Wake-up service): Didn't use it.
The Food (And the Great Breakfast Debacle):
Alright, let's talk about food. The Moose Jaw Inn has a few options. (Restaurants). (A la carte in restaurant). The A-la-carte was okay, nothing to write home about. (Asian cuisine in restaurant), (Western cuisine in restaurant). Breakfast, though… oh, the breakfast. (Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant). The buffet was supposed to be a highlight, you know? Free food! But it was a scramble with scrambled eggs that tasted suspiciously… powdery. The bacon was crispy (score!), but the coffee… well, let's just say it required liberal amounts of syrup to make it palatable. (Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop). On the plus side, they did offer (Alternative meal arrangement), including (Vegetarian restaurant) options. (Desserts in restaurant). They were good. (Happy hour). Yesssss. (Poolside bar). Didn’t use it. (Restaurants). Many restaurants. (Room service [24-hour]). Didn’t use it, really. (Salad in restaurant). Good. (Snack bar). I had a cookie there. (Soup in restaurant). No soup. (Bottle of water). The bottle was good
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Days & Prairie Views… Maybe):
So, the Moose Jaw Inn boasts a spa! (Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath). And, yes, a (Swimming pool), (Swimming pool [outdoor]). I went to the gym, which was well equipped. (Gym/fitness, Fitness center).
(Things to do, ways to relax), and a view of the… parking lot. There's also a (Terrace), which looked pleasant. I was all about the pool. The pool with a view?? (Pool with view) I was skeptical. It was decent, not exactly postcard-worthy, and the water felt a bit chilly at first. But I eventually warmed up to it, literally. It was clean, the water was surprisingly inviting once you were in, and the view offered a glimpse of the vast Saskatchewan sky, and that, my friends, is unforgettable.
Cleanliness & Safety (Is This Place a Fortress?):
Okay, important stuff. Cleanliness is a big deal these days, and the Moose Jaw Inn seems to take it seriously. (Cleanliness and safety) They had (Anti-viral cleaning products), everywhere. I saw staff constantly disinfecting the public areas. (Daily disinfection in common areas). And they advertise (Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sterilizing equipment). (Rooms sanitized between stays, Room sanitization opt-out available). They also had hand sanitizer stations (Hand sanitizer) everywhere. (First aid kit)! They advertised (Hygiene certification). They also used (Hot water linen and laundry washing), and they had (Safe dining setup). And the most heartwarming thing in hospitality, when COVID started, they also had (Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options). They had (Cashless payment service) and a lot of (Staff trained in safety protocol). They had so many (Safety/security feature, Smoke alarms), that you know this place is dedicated to safety. In addition, they have (CCTV outside property, CCTV in common areas). They did an amazing job for safety!
Services & Conveniences (The Good, the Bad… and the Surprisingly Useful):
This place is brimming with stuff. (Services and conveniences) Air conditioning in public areas. (Air conditioning in public area) Business facilities, including (Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center, Wi-Fi for special events). They even had a (Shrine). (Cash withdrawal). (Concierge, Doorman). (Convenience store), which was handy. (Cash withdrawal). **(Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery,
Luxury 4BR, 2BA Gangnam Apartment - 5 Mins to Subway! (Seoul)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Moose Jaw adventure that’s less "polished brochure" and more "what-the-actual-heck-did-I-just-eat-that-was-so-good?!"
MOOSE JAW MADNESS: A Totally Unofficial Itinerary (and possibly a descent into chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh My God, It's Cold!" (I'm from California, okay?)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Moose Jaw. The airport is… cozy. Let's just say it feels like a giant, slightly dusty living room. My Lyft driver, bless his heart, immediately launched into a monologue about the best poutine in the city. He was clearly passionate. I, however, was mostly thinking, "Is my California wardrobe REALLY up for this?" (Spoiler alert: Nope.)
- 1:30 PM: Check into the Moose Jaw Inn. It's got that classic, slightly faded charm – think friendly motel vibes with a hint of "your grandma's living room." The lobby’s a little… brown. All brown. But they had free coffee, so, win.
- 2:00 PM: Adventure Time! Wandered downtown, which is charming until you realize how brisk the prairie wind is. My nose practically froze off. Found a cute little shop selling locally made… everything. Bought a Moose Jaw themed mug because, well, I have a problem.
- 3:00 PM: THE TUNNELS OF MOOSE JAW! This is what everyone keeps raving about, right? Okay, let's do this. I chose the "Gangster Tour" because, hey, Al Capone. The tour guide, bless her heart, was super dramatic. All hushed whispers and wide eyes. The tales were good, I'm not gonna lie. And the tunnels? Creepily fascinating. The air gets thicker down there. I swear I felt a chill even after we were back in the sunshine. Definitely spooky. I had to sit on a bench in the sunshine and try to shake off the creeps.
