The Sketchy Areas of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I think this is a pretty good overview of some of the areas of Saskatoon that can be a bit rough, but I'd appreciate your thoughts and experiences as well. Cheers

[@hardknoxtalkspodcast]

We live in Saskatoon. My wife spent 18 months on the street and we were both addicted to meth and fent for a number of years. It's a wild story. We've been on the other side of all that for years and have learned that no matter where you go, you can find good, or bad. I have definitely noticed an uptick in the bad in the Saskatoon Core though.

[@strangenorth]

@@hardknoxtalkspodcast Thanks for watching, and I appreciate your feedback. And it's definitely true that problems can be found anywhere in the city, I just hoped this was a decent overview of some of the more potentially sketchy areas. I'm always impressed when people are able to get over addictions of that magnitude, I know it's super tough to do - good for you guys. Have a good one!

[@robwilgenhof4386]

I’m from Saskatoon .. good job . I used to work at the Safe Injection Site . Ave P and 20th. It’s very rough .. your videos are very well done Sir . Well researched. Keep it up !

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, glad you're getting some value out of the videos! I thought it was a reasonable overview but I was keen on hearing from local residents as well. Cheers

[@JimMacintosh]

There’s nothing “safe” about them.

[@limitles4758]

Just spent two years in Saskatoon. Lived downtown, the Cambridge, and walked only to all four regions. No transportation other than bus. Great city. Never worried.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - honestly I think if I moved to Saskatoon I'd live downtown too, I find it to be very walkable and well connected to other major areas of the city. It would be cool if Saskatoon could develop some sort of LRT one day! Cheers

[@Chris_Garman]

So long as you don't wear the wrong colour hat or go out after dark.

[@HollandBozek]

​@@Chris_Garman "great city" yea great city to get gunned down by a sawn off firearm hey😆

[@PunkRockGardener]

Homelessness and drug abuse are rampant throughout the city, but it’s the same everywhere in Canada right now.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - fair point, and my hometown of Edmonton is no different. Cheers

[@theomegared02]

Saskatoon resident here and this video was well narrated and a very well portrayed.

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@DonsaiRoadsOfficial]

Love Saskatoon. We visit every summer and it's definitely a bit sketchy but I've never had any issues. Awesome restaurants and a beautiful river walk.

[@strangenorth]

It's really a great city! I visit often, I was actually there 4 times this year. And I think they really have an impressive amount of good restaurants/cafes/pubs too. Cheers

[@waterruner5478]

I used to work for a security company a few years back and worked all over Stoon and I'd say you nailed this, good work on the vid

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I thought it was a reasonable overview but I was keen to hear from local residents too. Cheers

[@kristavaillancourt6313]

I concur. I have lived in Saskatoon 15 years. Lived and used to walk downtown all the time and never had an issue. At night alone too. Literally no issue as long as you don't loiter outside and you know where you're going.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I personally don't find the downtown area to be worse than other cities in Canada, very walkable and well connected to other areas of the city. Cheers

[@BobaVolcano]

Aahh Stan’s Place. I remember driving across the city to buy bottles of Smirnoff there when I was 16. Good times.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I've heard a few stories about that place! Cheers

[@FanaticalKilla]

Missed the lighthouse area on 20th by the theatre. Also 8th street near Cumberland. The hotel keeps a lot interesting characters with substance abuse issues.

[@frederick2video]

Yes, that is true, 8th near Cumberland is a little rough as are some of those apartments on 7th. They used to be nice back in the 80s but not so today.

[@jsilbern8973]

Ah yes, good old copper mug 🍺.

[@frederick2video]

@@jsilbern8973 It was good when it was the Venice House but it gradually worsened after it changed to a bar.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I can definitely see sections of 8th having sketchy activity, it's a major corridor on the east side. That area always felt more calm and peaceful than the west side to me, but as I said I don't live there so I'm approaching the topic as a tourist (although I visit Saskatoon frequently and travel around the city a fair amount). Cheers

[@PunkRockGardener]

Can confirm, live near there and it’d really gone down hill.

[@itcu185]

4:36 Stab's place it is pronounced as well the west side is colloquially know as StabbyVille

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I guess the rumors are true eh? Cheers

[@LeeSmokeyday]

And now Stan has sold the place and it is very likely to get much, much worse.

[@itcu185]

@@LeeSmokeyday bummer

[@ianmartens5286]

I've lived in S'toon all my life and I agree with basically everything you said. I live close to Sutherland and have never felt unsafe but there are parts where on the weekend the kids can get a bit wild. Great video

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - a few people said that place could be dodgy, but others said it wasn't bad. Definitely doesn't seem as bad as the worst parts of Pleasant Hill. Cheers

[@bobmarley3454]

Thank you. I asked you to do this about 6 months ago, and you delivered excellently. Much love from the alphabets

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I thought this was a reasonable overview but I was keen on hearing from locals as well. All the best in the new year!

