1st Avenue, Saskatoon

1st Avenue in Saskatoon-especially the stretch known as 1st Avenue South-is a key artery cutting through the city’s downtown, humming with commercial energy and retail flair. It’s home to a dense concentration of businesses ranging from major fashion retailers and restaurants to local boutiques and service providers. At the heart of it all is the iconic Midtown Plaza, a central landmark in Saskatoon’s retail landscape.

Midtown Plaza, located at 201 1st Avenue South, anchors the district. Built in 1970 on the former site of the Canadian National Railway station, Midtown originally featured around 51 stores, including Simpsons-Sears, Eaton’s, and a Dominion grocery store. Today, the mall has grown into Saskatchewan’s leading fashion destination, boasting over 130 shops such as Sephora, Michael Kors, Aritzia, Lush, Victoria’s Secret, MAC Cosmetics, and Pandora. Midtown Common, the food court, spans two levels and brings global flavors to downtown diners. The complex also includes the Midtown Tower, an 11-floor office space that once hosted the CBC’s CBKST studios.

While most action pulses along 1st Avenue South, 1st Avenue North is no less important. It hosts notable landmarks like the Tees and Persse Building, a historic structure that adds architectural character and a sense of legacy to the downtown scene.

Beyond the big-name brands, 1st Avenue supports a range of niche shops featuring artisan clothing, consignment goods, specialty cheeses, stained glass, pottery, and eco-conscious products. It’s a dynamic blend of Saskatoon’s retail heritage and evolving trends-making 1st Avenue not just a street, but a living part of the city’s identity.