- 5:00 PM: Poutine Reconnaissance. My Lyft driver was right. Tried Hopkins Dining Depot. This is not an overstatement: The poutine was transcendent. I mean, crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and gravy that made my soul sing. I may have gained five pounds in that single meal and I have zero regrets.
- 6:30 PM: Back at the Inn, feeling… stuffed. And slightly overwhelmed by all the brown. Debating if I should brave the freezing evening for more Moose Jaw exploration or just succumb to the lure of the comfy bed and the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel wins.
Day 2: Spas, Sculptures, and a Near Disaster (involving a Canadian Goose)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. The bed at the Inn is surprisingly comfortable. Score! Coffee, check. Ready to face the the cold and the day.
- 9:00 AM: Temple Gardens Mineral Spa: This place is a total game-changer. Seriously. It's warm, it's relaxing, it's got some sort of soothing mineral water that makes you feel like you're floating in a cloud. I may have accidentally dozed off in the outdoor pool. No shame. Best part of the whole trip so far.
- 11:00 AM: Downtown Moose Jaw again! Attempting to brave the cold. Attempting to keep my nose. Found a few of those famous Moose Jaw murals scattered around. The Mac the Moose is still awesome, obviously.
- 12:00 PM: Fuel Up! Needed it badly. Found a cute little cafe called The Mad Greek. Delicious. I got the best Greek omelet I’ve ever had and they were so friendly.
- 1:00 PM: Attempt the Tunnels again. I considered this very hard. I'm still in the mood from the previous day.
- 2:00 PM: The Tunnels (Round Two): This time, the "Escape Room" version. I don't have an opinion on it, but I really, really struggled. They give you this elaborate backstory, puzzles, and I'm just wandering around saying "I don’t know….?" I got super frustrated. Like, almost-started-crying frustrated. I thought I was going to have a full-fledged meltdown. We made it out… barely. My partner did most of the work. I mostly paced. I'm going to claim it was the lack of blood flow to my brain due to the cold.
- 4:00 PM: Walking back to the inn and nearly got dive-bombed by a Canadian Goose. Like, full-on bird attack. Screamed, ran, narrowly escaped. My heart is still pounding. I have issues with birds. They're judging me.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at Grant Hall Hotel. I really went all-out here. It was amazing. The ambiance was old-school glamour, the food was divine. This is where the posh locals go, and I wanted to see if I could blend in.
- 7:00 PM: I can't believe I have a day left here. Feeling full and happy (and somewhat traumatized by the goose). Going to go to bed early.
Day 3: Farewells and Future Moose Jaw Dreams (and a possible caffeine overdose)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Inn. Surprisingly decent continental spread. Coffee, coffee, and more coffee. Need to stay awake.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Need to buy moose-themed everything. Bought more mugs, a t-shirt, and what I felt was a reasonable number of moose-shaped keychains. Regret that I didn't pack more cash.
- 10:00 AM: One last walk around downtown before heading to the airport. Soaking it all in. Moose Jaw ain't exactly a bustling metropolis, but it has charm. A weird, slightly off, prairie charm.
- 11:00 AM: Poutine. One last, glorious, artery-clogging poutine from a different place this time. Gotta sample all the varieties.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. The same cozy, slightly dusty living room I arrived in. Reflecting on the last few days. Moose Jaw was colder, weirder, and more unexpectedly wonderful than I could have possibly imagined.
- 1:00 PM: Take-off. Leaving. Promising myself to return. Maybe.
- On The Plane It's so full of moose puns, that I can't stop thinking about all I saw. I can't stop thinking about the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa. I can't stop thinking about the poutine. I'm gonna miss it.
Okay, this is the end of my totally unprofessional, probably highly inaccurate, and possibly slightly delusional Moose Jaw adventure. Go. See it for yourself. Just… bring a hat. And some extra layers. And maybe a therapist for after the Tunnels. You'll be fine. Probably.
Escape to Paradise: Richi Valley Resort, Mount Abu Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans! Is the Moose Jaw Inn... actually any good?
Alright, here's the deal. Good? Sometimes. Unforgettable? Absolutely. Look, I'm not going to lie, it's not the Four Seasons. You're not getting fancy linens and turndown service with a chocolate on your pillow. But that's part of the charm, right? Or maybe the lack of charm IS the charm, depending on your mood. I went with my *ahem* "significant other" (let's call him Barry... mostly because that's his actual name and I get a laugh reliving the whole thing) and well… we'll get to Barry later.