[@derfskoorb3582]

Been to Saskatoon many times over the years, definitely the St. Paul's Hospital areas is the worst. Great video!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - that area can definitely be dodgy! Cheers mate

[@jeffflewelling1703]

My wife and I booked a prepaid room at a “chain” motel this past summer. There were none of the normal security locking devices on our room door, and it looked like someone had bashed in the door and broke them all. I asked the front desk to send someone immediately to repair them or give us a discount refund. He just jerked our chain by saying someone would come to inspect, but no one ever did. Then the next morning the manager was at the front desk and he basically said for us to go pound sand.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - that sucks, which hotel was that? Cheers

[@jeffflewelling1703]

@ I’ve learned not to mention company names on the internet because these big corporations will get their lawyers to go after you just to make an example out of you.

[@strangenorth]

@@jeffflewelling1703 Ah yeah fair point

[@StarlieMarly-um9tn]

Riversdale is cool but yeah it's sort of surrounded by iffy areas, wouldn't walk there alone at night...

[@strangenorth]

Yeah it can be shady at night, but I'm from Edmonton so that's nothing new. I've actually stayed at Airbnb spots throughout Riversdale and I think it's one of the best places to stay in the city - lots to do in the eastern portion of the neighborhood and it's a great location to start exploring the city from. Cheers

[@ZenWithKen]

I ride my bike through many of those areas and have never had an issue. Confed mall is definitely a rough area, but again, never had an issue there. So is the strip on the west side of Idylwyld from 22nd to 50th street. The city is growing fast; it's a good place to live. Your assessment was accurate for areas to be mindful if buying a home.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, and I definitely didn't want to give the impression that these areas are all bad. I forgot to mention in the video that I've stayed in various Airbnb throughout Riversdale and spent a lot of time there, no major problems. I agree Saskatoon is a great place to live overall, I've actually been considering moving there down the road! Cheers

[@J-Bonafide]

These “rough” areas look downright pleasant compared to what you’ll find in Winnipeg.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I'd love more information about rough areas of Winnipeg, I plan on visiting later this year and I want to do a bunch of videos there. Cheers mate

[@J-Bonafide]

@strangenorth The most famous would be the North End. There’s plenty of resource material out there to check out about that area but it’s not alone. Point Douglas, Downtown, Centennial, Lord Selkirk Park, parts of Sargent Park and even Elmwood are all rough. If you’re planning on spending time in these areas keep your head on a swivel during the day and quite frankly don’t go at night. Good luck.

[@greggreg2263]

Even 30 years ago when I used to hang out there, these areas were full of sketchpads😢

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - which area would you say was the worst back then? Cheers

[@JayFalk-ip9qj]

@@strangenorth pleasant hill is the most sketchy

[@TrueOnXF]

Local here. Best time to walk is usually busy day time, don’t make weird faces or stare at them. Less thugs outside at winter time (-15c or higher) don’t go to ally ways unless you absolutely need to.

[@TrueOnXF]

Also terror squad (TS) one of their trap house located around Harold tatler park south or near.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - fair points, and I think we can all agree TS is trash. Cheers

[@ericfrehlich8800]

This is accurate. Ive never had much trouble, but another horror story is always in the works every season. Just recently a house was robbed literally across the street of St. Pauls hostpital and an injured victim simply crossed the street for aid... Great place to live and settle down tho

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I love Saskatoon overall, and like my hometown of Edmonton it's got a couple areas that can be dodgy. Cheers!

[@brodo_baggins2132]

Quite comprehensive overview for someone who didnt grow up in Saskatoon. As a local I grew up in a pretty safe area but not far from exhibition and Stan's Place, nicknamed by those nearby as Stab's, or just "the bar where you get stabbed" haha. Definitely was told to avoid there as a youngster and have encountered some trouble but overall still pretty safe and I've spent a lot of time around there. Not far from Exhibiton, there was a stretch of a few blocks in the Avalon neighborhood directly across the road from a Sarcan bottle depot. It was very common to hear of breaking and enterings and random assaults and stabbings at various apartments there. The Sarcan has since been moved out of the area and there are far less incidents now, though it is less convenient to recycle my cans now.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I kinda felt bad mentioning that place specifically but quite a few people mentioned it and I wanted to give an honest and reasonable overview of sketchy areas of the city. My hometown of Edmonton has even more areas like that! Cheers mate

[@EdLemieux]

I've lived in Saskatoon for 20 years and I can agree that this is accurate. I would say around St. Paul's hospital on 20th is the most dangerous part of the city. My wife worked at the hospital for 8 years and had her car vandalized multiple times. Active drug use on the street. She quit after being stabbed with the hep c patient's needle in a struggle.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - personally I had a few dodgy situations around the hospital last year when I was shooting video of St Paul's for my haunted Saskatoon video. We definitely have a few similar neighborhoods in my hometown of Edmonton. Cheers

[@RedRidingBlue-c8i]

32 for me. The poorest areas are within walking distance of downtown, where Midtown Plaza and Social Services are. I agree about St. Pauls area being one of the worst.

