SASKATOON — Combining her passion for photography and travel became Ashlyn George’s career path. She shares her adventures through stories and pictures to encourage her readers to be adventurous and have a feeling that they experience the world as if they were travelling with her.
George told SaskToday that it has always been her goal to highlight meaningful stories from her holidays and other trips, especially to promote what makes the city and Saskatchewan a special place to visit. From her work, her online influence grew naturally.
Her work to boost the province’s online presence earned her the Leadership Excellence Award representing Saskatoon, as she became one of three recipients of the 2025 Saskatchewan Recreation Awards, presented by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Dean Heuchart from Wynyard was named the 2025 Volunteer Champion. Non-profit organization Farm It Forward from Mossbank is the Community Award winner.
“It was a lovely surprise – I was quite emotional. I don’t do this work expecting recognition; I do it because I love the outdoors and the stories, people and places that make our province so unique. It was a great opportunity to reflect on how many people and organizations I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years,” she said.
SPRA said that George, Heuchart, and Farm It Forward represent those from urban and rural communities who share a common vision of improving the quality of life for others through work in parks and recreation.
George said the award also has a deeper meaning for her, as it reinforces her drive to continue advocating for people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, whether visiting sites in Saskatchewan or other attractions in the country or the world.
“Being recognized as a leader in this field encourages me to keep creating thoughtful, authentic content that helps people connect with our province, whether through recreation, culture, or getting outside to explore. The most significant selling point is our access to the outdoors. We have so much space, freedom and natural beauty, all right here,” said George, who makes content to show Saskatchewan has more to offer.
“The diversity of our seasons and landscapes — from boreal forest to prairie and grasslands — means there’s always somewhere new to explore. I also believe Saskatchewan is an active-travel province. You have to take the time and put in the effort to seek out experiences here. But if you do, you’ll be rewarded. There is so much to see and explore for those willing to step into it.”
She added that there are many ideas to help move and promote Saskatchewan and its recreation sector, including collaboration with various partners.
“I believe the most significant opportunity lies in collaboration: connecting community groups, tourism partners, and local storytellers to highlight experiences in a more unified and accessible way. There’s also so much value in promoting four-season recreation — particularly winter — in a way that feels achievable for everyone,” George said.