Ultimately, the Moose Jaw Inn is a *vibe*. A very specific, slightly dusty, prairie-town vibe. If you're looking for a polished, sterile experience, head to a chain hotel. If you want a story, some genuine hospitality (mixed with maybe a little bit of Prairie passive-aggressiveness), and something to *talk* about… then yeah, it's good. Probably.
The Website Says "Cozy Rooms." What does "Cozy" *really* mean?
"Cozy" is a word that's doing a *lot* of heavy lifting there. Think... compact. Think... maybe the last time these rooms saw a major renovation, the Y2K bug was a genuine threat. My bathroom was so small I had to basically straddle the toilet to close the door, which Barry found hilarious, naturally. (He's got a *very* dry sense of humor, Barry. Very dry.)
But you know what? The bed was comfortable! And the shower, while a little *iffy* on water pressure, actually *worked*. "Cozy" might also equal "perfectly adequate for a night or two after a long drive." And frankly, after a long drive through the Saskatchewan prairie, I wasn't exactly looking for a spa experience. I was looking for a bed. And a functioning toilet. And eventually, a stiff drink.
What's the deal with the food at the Inn? Breakfast specifically.
Breakfast... Ah, breakfast. Let's just say it's... hearty. Think eggs (probably scrambled, maybe suspiciously yellow), bacon (crispy, thank God), toast (possibly from a loaf that's seen better decades), and... coffee. The coffee is key. It's likely the strongest black liquid you'll encounter in Saskatchewan. I suspect they use it to strip paint.
The plates... they're big. You will not leave hungry. But I did witness a very heated debate between two elderly gentlemen about the *correct* way to butter your toast. It was fascinating (and I may have taken pictures). The food is… functional. It’s not gourmet. It's fuel. And after a night of Prairie skies and maybe a few local beers, that's exactly what you need.
Is the Moose Jaw Inn close to the city's attractions?
Relatively. Moose Jaw isn't exactly sprawling. You're not going to need a taxi to get anywhere exciting. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw (which, by the way, are a MUST-SEE. Seriously, go. Unless you have claustrophobia. Then maybe don't. They are *tunnels*) are a short drive. The famous "Wakamow Valley" park? Easy peasy. You can practically *walk* to the giant Moose statue! (Which, I have to say, is way more impressive in person than you'd imagine. I mean, it's a giant moose!) Barry, bless his heart, got lost trying to get *out* of the parking lot of the Inn. So take *that* into consideration.
I keep hearing about the "haunted" aspect. True or not? Spill!
Oh, honey, yes. Yes, it is. Not like a, "Boo! Look at the chandelier sway!" kind of haunted, no. It’s more of an… “Did I just feel a cold spot?” and “Did that door *just* close by itself?” sort of vibe. I heard whispers. I saw a shadow. (Okay, maybe it was Barry's shadow. He was standing by the window and the lighting was… dramatic). But the point is: it's part of the experience. It's built into the charm. Embrace the spooky! Don't be a wimp!
I'll tell you one story that chilled me to the bone, and it’s about an old woman named… well, let’s call her “Ethel.” Ethel apparently used to work at the Inn back in the day, a real fixture. Whispers tell you the old woman, who would walk the halls at night to check the doors. One night… she vanished, never to be seen again. Now, legend… or maybe it's just a particularly creative local telling… says Ethel still walks the halls some nights, checking on guests, making sure everything is… just so. My hair stood on end hearing that tale.
Any hidden gems or local tips you can share?
Okay, buckle up because I've got a few. Firstly, the bar. The Inn's bar, right? It's a proper, old-school, locals-only kind of establishment. Do not be intimidated. The bartender, a woman named Barb who probably could tell you more about Moose Jaw history than any book, is a treasure. Strike up a conversation, order a local beer, and listen! The stories are gold.
Also, if you're feeling adventurous, try some of the local cuisine. Saskatchewan, believe it or not, has a surprisingly vibrant food scene. And go to the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. Seriously. And don't forget to explore Wakamow Valley. It’s beautiful. And bring bug spray. Seriously. The mosquitos are legendary.
Anything I *shouldn't* do while staying at the Moose Jaw Inn?
Don't be a jerk. Seriously. Remember you're in a small town. Everyone knows everyone. And that level of politeness and respectful, even if only a *slightly* passive-aggressive way, is the lifeblood of the place.
Don't expect a five-star experience. You're not getting it. Manage your expectations.
And for the love of all that is holy, don't get into a staring contest with the giant Moose statue. I saw a guy do it. He lost. Badly. Barry found it hilarious. Barry finds *everything* hilarious.