[@outofoffice7540]

Of course everyone's experience will vary, but having rented in Riversdale for a couple of years, I never had any trouble. I think the crime stats are skewed by the fact that most of the violent crime occurs in certain demographically distinct communities; gangs on gangs skew the stats, and they tend to live in the more affordable parts of town. It's very rare to hear someone just be attacked out of the blue, without prior involvement with whomever attacked them. Contrast that with the sort of random attacks I know of in Vancouver (e.g. people being bear sprayed off their bikes, and one former colleague being dragged into the street by her hair as she left the office), and Saskatoon really isn't bad at all.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - fair points, I forgot to say in the video that I've actually stayed at various Airbnbs throughout Riversdale over the years and I've had good experiences. You can get a great deal and the neighborhood not only has a lot to do locally but it's well connected to other major areas of the city. Cheers

[@tracyrevoy6693]

What’s with the bear spray anyway. My husband , friends & I were sprayed at the Saskatoon Ex 3 years ago. Stopped the concert for 4 minutes only - we all had to go home. No robberies took place. Dumbass gangs and kids. Ridiculous🤬

[@outofoffice7540]

@@strangenorth We might have AirBnb'ed in the same spots; I did the same when I first moved there! 😆Thanks for the reply, and for making these videos - it's really nice to see high production value local docuvids about places in Canada that aren't just Van, Toronto, and Montréal. Cheers

[@strangenorth]

@@outofoffice7540 Glad you're getting some value out of the videos, I'm still pretty new to video production/KZbin and I can't believe anyone is watching my little videos!

[@GoHardMang]

My friend was robbed in the middle of the day there and had his jaw and hand broken. My younger brother and his friends were also robbed in that area in broad daylight.

[@themightyrisone9910]

lived in pleasant hill. ave s and 18th. used to walk to the convenience store a block away and come home to fresh chisel marks on my deadbolt. they got scouts monitoring the neighborhood at all times to make moves. we got our van stolen out of our driveway within 30 seconds of getting in the door, multiple broad daylight knife muggings... people used to cry about having to go into our neighborhood. i understand why.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, that area can definitely be dodgy! Seems like there are some great deals for first time home buyers around there too, hope it can improve over time. Cheers

[@pauljones9150]

4:50 the city wanted to put a homeless shelter back in Sutherland. You can see why the residents didn't want this. It would drop them squarely back at the bottom, next to the alphabets. I will also say that North and East Sutherland, closest to the tracks is the sketchiest to me

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - the homeless shelter issue is pretty complicated eh. They're a necessary and mostly positive service, but at the same time they usually create issues in the surrounding areas.

[@saadshakeel7536]

im from stoon! sutherland is pretty chill now!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I've definitely heard mixed things, some say central ave can be dodgy and others say the neighborhood has improved a lot over the years. I haven't walked around that area myself just driven through along central. Did it used to be a lot worse around there? Cheers

[@a.mcbear6774]

Sutherland is the eastside hood. Parts are gentrified spots, but there are the two trailer parks.

[@AHCouillard]

Pretty fair assessment of the city. I got jumped this past summer by three youths (one was taller and about 100 pounds heavier than me - but still a youth) on the University bridge. But I have walked up and down that bridge probably several hundred times over the years and that was the first time I ever had trouble there. I think they were just out to prove how tough they were and I just happened to be the guy that crossed their path.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - damn that sucks, punk move to swarm you like that. Did you get roughed up pretty bad? I've definitely been around some rough individuals in Saskatoon! All the best

[@AHCouillard]

@@strangenorthI had some eye issues for quite a while afterwards but think it is finally healing now. Aside from that I was ok. Thanks for asking. Keep up the good work!

[@skully0078]

I've been there a number of times but only with particular business destinations to go to. Never really had time to look around. Thanks for the insight!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - Saskatoon is a great city to explore! Lots of great places to check out around downtown, Broadway/Nutana, Riversdale, City Park and 33 street. Cheers

[@itsmrgq8175]

Just remember “Sketchy” is a matter of perception. Crime is random and can happen anywhere regardless of where the most activity is!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, and I totally agree - I just wanted to do a reasonable overview of some of the dodgy areas of the city, I personally find value in similar videos. I forgot to mention in the video but I've actually stayed in multiple Airbnbs in Riversdale and had a good time, some of the rough areas also have many great aspects. Cheers

[@archiveseeker]

I lived in Saskatoon in the 90's. Stan's Place was always rough! I saw an ass-whooping happen outside once.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, so I guess the rumors about that place are true eh? A bunch of people mentioned that place, it actually looks kinda cool the way it's sitting sort of under the overpass there. Cheers

[@CanadianArchaeologist]

