Saskatoon is located on the banks of the scenic South Saskatchewan River in the heart of the Canadian prairies. The city experiences four distinct seasons with mean temperatures ranging from highs of 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) in July to lows of -23 degrees Celsius (-9 Fahrenheit) in January. Settlers began to arrive in the area on which the city now stands in the summer of 1883 and the town charter was obtained in 1903. With a metro population of 235,000 Saskatoon is the largest city in the province of Saskatchewan, and its commercial center. The buoyant state of the new and resale housing markets and steady population growth provide witness to the desirability of life in Saskatoon, a city renowned for its festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events, and well regarded for its safety, affordability, and hospitality. Saskatoon, the commercial centre of Saskatchewan, is known as the "Hub City" of the prairies. From its central location, the Saskatoon Region has excellent highway, air, and rail transportation links throughout North America. With a metropolitan population of approximately 235,000, Saskatoon is the largest urban centre in Saskatchewan and nearby U.S. states. Saskatoon and the Province of Saskatchewan feature Central Standard Time year round, ensuring excellent and efficient access to the widest range of other North American time zones during normal working hours. Saskatoon lies at the junction of two of Canada's major highway systems: the Trans-Canada 16 from Winnipeg to Edmonton and west; and Saskatchewan 11, a four-lane highway with a direct connection to the Trans-Canada 1 at Regina. Both of these systems join effectively to the US Interstate system, through border crossings at Pembina, North Dakota to the Easter US along via Interstate 29, and through Sweetgrass, Montana to the Southern and Western US states via Interstate 15. Saskatchewan highways are almost never impassable during the winter months. The Saskatoon International Airport is a hub for regular air service to all major centres in Canada and the world to ensure regular and efficient contact with markets and suppliers. Daily direct flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, and Minneapolis are provided by three major airlines - Air Canada, WestJet, and Northwest Airlines. Saskatoon is a regional distribution centre for Purolator courier which operates a 60,000 square foot warehouse and distribution facility at the Saskatoon airport, to provide timely and cost effective air freight to centres across North America and around the world. Saskatoon is a magical city with a rare combination of big city amenities and small town spirit. Saskatoon’s unique character can be attributed to its rich history, dynamic culture, and exceptional beauty. This vibrant city boasts numerous art galleries, professional theatre companies, an excellent symphony, and many smaller bands and choirs. Visitors and residents can spend hours visiting the city’s numerous museums and heritage sites, golf courses and recreational facilities, or the Meewasin Valley riverbank trail and numerous parks which highlight the city’s natural beauty. Saskatoon's beautiful parkland is managed and maintained by the City of Saskatoon and the Meewasin Valley Authority which maintains miles of paved trails along the scenic South Saskatchewan River as well as the Beaver Creek and Cranberry Flats Conservation Areas, and the Poplar Bluffs Canoe Launch. Golfers will find ample opportunity to exercise their passion on one of the city's seven public golf courses; and for those looking for other activities the city operates one indoor and four outdoor swimming pools, three civic centres, an indoor soccer centre, and the Saskatoon Field House, as well as the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.