One Budget Friendly Day in Moose Jaw
Looking for a day trip that is easy on the wallet while delivering a full day of adventure and memories? Moose Jaw is one of our favourite small cities. Travelling on a budget shouldn’t mean sacrificing fun or adventure. From iconic sights, to hidden gems, to where to eat and shop, we have you covered. This is your complete guide on how to enjoy Moose Jaw on a budget.
As former Moose Jaw residents who lived there long before the Tunnels of Moose Jaw made it “Canada’s Most Notorious City,” we’ve had a front-row seat to its transformation over the past two decades. Moose Jaw has always been known as the “Friendly City,” but watching it grow into its new identity has been like seeing a late-blooming tween finally embrace their quirks and come into their own. It still holds onto that welcoming, small-town charm—but now with a bold splash of mystery and intrigue that keeps things interesting. Moose Jaw hasn’t lost its heart—it’s just added a little swagger.
So how do you make the most of a day in this charming, quirky little city without blowing your budget? That’s where we come in. From larger-than-life landmarks to colorful murals, scenic parks, and local eats, Moose Jaw is packed with fun that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re hunting for hidden art, posing with a prairie icon, or exploring the streets with a self-guided scavenger hunt, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the city’s personality without spending a fortune. Let’s dive in.
Where to Stay in Moose Jaw on a Budget
Good sleep doesn’t have to come with a high price tag! I’ve rounded up some great budget hotel picks that keep you close to Moose Jaw’s top attractions — and keep your wallet happy too.
(The hotel options are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you book through these links— thank you for supporting my blog!)
Wakamow Heights Bed & Breakfast
Experience the charm of a 1902 heritage home nestled in Wakamow Valley. This adults-only B&B offers elegant rooms with private baths, fireplaces, fridges, and balconies. Guests enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning.Located at 690 Aldersgate Street, it’s within walking distance to downtown attractions. Rates start at $135 per night.
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Days Inn by Wyndham
Situated off Trans-Canada Highway 1, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with amenities like free continental breakfast, an indoor pool with waterslide, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. Each room includes a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.
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Neither of these are quite what you’re looking for? No problem. Just enter your dates, number of people, and budget in the map below and choose an option that fits your vibe.
If you’re looking to stretch your budget even further—or just want a more outdoorsy experience—camping is a fantastic alternative. Moose Jaw has a few camping options to choose from.
Lorne Calvert Campground-Wakamow Valley
Location: 300 River Drive, Moose Jaw, SK
Price Range: $30–$55 CAD per night
Description: Nestled in the scenic Wakamow Valley, this campground offers 56 sites with options ranging from no services to full hookups (30 amp, water, sewer). Amenities include modern washrooms, showers, picnic tables, firepits, and access to nature trails and canoe/kayak rentals.
This location is best suited to travellers who want a more natural experience and are ok being further away from amenities. Great for tenting or RV.
Booking Link: wakamow.ca/camping
Bin There Campground
Location: Approximately 15 minutes from Moose Jaw, SK
Price Range: $35–$185 CAD per night
Description: Bin There Campground offers a unique stay with grain bin cabins, RV sites, and tenting areas. Enjoy the BBQ area with natural gas grills and picnic tables, or cook in the Service Centre Kitchen, which features a fridge, freezer, and induction stove. Additional amenities include a communal firepit, laundry facilities, and outdoor space for activities.
This location is best suited to travellers who don’t mind a short drive and want a unique experience or want the benefit of the service kitchen for cooking and storing food.
Booking Link: bintherecampground.com
Prairie Oasis Tourist Complex
Location: 955 Thatcher Drive, Moose Jaw, SK (just off highway 1)
Price Range: Approximately $25–$200 CAD per night for campsites or motel rooms
Description: This complex offers a combination of motel accommodations and treed campsites. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, playground, and proximity to local attractions.
This location is best suited for RV travellers that want to be close to the highway and local shopping options.
Booking Link: prairie-oasis.com
Budget Activities in Moose Jaw
Carpe Diem Home and Abroad Scavenger Hunt
No trip to Moose Jaw is complete without experiencing its endearing eccentricity. The Carpe Diem Home and Abroad Scavenger Hunt is the perfect way to do just that. Blending local history, public art, and clever clues, this self-guided adventure takes you through the city’s iconic murals, famous landmarks, and hidden gems. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore with rhyming riddles and trivia challenges. The whole experience feel like a combined game and guided tour. Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or as a family, the scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of excitement to your day—and best of all it’s completely free!