I grew up in Pleasant Hill. I've lived in Confederation, Caswell and now I live near the homeless shelter in Fairhaven. Caswell was by far the worst for violent crime and theft that I personally seen. So many shootings, murders, b&e's, we had our car stolen. Fairhaven now seems great. Confederation Urban Center is where the homeless usually hang out and security guards at Superstore aren't allowed to stop thieves so they go hard all day stealing. I bet that alone has brought the numbers up. 20th street and P, 17th and Avenue X South, and Avenue W 22nd are all pretty sketchy. My son was murdered on 33rd and Idywyld. My other son robbed at gun point on Avenue X and 17th. I know of a few murders there. One guy was chopped up and dumped in the bin. Oh and they have great cameras there but cops do nothing about solving it. The guys that robbed my son were terror squad. They lived in his building and it was on camera. Unless he was willing to point them out in court, the cops weren't getting involved. They know my sons name and work as they stole his work id and keys, his wallet and phone.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I'm so sorry to hear your son was murdered. Terror Squad is trash, I think the community should be more informed about them and collectively work to counter their activity. Cheers

[@AlexblB]

that's unbelievable! a friend of mine has the same exact story! got his phone stolen and car keys stolen! thanks god he is still alive, they tried to poison him but he knew the poison from movies so he could avoid it and left the building to survive. He says it happened in Meadowgreen, 529 Ave X S. I will also appreciate people who can report the cops and sue them for not doing their job properly... even though he called the cops more than 4 times. They said all you can do is lock your door and just WISH that no one comes in! What a joke! The cops do not want to even protect people in this city because these cops probably have the same mentality, it's not surprising. What a dangerous country and province this is! Again I will appreciate people who can submit reports on the cops for not protecting people. The cops asked my friend to protect himself all alone against gang members, what a shame! someone should speak out loud. Sorry for the long comment but I am getting angry listening to my friend story right now. Thankfully he is alive now but others may suffer I know and I feel bad.

[@markjrcolin1210]

I’ve been living in Saskatoon for pretty much my whole life, living in the Sutherland area along central ave. It can be a bit sketchy, but that’s more related to the types of businesses in the area. Plenty of alcohol related spots and marijuana dispensaries. It can just generally attract trouble. It’s cool to see a video on my city, even if it’s about the sketchy zones, which I agree with entirely.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback as a local - I thought this was a reasonable overview but I was keen on hearing from people who have spent more time there. Saskatoon is a cool city overall and I visit often. Cheers mate

[@WOLFPMD3]

This video is spot on.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I thought it was a reasonable overview. Cheers

[@kimepp2216]

The same areas were sketchy when I left in 1985. I haven't been back to there for a while. Looks like some things have improved.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - my hometown of Edmonton also has areas that have been dodgy for awhile. It seems like Riversdale especially has really evolved over time, still sketchy at times but it has a lot going on. Cheers

[@dumbxandxjaded]

I'd love to see you do this for Regina!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I'm going to be doing a similar video for Regina in the spring. I'm doing a road trip in southern SK and I want to get new footage around Regina. Cheers

[@CnekYT]

Hey if you're doing a video like this for Calgary, I'd love to help with that video. I'm extremely familiar with Calgary and am very interested in statistics about my city.

[@strangenorth]

That would be great, I was actually planning on doing a similar video for Calgary down the road! Cheers

[@CnekYT]

@@strangenorth alright, do you have any platforms I can contact you on?

[@strangenorth]

yeah you can email the channel at [e-mail], that's the best way

[@joshlockie9285]

As someone who lived in Saskatoon with a heroin addiction, I know these areas well. I’ve been jumped downtown 3 times and never in alphabet city. Poor people don’t rob other poor people. They go downtown to find people with money.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - fair point, downtown definitely has risks. Sounds like you've got some interesting stories about the city! Cheers mate

[@ZamSandwich]

Great video man, easy sub imo :)

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@dinartelara4862]

As a Saskatoon resident i think that all the homeless should be gathered and execu... i mean, gathered and taken to a center where they could get a psychological screening and a desintoxication and only after a year of good social behavior they should be allowed to get out.

[@BrettUpton1]

They call Confederation “Confedo Ghetto” for a reason. Riversdale is getting better. I used to live in Mount Royal and moved the hell out, as there was more “activity” coming north of 22nd. Great video and I have subscribed.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - yeah north of 22nd can be dodgy too, I forgot to mention 33rd street can be sketchy at times. Cheers

[@MrTansk]

the train tracks that were infront of midtown the west side of the tracks is what was originally known as the west side

[@MoriMemento117]

I grew up in Sutherland. I would agree with your impression of the area.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I actually haven't explored that area much myself but a few people mentioned it when I was inquiring about rough areas of Saskatoon. I've also heard from others it isn't bad, and most neighborhoods are a complex mix and hard to define with one term. Cheers

[@lyndsie92]

