The Saskatchewander has opened the field for fun and adventure all across this wonderful province of hidden gems, we call home. Felipe Gomez has taken the challenge and responsibility of this position with infectious vitality and wanderlust.
“I really try to embrace what is happening in the moment. There is a couple of memorable places like visiting a cultural camp in the Loam Lake area. Right now, I'm here driving the ice roads. All really different experiences, all of them memorable,” said Felipe Gomez, the current Saskatchewanderer.
Felipe came to Canada about 12 years ago from Chile. He settled in Saskatoon making it home from where he bases all of his adventures. He is passionate about filmmaking, music, jiu jitsu and outdoor adventures including ice cycling. “This was a perfect fit for me because I had been exploring the world on a bicycle for years, cycling all over, including Russia in the winter and Canada in the winter. It is that endless curiosity to see what kind of skills I do have.”
His best friend, an Irish Setter named Fozzy, has accompanied him on many adventures over the last seven months. Fozzy has ridden in a float plane, on boats, sleds and taken many car rides.
But as all good things must come to an end, Felipe’s year is almost complete. So, applications are now being accepted to find the next great adventurer who will showcase the beauty of the province as the Saskatchewanderer.
Now in its 12th year, the Saskatchewanderer program is undergoing changes, with the role becoming a full-time, permanent position starting in April. The program is a partnership between Tourism Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.
Previously, the position was a 12-month term contract. Felipe Gomez wraps up his term on March 31.
"An imaginative, talented and proud ambassador for our province, Felipe Gomez elevated Saskatchewan's profile as a destination where warm hospitality and inviting communities shape meaningful travel experiences," Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said. "The Saskatchewanderer program has evolved over the years and grown its fan base to more than 137,000 followers. The change to this role will allow for continuity of content development and storytelling and create efficiencies in promoting tourism entrepreneurs and small businesses in Saskatchewan."
"Felipe Gomez has been such a great addition to the program," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "Through his experience as a musician, educator, adventurer and content creator, he brought a unique perspective to the role. Felipe is a great storyteller sharing a spotlight on our beautiful provincial parks as well as sport, culture, heritage and recreation in Saskatchewan. I look forward to seeing how the next Saskatchewanderer will continue to tell this story."
"This is one of the best jobs I have ever had and it's my turn to "pass the hat" to the next Saskatchewanderer," Felipe said. "If you love adventure, meeting people, trying delicious food and most importantly sharing all your discoveries with thousands of followers, this is the job for you!"
The program change allows for high-quality Saskatchewanderer content to be produced year-round uninterrupted by annual on-boarding. It also allows the candidate to develop as a spokesperson for promoting the province's tourism experiences, events, sport and cultural offerings.
Applications for the new full-time, permanent Saskatchewanderer position will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 9, 2022.
Apply online at https://business.tourismsaskatchewan.com/en/careers.
To learn more about the Saskatchewanderer program, visit saskatchewanderer.ca or follow on Facebook (facebook.com/skwanderer), Twitter (@skwanderer), Instagram (@saskatchewanderer), and YouTube (youtube.com/user/skwandererofficial).
