If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Spotify lately, chances are Chappell Roan’s hit song The Subway has already wriggled its way into your head. It’s the anthem of heartbreak, resilience, and… wait for it… moving to Saskatchewan.
Yes, you read that right. One lyric has sparked an actual tourism boom. Searches for prairie escapes are surging, U.S. fans are frantically Googling “where even is Saskatchewan?”, and suddenly Canada’s wide-open skies are the hottest destination on the map. Talk about a pop-culture glow-up.
What’s the buzz about?
In The Subway, Roan sings about fleeing heartbreak and starting over in Saskatchewan—a metaphor for escape, healing, and fresh beginnings. But instead of just staying a lyric, the line has turned into a literal travel trend.
According to Business Insider, Tourism Saskatchewan has seen a massive jump in interest—over 50,000 new interactions online in just weeks. Social media mentions are skyrocketing, and fans are suddenly eyeing prairie road trips instead of Paris getaways.
We love a main-character moment, and right now Saskatchewan is living hers.
Why is Saskatchewan trending?
Heartbreak tourism is becoming increasingly popular.
Think about it: you’re healing, you’re tired of the noise, and you just want wide-open spaces where the sky goes on forever. Saskatchewan delivers that and more. It’s basically emotional therapy wrapped in a road trip playlist.
- Wide-open prairies = freedom from emotional clutter.
- Epic sunsets = cinematic healing vibes.
- Quiet small towns = the ultimate digital detox.
Suddenly, running away to Saskatchewan feels less like a lyric and more like the best self-care trend we didn’t know we needed.
What to do when you get there
Alright, so you’ve packed your bags, queued up Roan’s playlist, and booked that trip. Now what?
Here’s your “Subway-to-Prairie” starter pack:
Stargazing for the soul
Saskatchewan is one of the best places on Earth for astrotourism. The skies are ridiculously clear, which means you’ll actually see the Milky Way (not just the latte).
Prairie trails = moving therapy
Hit the grasslands for endless hikes. Each step feels like leaving the past behind.
Prairie food = comfort deluxe
Local pies, farm-to-table dinners, and the kind of hearty food that hugs you back. Pair with a craft cider and you’re golden.
Small-town charm
Wander through murals, farmers’ markets, and tiny shops where everyone says hi. Healing feels better with a little prairie kindness.
Best times to visit
Timing is everything (just ask anyone who’s played The Subway on repeat after a breakup).
- Summer (June–August): Long golden days, festival season, endless skies.
- Autumn (September–October): Harvest colours, sweater weather, cosy vibes.
- Winter (December–February): Snowy wonderland, less heartbreak, more hot cocoa.
Pro tip: plan around a meteor shower for extra main-character energy.
More than a heartbreak cure
Sure, the trend started with heartbreak. But Saskatchewan isn’t just about healing—it’s about thriving.
Locals are embracing the spotlight, with themed road trip ideas, playlists, and even heartbreak-healing travel itineraries. Tourism boards are getting creative, blending Chappell Roan’s lyrics with “come find yourself in the prairies” campaigns.
And honestly? We’re here for it.
The bigger picture
This isn’t the first time pop culture has changed travel trends. Game of Thrones turned Dubrovnik into a bucket-list city. Emily in Paris sent fans running to every bakery in Montmartre. And now? Chappell Roan is putting Saskatchewan—yes, prairie-loving Saskatchewan—on the global stage.
Domestic travel in Canada is also seeing a rise, with many locals swapping Miami for Montreal or opting for road trips instead of flights abroad. (Reuters)
It’s a reminder that you don’t need to cross oceans to find beauty—you might just need to cross provinces.
Travel playlist
No prairie trip is complete without the right soundtrack. Here’s your starter pack:
- “The Subway” – Chappell Roan (obviously).
- “Wide Open Spaces” – The Chicks.
- “Runaway” – Aurora.
- “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine.
- “New Rules” – Dua Lipa (because sometimes you need reminders).
Blast it in the car, windows down, prairie wind in your hair. Healing unlocked.
Final stop
Chappell Roan might not have known it, but when she dropped The Subway, she also dropped Saskatchewan onto the global stage. From stargazing skies to prairie trails, the province has become the ultimate backdrop for heartbreak healing—and just plain adventure.
So the next time you’re scrolling through trip inspo, don’t just think Paris or New York. Think prairie skies, cosmic nights, and a little lyric that turned into a life plan.
Because sometimes the best glow-up is just a train ride—and a province—away.