I grew up on the Westside. So, very familiar with all these areas. It's worse now than it was before. I don't think that's a surprise. I was never scared of going in these areas until the last few years. We lived and went to school in the north alphabets. My mom worked at a bakery near St Paul's hospital. One of my first jobs was the DQ on 22nd. My first apartment was in meadowgreen. I used to bike home from DQ at 11pm. I don't live there anymore but I come into the city often for appointments and groceries. I avoid the Westside as much as I can. Which is sad because that's my roots! My daughter has appointments now in a building in riversdale and I hate it. In the 1 minute walk to get from the car to the building you will almost always come across a strung out junkie screaming and acting erratically.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - the area can definitely be dodgy, we have a bunch of similar areas in Edmonton too. Cheers

[@liamtheloser]

do this video on regina, north central is crazy lol

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I actually had a summer job years ago doing door-to-door sales in Regina and I was assigned to the north central area, walked around there for weeks. What other areas of Regina have a bad reputation? Cheers

[@liamtheloser]

@strangenorth mostly north central, but also warehouse district, the area around value village, and downtown (as per usual)

[@liamtheloser]

@strangenorth especially north central down 5th Ave

[@liamtheloser]

@@strangenorth There are so many people stealing from the stores in the area around value village that I'm surprised it's still in business lol

[@liamtheloser]

Just bins on instagram and Facebook is also a good resource on sketchy stuff that happens in regina

[@frederick2video]

This is mostly true. However, Sutherland is not sketchy. I have lived both in Sutherland and Nutana and Nutana is much more sketchy than Sutherland. I saw lots of fights in the streets just off Broadway and off 8th Street. My place was broken into 3 times when I lived in Nutana. There is a lot of crime there. That has not been the case since I moved to Sutherland. It is a nice quiet place with lots of families. In fact, when sketchy people are hanging around, the neighbours tend to talk to each other and make sure that everything is ok. Most of my neighbours are professional people, retired people or technicians who work at the University. Perhaps people who told you that the area is sketchy haven't been there in years and remember the days when the Sutherland bar was still open. That place was rough. Also, it used to be a railway town before it joined the city. Maybe that is where some of the old stereotype comes from.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback about Sutherland - I mainly heard that the neighborhood is decent but there have been problems along Central ave. I also heard it used to be worse but it's gotten a lot better. I actually haven't walked around that area myself, just driven through along Central. I can imagine Nutana area could have a lot of general crime, but to me it's always felt noticeable more calm and peaceful than the west side (although I do spend most of my time west of the river). Cheers

[@CrosscutFilmsSask]

The Sutherland bar was never sketchy. From the 80's til it closed, it was always filled with university kids. Same sketchiness as the Pat - if you call drunk university kids sketchy lol

[@frederick2video]

@@CrosscutFilmsSask I wrote another reply but the platform must have rejected it. Anyway, I grew up very close to that bar. I was sexually assaulted by "drunk university kids" three times when I was a tween and young teen. I was just walking from a piano lesson, babysitting and a friend's house... Young women should be able to walk down the street by their houses and not be assaulted. My parents' house and yard were vandalized. What people think is fun or funny when they are drunk or in a group of people is often very hurtful and causes long-term damage to others. Maybe to people like you, it was just a harmless night out but it wasn't to me and my family. I could write a lot more about the terrible element (yes, drunken students) that the bar brought to an area where there were many families but I don't want to get my message deleted. The Pat was located downtown. It's not the same. And, with that bar gone, the neighbourhood has improved 300%.

[@CrosscutFilmsSask]

@@frederick2video Yikes. I'm really, really sorry that happened to you. I in no way meant to minimize your experience in the area with my comments. It was merely a reflection on my own experience as well as being a current resident of Sutherland

[@RedRidingBlue-c8i]

A lot of people go through Nutana because of the highschool and bridges, so I'm not surprised.

[@ann_banan13]

I lived in stoon for four years during college (second year was spent during covid so that really sucked and took away from the full college experience.) There are definitely MANY stories from ol' stabby stans!!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I've heard quite a few people mention that place! Cheers mate

[@Viktor-d1r]

I had to do a job in the Alphabets this last summer. Some sketchy guy without a shirt on came up to me and my coworker (we are both from Finland but he can’t understand English as well as I can) and yelled at us demanding his wallet (which he thought we had stolen) thankfully we had a huge concrete saw we were operating so he didn’t stick around too long😂

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - that area can be dodgy, although I've also stayed at Airbnbs around there and it wasn't bad. Every city has place that are more sketchy than others. Cheers

[@TheEstowrath]

Born and raised Saskatoon . Have lived in four provinces, all in bigger cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Ottawa . Don’t miss Saskatoon at all. Anyone from their will grasp at any reason to justify staying there. No work. No safety. Dirty city with crime rates getting worse every year. Best decision was leaving. Wish I left sooner

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - the city definitely has issues but I genuinely enjoy being there. Where are you living at now? All the best to you and your family in the new year!