The scavenger hunt is designed to be enjoyable for everyone—from families with young kids to teens and adults who love a good challenge. Whether you’re exploring solo or with friends and family, it adds an extra layer of excitement to your day—and best of all, it’s completely free!
Take a walk through Moose Jaw’s historic, natural, and artistic landmarks, and enjoy a day of adventure your wallet will thank you for!
Crescent Park
Crescent Park is the heart of Moose Jaw’s green space, and it’s easy to see why. You could spend an entire day here and still find something new to enjoy.
For a peaceful visit, stroll the winding trails, relax on a bench, or watch swans glide across the pond. Pack a picnic near the waterfall for a quiet escape—but please don’t feed the birds! It can harm their health and the ecosystem.
Want to be more active? Challenge someone to tennis on the historic courts or try lawn bowling nearby. Kids will love the playground, and the open green space is great for frisbee or Spikeball. In summer, cool off at the Crescent Park Spray Park or take the plunge at the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool. Check out the iconic 7- and 10-metre diving platforms.
Creativity thrives here too. Visit the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery to explore rotating exhibits, a permanent collection, and a cozy performance space—admission is by donation. In summer, the nearby amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and community events.
Just a few blocks away, the Yvette Moore Art Gallery showcases incredible prairie landscapes and features over 40 Western Canadian artists.
Whether you’re exploring, relaxing, or getting active, Crescent Park is a central gem that offers something for everyone—all without spending much.
Wakamow Valley
While we love Crescent Park, Wakamow Valley is our personal favourite. It has a rustic, untamed beauty that makes it feel like a true escape—without ever having to leave the city. Wakamow’s natural beauty is a refreshing contrast to the more manicured urban parks. It offers a sense of freedom and wilderness right in Moose Jaw’s backyard.
With over 20 kilometers of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, you can explore a variety of landscapes. From quiet forests to open meadows and gentle valleys. The paths wind alongside the Moose Jaw River, adding a peaceful rhythm to your walk and plenty of scenic spots to pause and take it all in.
Want a little more play or a little competition? Check out their 18 hole disc golf course. Discs can be borrowed for a small donation, so don’t sweat if you don’t have your own. There are also 4 playgrounds to keep the kids entertained. Pack some burgers or smokies to bbq in one of the parks while the kids play. Ultimately, Wakaomow is a little slice of heaven, letting you experience Moose Jaw’s wild side while sticking to your budget.
Moose Jaw Murals
With over 40 outdoor murals, Moose Jaw is the mural capital of North America! The murals are more than just paintings; they are a collection of stories that encompass the city’s multifaceted history, identity, culture, and natural beauty while also paying tribute to the groups and individuals that helped shape Moose Jaw.
Every aspect of the city’s history is recreated through art, from its Indigenous roots, to its bootlegging mayhem, to its veterans that sacrificed for our freedom, and many more. A tour of the murals will allow you to engage with and reflect on the city and its journey through the past.
Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre
Finish off your day where nature meets education at the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre. This non-profit centre offers admission by donation, making it an ideal stop for those exploring Moose Jaw on a budget. Open for tours during the summer months, the centre will let you get up close with its feathered residents.
It is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered burrowing owl and their prairie habitat through education and stewardship. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, observe captive owls in outdoor enclosures, and explore the native prairie garden.
The centre also provides opportunities to see wild hawks, coyotes, jackrabbits, gophers, and other prairie wildlife in the adjacent field. With its engaging exhibits and knowledgeable staff, the Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre offers a unique and memorable experience that highlights the importance of prairie conservation.
Moose Jaw on a Budget Wrap Up
Moose Jaw proves that you don’t need to spend big to make big memories. In just one day, you can solve scavenger hunt clues and complete challenges while wandering through mural-lined streets, soaking up nature in Wakamow Valley and Crescent Park, and getting eye to eye with owls- all while sticking to your budget. Explore Moose Jaw on a budget, and discover its rich history, wildlife, artwork, and prairie charm. It’s the perfect mix of wonder, beauty and small town magic.
