People around the world will be able to hike Saskatoon's Meewasin Trail without ever leaving their chairs when Google uploads a pedestrian's view of the city.

Last spring, Tourism Saskatoon accepted an offer from the web giant to take part in its Trek project, which is creating 3D views of places that can't be photographed from a vehicle.

In Saskatoon, locations will include the Meewasin Trail, the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, and even a kayaker's view from the river.

Tourism teaser

Tourism Saskatoon media specialist Chad Reynolds believes it will bring more people to the city.

"You ask any visitor who has come here, after they see the city, it grows a little fond place in their hearts, so if we can get the city in front of more people that's a good thing," he said.

Tourism Saskatoon's Chad Reynolds discusses the Google Trek device 0:36

Reynolds is one of three Tourism Saskatoon workers who have undergone training to use the Google gadget, which takes photographs every two to three seconds to create a 3D picture.

Snapping Saskatoon

Saskatchewan travel blogger, the Saskatchewanderer, will also spend some time snapping local attractions with the device, which straps on like a backpack.

Reynolds said the battery lasted for about five hours before it had to be recharged, so he expected each walk to last about that long.

Chad Reynolds tries out the Google Trek gadget in downtown Saskatoon on Tuesday. (Alicia Bridges/CBC)

With only about two weeks to capture the city on foot before the device has to be returned, Reynolds and the other trekkers have a lot of walking to do.

He welcomed greetings from Saskatoon residents but asked the public to give the trekkers their space.

On a mission

"If you run into me or one of the other staff members while we're wearing the Google Trekker it's great to give a wave and a smile and say 'hey' but try not to slow us down too much because we're on a mission to collect data and show off the city," said Reynolds.

It is expected to be at least six months before the trek is online.