[@meatballmarinara]

pretty accurate.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I thought it was a reasonable overview. Cheers

[@dennymcevoy]

Pretty accurate video in my opinion. Nice work.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I thought it was a reasonable overview. Cheers

[@Minious1020]

I use to live in Avenue M South. Ohhh boy yeah that area was sketchy. I remember as a kid when vehichles were parked outside playing obnoxious loud music at night

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, that area certainly has some issues! Cheers mate

[@CrosscutFilmsSask]

I sent this to a couple friends who also grew up here and we all thought the same thing: "SUTHERLAND???" I'm looking over my shoulder more walking down Broadway than I am Central Avenue. And you neglected to mention the Caswell/Mayfair area centered around 33rd St between Idylwyld and about Avenue F. Pretty sketchy after dark.

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate your feedback - I did have a bunch of people mention Sutherland, but they said it was mainly Central Ave and that the area had improved a lot. I haven't walked around that area much myself, mainly driven through along Central. And yeah 33rd street area can be sketchy too, I could have included that. Cheers

[@btreimans]

Sutherland is definitely sketchy now compared to how it was 20 years ago.

[@CrosscutFilmsSask]

@@btreimans Huh? I live in Sutherland. I grew up in College Park - it's no sketchier than it was 40 years ago.

[@kronosknight8156]

i live here in saskatoon . and i live pleasant hill area i have been here all my life and it can be bad here but you get that everywhere in a city .

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - fair point, there are some areas of the city that are generally regarded as being a bit more sketchy but every area of the city has crime of some sort. I've actually stayed at various Airbnbs in rough areas of Riversdale and I had a great time. Cheers

[@kronosknight8156]

@@strangenorth great videos man .keep up the good work

[@RedRidingBlue-c8i]

22nd street used to be referred to as "The Strip" because that was where the highest density of prostitutes and johns used to be. The laws around prostitution have changed and so you no longer see it as much as you used to. I would say anywhere south of 22nd isn't safe, but the Riversdale area has been gentrified in the last 15 years and so the crime areas have shifted since I was a kid. Riversdale used to be referred to as a ghetto

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - yeah it seems like Riversdale has probably experienced the highest amount of change over the past 10-15 years eh? I really enjoy it overall, I've actually stayed at numerous Airbnbs in that area. It can be dodgy but I'm from Edmonton so that's nothing new to me. Cheers

[@carlb3715]

I lived a block from Stan's Place around 2010. It was quite uneventful in the 5 years I lived there. Parking got stupid during exhibition though. Nearly got car jacked in 2007 on 22nd Street in the alpha-ghetto once, though.

[@JamesRockford316]

I've lived in Saskatoon for 50 plus years, totally agree...

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I thought this was a reasonable overview but I was also keen on hearing from local residents. Cheers

[@reyzgebreyz2641]

how did you pass 50 yrs in a boring small town like saskatoon?

[@rr5493]

Hey Dude, I see you've made some videos about stuff/places in Saskatchewan recently. Have you been travelling around there?

[@strangenorth]

I visit Saskatchewan often, I was actually there 4 times last year and I have a couple trips planned this year. Cheers

[@zooeywon]

We just moved from sutherland to the most dangerous area you meantion lastly (riversdale)😂. I did hear locals' views about Southerland, but it might've improved a lot, i never saw any sketchy people loiter around as we just lived 1 block away from those bars. After moving to the colorful complex in riversdale, i try my best to get back before it's dark, especially i don't have a car now. You can see a lot people who are obviously drunk or stoned on the bus, It's really scary.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I haven't explored Sutherland area much myself but I had multiple people mention it when I was inquiring about sketchy areas in the city. And I love that colorful complex in Riversdale, it looks like a really solid place to live - I actually stayed at an Airbnb in that complex a few years ago and it was great. Cheers mate

[@trollingizlife2298]

Do Winnipeg next!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - that's a good idea for a future video, I plan on visiting Manitoba and doing a bunch of Winnipeg videos next year. Cheers!

[@DannyCoconut]

I like your Lego modular building collection in the back, I have 7 of them

[@strangenorth]

I'm a big Lego nerd, the modular line is awesome eh! The new Tudor Corner set looks great. Cheers

[@Needmclovin]

looked at two people once while waiting outside my temporary group home a few years back. Was minding my own business while waiting for an uber and one of them got confrontational, so I ran back inside to not get beat up. lived in this city for basically my entire life and have seen some stuff. Once found a tomahawk in an alleyway stuffed off to the side.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - Saskatoon definitely has some rough spots, much like my hometown of Edmonton! Cheers

[@PhibesUnique81]

" found a tomahawk in an alleyway" lmao

[@thebottles2667]

How many times did you use the term "sketchy" in this video?

[@laurakyplain2413]

How about Calgary, I would love to hear about it

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I plan on doing a similar video for Calgary in May/June, gonna be doing a bunch of video down there in the spring. Cheers mate

[@smashyracer4832]

3:32 That Mandarin Resteraunt is in my top 3 favorite places to eat in the city. I love the food there. 👌

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate the recommendation, that place actually looks pretty cool. Riversdale is probably my favorite neighborhood in the city overall, I've even stayed at multiple Airbnbs in that area and had a good time. Cheers

[@Canaman1a]

You mentioned Woodlawn, but not 33rd street around Idylwyld.

