Moose Jaw has cold, dry winters and warm, wetter summers. The coldest months are November to March, where the city sees an average covering of around 8 inches of snow. Things start to warm up a little in April, but the more reliably higher temperatures only last for the short three-month summer between June and August. Summer also brings rain, with June being the wettest month in the city. If it's good weather you're looking for, then August brings the best combination of warmer temperatures and decreasing chances of rainfall.
This lack of reliable hot, bright days means that sunbathing is rarely on the cards in Moose Jaw. However, it also means the city is prepared to entertain and amuse visitors whatever the weather, so you can get the full experience and have a great trip any time of year. Lack of an obvious summer season also prevents the resulting hotel price hikes, so you can get a great deal on your room whenever you visit.
The Best Western Plus Moose Jaw offers up to 15 percent off for AAA members. This modern, spacious hotel offers all the usual amenities, including both wired and wireless internet and a complimentary breakfast. Located right on the Trans-Canada Highway, this hotel is a convenient stop-off, and it comes with the added bonus of an indoor pool and Jacuzzi tubs.
For a group booking, try the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel and save up to 20 percent. The hotel has all the expected amenities, as well as a fitness suite. Designed for longer stays, there are great kitchen facilities in every room and laundry services on-site. The rates here are reasonable for any trip, particularly with the group discount, but you can save even more the longer you decide to stay.
If you're looking for something more than the basics, but you don't want to break the bank, then the Ramada Moose Jaw is a great option. Located just off the main highway, with plenty of free parking, it is easily accessible but still close to the main attractions. All rooms at the hotel have a microwave, a mini-refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen television complete with complimentary cable and movies.
Breakfast is included, and there's a spa tub, a sauna, and a gym. The quality rooms and facilities, along with the contemporary, stylish decor, make the reasonable rates at the Ramada seem like a bargain.
You can't take a trip to Moose Jaw without visiting the mysterious network of underground tunnels. Originally built in 1908, the tunnels were an attempt to create a power network for the city that ran on steam. The plan was quickly abandoned, but the tunnels weren't empty for long.
In the mid- to late 19th century, around 15,000 laborers were brought from China to Canada to help build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Once it was completed, the country didn't want the immigrants anymore, so a law was passed to make all Chinese immigrants in Canada pay a tax. Many couldn't afford this, and those close enough to Moose Jaw moved their lives and even their businesses into the abandoned tunnels to hide.
In the 1920s, Prohibition laws were brought into force in both Canada and the United States. Moose Jaw's position on the Canadian Pacific Railway made it a direct link to the U.S., and its remote location made it ideal for hiding from U.S. police. The tunnels under the city became a bootlegging hot spot and a renowned gangster hideout, with some reports that Al Capone himself was a regular visitor.
The tunnels are now open to the public year-round, and they are Moose Jaw's most popular tourist attraction. There are two guided theatrical tours to choose from to learn about the tunnel's past. "Passage to Fortune" tells the story of the Chinese immigrants living and hiding in the tunnels, and "The Chicago Connection" lets you experience the life of a gangster bootlegger.
Moose Jaw is a beautiful city, steeped in fascinating history and full of entertainment and experiences. There is plenty to explore, both in the city itself and in the surrounding area. Wherever you decide to stay, and whether you're on a budget or splashing out on a treat, you can't help but enjoy this friendly, welcoming city.
Below are reviews of the city of Moose Jaw, SK from an actual visitor's perspective.
It was a quaint downtown that we enjoyed walking around.
So many shops for all tastes and ages.
The people of Moose Jaw are so nice and friendly. Shopping was good and food was great!
We saw the tunnels and Al Capone! Very well done; we had heard about it for many years and it far exceeded our expections!
Tunnels were awesome! Crescent Park was great!
Good atmosphere, great people! Jame's Chinese restaurant was a fun expeierince with tons of great food and wonderful service.
Casino
We so appreciated the “old soul” feel of the city - lots of places to eat and have coffee and pubs for evening! Tunnels were great entertainment! We felt safe as well!
Enjoyed the spa!
Visited small shops and took in a show at Mae Wilson.
Near great restaurants, the tunnels and shopping, and the museum.
The new tunnel at Tunnels of Moose Jaw was terrific. Rosie's and Bobbie's restaurants were fabulous.
I thought Moose Jaw was a beautiful city!
Shopping and restaurants are excellent!
Peaceful and friendly environment.
Moose Jaw is a favorite stopover. Have visited several times. Lots of history here and interesting attractions. Good shopping and restaurants. Beautiful park downtown. Nice people everywhere.
The Al Capone tunnel experience was truly entertaining!
I came to see the Tunnels of Moose Jaw.
I came to Moose Jaw to see the tunnels. I found the city was well lad out and you were able to get around the city very well. The dog park was top shelf.
Moose Jaw is a very nice place to visit!
Moose Jaw is a very nice place to visit!
Great restaurants and shopping and of course, the moose!
Tourist attractions and shopping.
We went for lunch at Rosies on the River...excellent food as well as the Yvette Moore Art Gallery, another must stop for Lunch!
Very nice park just opposite the hotel.
Tunnels were awesome and had a great time.