Several theories exist on the origin of that name, including the shape of a bend in the river and repair work done on a Red River cart with a moose’s jawbone.  The most popular and believable theory notes the warm, prevailing winds that bless the city and concludes that Moose Jaw is derived from “moosegaw”, a Cree word meaning warm breezes. 

Moose Javians view their history with a mixture of pride, amusement and ambivalence. The Roaring Twenties brought a measure of notoriety to the city, with “celebrities” like Al Capone rumoured to have stayed in downtown hotels.  Getaway tunnels are said to exist beneath many of the downtown buildings.  The Tunnels of Little Chicago tour shows you how the network of underground passages was used to smuggle liquor during the prohibition era.  While the tunnels are generally associated with those heady days, they were actually built decades earlier and were used by Chinese railroad workers avoiding the “head tax” of the time. 

With Canada’s Air Force 15 Wing stationed south of Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw is the busiest airport in Canada in takeoffs and landings.  I5 Wing is the headquarters of the world renowned 431 Squadron Snowbirds aerobatics team. 

Moose Jaw as a city has a number of “must see” attractions and is close to other interesting Saskatchewan “visitor sites”.  Within the city boundaries are the Western Development Museum which tells the story of the history of transportation in Saskatchewan, Crescent Park with the Moose Jaw Art Museum, the Tunnels of Little Chicago, the Murals of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw Exhibition Burrowing Owls Interpretive Centre.  Nearby, but a car ride away, are  the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Buffalo Pound Lake Park with the Nicolle Flats Interpretive Area and Marsh Boardwalk. 

The Wakamow Valley links six parks along the Moose Jaw River and features walking and cycling trails, boardwalks, picnic areas and playgrounds.  Wakamow means “a turn” in Cree and refers to a sharp bend in the river at Kingsway Park.   Other recreational and spa facilities include the Kinsmen Sportsplex, three 18- hole golf courses, the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and Resort Hotel and the Oasis Park waterslide. 

Moose Jaw has an impressive collection of heritage buildings in its downtown core and is working hard to restore and interpret them.  A number of historical walking tours are available.  Prominent artists have also painted historical murals on the sides of downtown buildings – 26 in total – covering such topics as homesteading, the coming of the railroad and an old-fashioned baseball game. 

When you arrive in Moose Jaw by car you can stop by the information centre on the Trans-Canada Highway north of the city.  While at the information centre you can pose next to one of the city’s most visible landmarks, the giant “Mac the Moose” statue.

As part of the reunion materials you will be receiving a package of detailed information about what you can see and do in Moose Jaw.  You can also click on the Saskatchewan emblem to get more travel information on the Province.  Our reunion schedule – for those who are interested - will include the opportunity to “workout” in Wakamow Valley and to enjoy morning and afternoon tours of Moose Jaw attractions.  Moose Jaw in addition to its attractions and recreational facilities has a variety of good restaurants and interesting shops.  Are you getting the feeling that three days may not be enough?  Plan now, book early and we’ll see you in July.