[@mrgalaxyman57]

it was much rougher in the 70s

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - which area of the city would you say was the most dangerous back then? Cheers

[@djhyperfresh76]

not me naming every location in each frame of this video by heart

[@chxrlottegem]

Pretty accurate

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I thought it was a decent overview. Cheers

[@coolthings3899]

Ahhh old stabs place haven’t been down there in a while.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - is it really that wild a spot? It actually looks kinda neat in a way, the way it's sitting under that overpass it almost look like seedy bar you might find in a city like LA. Cheers

[@randoozler]

I live in Saskatoon and have never had an issue with violence of any kind. If you smile more, people will smile back. Say Hi and they say Hi back. Of youre looking at people with a nasty demeanor, you'll get what you're sending out. Thats my 2 cents.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - and that's a fair point, although in my experience there are individuals who will victimize others regardless of whether or not they are met with positivity. But it's definitely true that attitude plays a big part in general. Cheers

[@flyguy5814]

I’m lived near Sutherland the last couple years, pretty chill imo, definitely just the bars and stuff that could be problematic, especially once you head east like into forest grove, literally all students and small families.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I've heard that it's mainly along central that can be sketchy at times and a bunch of people have said the area actually isn't too bad. Cheers mate

[@DannyCoconut]

Sketchy areas of Regina

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - that's a good idea, besides the north central area what other areas of Regina would you say are a bit sketchy? I've been in some areas in the east side that were a little dodgy at times. Cheers

[@billdang3953]

Look no further than North Central.

[@DannyCoconut]

@@strangenorth Regina is safer then if it only has 1 sketchy area

[@CHRISCRAZZ-t7w]

Even though I used to have this house in Nutana in Saskatoon , I would like to go winter camp in the bushes in the Broadway area. Sounds kind of crazy just with a sleeping bag outside, but I like winter camping and I met a lot of homeless people at that time a couple years ago. Most of them are pretty good people, but this is a fact if you leave a expensive tool out even in a church parking lot it’s probably gonna go missing or let’s say $100 💵

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - interesting you used to camp out like that, I've actually considered doing an overnight camp in Edmonton's river valley, seems like it could be fun to try out. In your experience what is the sketchiest area of the city? Cheers

[@rodneymckay6832]

Great and true information. I live in the west end on Davidson. It's not to bad. But it does have it's share of crime. But a lot of parks in my neighborhood and I know most of my neighbors. They are good people raising young families. Not a lot of turn over.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I thought it was a decent overview but I was keen on hearing from local residents. I've actually stayed in various Airbnbs in Riversdale and always had a good time. My hometown of Edmonton also has areas that can be sketchy but at the same time have many great features. Cheers

[@sasklion]

I live in Saskatoon and will avoid the alphabet avenues at all cost. As previously mentioned, the Exhibition area has a sketchy feel to it as well.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I've heard that too about Exhibition but I haven't explored that area much myself. Cheers

[@Hyberlol]

In my opinion Saskatoon in the summer is the most beautiful city in western Canada. People keep telling me its Vancouver but honestly I just dont see it. Its Stoon for me.😊

[@OS-yf3ko]

Ive lived in saskatoon most of my life. I agree with all of this but just like anywhere, dont go wandering around at night.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and that's a fair point, Saskatoon is a great city overall. Cheers

[@advilproductions6561]

Lived in stoon my whole life and this is 100% accurate except Sutherland. I ride the bus through Sutherland multiple times a week and never gotten the vibe of sketchiness

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - a bunch of people in the city mentioned that area but they said it had gotten better over time and most sketchy activity was around Central Ave. Others in the comments have said it wasn't bad. Cheers

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

I lived in Saskatoon for a few years... It definitely is sketchy in "alphabet city", other than that its not too bad... Although definitely the sketchiest city I've lived in(from Calgary)... I can't imagine what living in Regina would be like.... Confederation is not too bad... South of 22 is where it gets sketchy...

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - cheers!

