Saskatoon's Iconic Prairie Lilly Riverboat Embarks on New Chapter with Fresh Leadership
The beloved Prairie Lilly riverboat, a staple of Saskatoon's South Saskatchewan River, will navigate the waters under new ownership for the 2026 season. Stephanie Simonot has acquired the vessel from its original operators, Mike and Joan Steckhan, who established the riverboat in 2012 and have been at its helm ever since.
Transition of Ownership and Continued Collaboration
Simonot finalized the purchase agreement on March 16, marking a significant shift for the iconic riverboat. "It's a unique and iconic experience and I just feel it's something that we don't want to see go away," Simonot emphasized in a recent interview, highlighting her commitment to preserving this cherished local attraction.
Despite the ownership change, the Steckhans will remain actively involved throughout the 2026 season, providing their expertise and support. "Mike and I aren't going anywhere, other than to my garden. We're around to be supportive," Joan Steckhan assured, noting their ongoing role in operations.
Overcoming Past Challenges and Looking Ahead
The Prairie Lilly faced operational hurdles in recent years, including a complete shutdown last summer when it never left the dock. In its final season under the Steckhans, low water levels created sandbars that made navigation impossible.
However, optimism prevails for the upcoming season. Steckhan pointed to substantial snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, which is expected to improve water levels. Additionally, the provincial Water Security Agency (WSA) has committed to clearing some sandbars from the river, facilitating safer passage.
Regulatory Requirements and Operational Expertise
Operating a passenger vessel like the Prairie Lilly involves navigating complex Transport Canada regulations. "A lot of the learning curve is about the regulations, about how the ship is run, what is done to make sure that it's safe, the equipment you have to carry on board," Steckhan explained.
She detailed that specific certification tickets are mandatory, and operators must demonstrate their capability to Transport Canada, a process that can take up to six months for some certifications. "(It's) the Transport Canada piece that makes this very unique," Steckhan noted, underscoring the specialized knowledge required.
Community and Economic Impact
The riverboat's continuation under local ownership has been warmly received by the community. Terri Nielsen, vice president of destination management for Discover Saskatoon, expressed enthusiasm in a media release, stating that keeping the boat afloat "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."
Simonot, who brings a business background to the venture, will be supported by her family in running the operations. The Prairie Lilly is scheduled to open for the season in May, promising renewed river excursions for residents and visitors alike.
As the Prairie Lilly transitions to this new era, the collaboration between Simonot and the Steckhans symbolizes a seamless blend of fresh energy and seasoned experience, ensuring that Saskatoon's iconic riverboat continues to create memorable journeys on the South Saskatchewan River.
