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The Prairie Lily will set sail under new ownership this season in Saskatoon.
Since 2012, the 120-passenger riverboat has offered sightseeing and dining cruises on the South Saskatchewan River, along with themed events. After the original owners decided to cease operations last summer – following a difficult season which saw the boat prevented from leaving the dock due to high sandbars and low water levels – the business is now under the ownership of Stephanie Simonot, a long-time resident of the city who plans to run the riverboat’s operations along with her family.
Read more:
- Docked Prairie Lily bids melancholy farewell to Saskatoon
- Prairie Lily riverboat to cease operation in 2025, looking for new owners
- More water from Gardiner Dam still won’t keep Prairie Lily afloat
“We are incredibly honoured to take the helm of such a well-loved Saskatoon experience,” Simonot said in a statement.
“The Prairie Lily has been part of this community for years and, as a local family, we are committed to preserving what people love while creating new moments for families, friends, and visitors.”
The Prairie Lily was built in 1989 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, for navigating shallow channels like the South Saskatchewan.
In 2012, the ship was purchased by Prairie River Cruises when Mike and Joan Steckhan partnered with Mike and Valerie Kingsmill to begin operating the riverboat.
“It has been a privilege to build this business and share it with the Saskatoon community,” Joan said in a statement.
“After 14 years, we are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received and couldn’t be more pleased to pass it on to Stephanie and her family, who share the same passion for hospitality and community connection.”
While the previous season was a challenging one for the Prairie Lily, conditions on the river are expected to improve this season, the business noted in a statement.
Terri Nielsen, a representative for Discover Saskatoon, said the riverboat is an “iconic” experience that brings in a lot of business.
“It’s how many visitors, and even longtime residents, see our city from a completely new perspective,” Nielsen said in a statement.
“Seeing it continue under local ownership is important for both our city and visitor economy. It ensures this iconic experience remains part of how people connect with Saskatoon, celebrating milestones, sharing time together, and experiencing the river in a way that’s truly unique to our city.”