[@jestami]

We call it alphabet soup. Generally the 22nd area.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - 22nd can definitely be wild, at the same time it's one of my favorite streets in the city and it has many quality places. Hardpressed, Park Cafe and Odd Couple to name a few! Cheers

[@themightyrisone9910]

ive been seein people call it alphabet city, was like, wtf...? pleasant hood and meadow ghetto represent

[@Dutchesplan]

Let’s see Calgary sketchy areas

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - that's a great idea and I plan on doing a similar video for Calgary later this year. Cheers

[@hannanah8036]

As someone who grew up in the alphabet soup. Yeah it's pretty bad, and some areas seem worse today than when I was younger. Idk if that's cuz I was a blind kid or not tho

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, sounds like you had a challenging time growing up! All the best

[@UrbanRVLife]

i have lived here all my life. In all the areas that you mentioned and while yes those are the most sketchy areas, i am of the opinion that all Saskatoon is ghetto. Even Rosewood where you have expensive houses. You can't escape the crazy here. Prince Albert and Regina are the same as well. All just dumps. Through the years i have seen how it has all changed. Saskatoon is not what it used to be. I worked in the Hospital at St. Pauls and Saskatoon City Hospital among other areas of this city. The areas that you won't see as much crime right now is just a matter of time. The riff raff is all over town. I lived on the east, west, north and the south sides of Saskatoon. If you are going to walk around this town, you best stay ready.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I love Saskatoon overall but it definitely has some issues (much like my hometown of Edmonton). Cheers

[@HolyElkGaming]

You can always put yourself in a bad situation. Stay safe out there!

[@strangenorth]

Fair point, a lot of it comes down to situational awareness and a modicum of street smarts. Cheers

[@claytonjanzen506]

8th street around the colonial is not a safe place most of the time. There are a huge amount of people living and moving around the back alleys off of broadway as well.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - yeah I few people have mentioned certain areas of 8th can be dodgy too. Cheers

[@LilSplashPad]

The sketchy areas meaning: high density of indigenous

[@geekatheart9500]

Back in 2010 gangs where putting baby strolls in the middle of the roads so people would stop an check the stroll. Then they would rob you an take your vehicle.

[@azkiya_0yt]

I'd also say Westview Heights, where I live because there's been quite a few robberies that I've heard of, since I live above a mini-mall by the school I go to..

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback, cheers!

[@ryancory5958]

can you do one for Prince Albert?

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - that could be an interesting video down the road. Actually I was in PA recently and I did a little video about it. The downtown area is definitely dodgy but I'm not as familiar with other areas of the city. Cheers

[@owencostello]

Hey man, love the videos but did you speed up your voice or am I going crazy? lol

[@strangenorth]

I didn't but a few people have commented that my narration is too fast - I edit out all the pauses and breathing and stuff like that because I'm trying to cut it down to the necessary stuff. I could probably slow down a bit though, I'm still relatively new to making videos and I appreciate feedback from people. Cheers!

[@AlexblB]

listen to this story, my best friend got his phone stolen and car keys stolen! thanks god he is still alive, they tried to poison him but he knew the poison from movies so he could avoid it and left the building to survive. He says it happened in Meadowgreen, 529 Ave X S. I will also appreciate people who can report the cops and sue them for not doing their job properly... even though he called the cops more than 4 times. They said all you can do is lock your door and just WISH that no one comes in! What a joke! The cops do not want to even protect people in this city because these cops probably have the same mentality, it's not surprising for people who know the city. What a dangerous country and province this is! Again I will appreciate people who can submit reports on the cops for not protecting people. The cops asked my friend to protect himself all alone against gang members, what a shame! someone should speak out loud. Sorry for the long comment but I am getting angry listening to my friend story right now. Thankfully he is alive now but others may suffer I know and I feel bad.

[@MarkMonolithOfficial]

Can you please create one of these for Regina?

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, yeah I plan on doing a similar video about Regina down the road. Cheers

[@MarkMonolithOfficial]

@@strangenorth Awesome! Thanks

[@JH-jm8ib]

You forgot the area of King George

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - I haven't heard too much about that area, cheers

[@Pocockable]

It may help to wear an Orange Shirt if you're walking through the west side of town. That's what I do.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, I haven't heard that one before! Cheers

[@JustysFrank]

Why?

[@lionness_simsima5941]

Hi there, great 😊 sharing

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, have a great day!

[@Aikynbreusov]

What is the ethnic makeup of the alphabet area????the westside... confederation area

[@tonymoretti2347]

Nothing goes down in Exhibition expect Stan Place its totally safe

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the info - a few people have said that area has gotten a lot better over time. Cheers mate

[@jsilbern8973]

Evergreen has been big for high end drug busts.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback - I didn't know that, but a similar thing in Edmonton happens where major drug busts actually happen in the relatively quiet suburbs. Cheers

[@jsilbern8973]

@strangenorth a friend of mine, actually used to live next door to the former police chief, and he learned from the chief that drug dealers like to use the suburb neighborhoods, usually on the outside of the city for their operations. Further away to avoid suspicion and closer exit to the highways

[@vando6679]

That's typical with alot of new suburbs though. Stone bridge was bad for the same thing not too long ago. It's like that for all cities.

[@dakkadakka9189]

​@jsilbern8973 serious ones make good neighbors though as it's in their best interest too keep neighbor nice clean and quite go quite a bit out of their way to keep cops from ever having a reason to go there until they get busted.

[@hockeyfan888akajoker]

I lived on ave p south my first nihht living there someone was stabbed across the street from me but overal as long aa you mins your own business n dont look for trouble youre usually fine there