Regina

With sudden temperature changes between warm and cold, Regina's daily forecast often feels as unpredictable as its quickly changing seasons. Summers here range from 15 C to more than 30 C, while winters tend to be cold. Fall and spring vary greatly depending on the year, but regardless of temperature, Saskatchewan remains the sunniest province in Canada!

Regina’s eventful history is illustrated by the city’s remarkably diverse architectural heritage. From the skyscrapers of downtown to stately cathedrals, quaint homes, and elegant administrative buildings, the city is a blend of architectural styles. With a cultural scene that is just as diverse, Regina invites you to experience the past and present of life on the prairies.

Downtown
Downtown Regina is the historic core of the city, and where modern-day Regina first took shape. Gleaming skyscrapers like the Mosaic Potash Tower and the McCallum Hill Towers stand alongside some of the city’s most distinguished heritage structures. At the heart of downtown lies the beautiful Victoria Park, City Square Plaza, and the F.W. Hill Mall. Together known as City Square, this historic core of downtown is one of the city’s premier outdoor event venues, featuring annual events like the Regina Jazz and Folk Festivals. F.W. Hill Mall is downtown’s pedestrian mall, hemmed on both sides by revered historic buildings that house restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, alongside public art by the likes of Joe Fafard and Leo Mol. Enjoy live music and tapas at the Capitol Jazz Club, or relish organic coffee at the Green Spot Cafe before treating yourself to a shopping spree at local boutiques like Uforia Muse. Then, round off your evening with a live performance at the fabulous Globe Theatre. Nearby, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings. Built in 1895, this house of worship still retains much of its original character. Boutiques, restaurants, entertainment venues, historic attractions, and art galleries - you will find it all and more right here in downtown Regina.

The Crescents
This charming residential neighborhood a lovely example of the ambitious plan laid out for the city by the distinguished town planner and landscape architect, Thomas Mawson. Although his plans were not implemented throughout Regina, The Crescents illustrates what the city may have looked like had Mawson’s vision been brought to fruition. The neighborhood derives its name from its three semi-circle streets, Connaught, Angus, and Leopold, each sheltered by rows of elms creating a tranquil, urban oasis just beyond Regina’s bustling downtown. The neighborhood is noted for the beautifully preserved Queen Anne and Tudor style houses that line its streets, attracting those who appreciate historic architecture. Self-guided tours of the neighborhood are available for download from the city’s tourism website.

Cathedral Village
This vibrant neighborhood is historically one of the city’s oldest and most affluent. The Holy Rosary Cathedral, built in 1913, is the neighborhood’s namesake; a historic gem that continues to watch over the community even today. Today, Cathedral Village is home to a diverse community that lends the neighborhood a unique character that is all its own. 13th Street forms the core of the neighborhood’s vibrant cultural offer, lined on both sides by historic homes that have been transformed into boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Here, locally-owned, independent and one-of-a-kind businesses vie for your attention. Traditions Handcraft Gallery is a great place to shop for original artwork created by local artists, while Dessart Sweets is the place to shop for vintage candy. Vivid murals and fun-filled community events like the annual Cathedral Village Arts Festival add color to this lovingly preserved historic neighborhood.

Warehouse District
As its name suggests, the Warehouse District was once a hub of trade and commerce; a wholesale district that dealt in the supply of dry goods and farm implements. The district came into being when the Canadian Pacific Railroad established a railway depot at Regina in 1883. Today, the district is almost entirely made up of historic, Chicago-style warehouses, built in the 1900s, that have been restored and repurposed as residential apartments, office space, and entertainment venues. Trendy boutiques, charming cafes and upscale restaurants share space with a varied nightlife scene at local favorites like Gabbo’s Nightclub, the Bushwakker Brewpub, and Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Bar along Dewdney Avenue. The Warehouse district has also come to be a thriving shopping district, populated by independent stores and boutiques offering everything from the latest fashions to antiques.

Lakeview Area
The Lakeview Area is a historic residential neighborhood that reflects the city’s eventful past through a varied architectural landscape. The varied styles represented by the neighborhood’s architectural makeup illustrate a history marked by alternating periods of prosperity and decline. The Saskatchewan Legislative Buildings are the most well-known of the neighborhood’s historic attractions, followed by the Provincial War Memorials. However, a stroll along the streets of the Lakeview Area will reveal beautiful historic homes varying in size, style, and structure.

Entertainment in Regina comes in a myriad of colors, with something to suit every taste. Shop, party, play and explore the city’s cultural realm at a variety of entertainment venues.

Museums and Galleries
Regina boasts a varied cultural landscape that showcases the city’s past and present. While museums like the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the RCMP Heritage Centre showcase historic artifacts from the region’s past, art galleries like Assiniboia and the Dunlop Art Gallery explore regional artwork through the ages. The Art Gallery of Regina, in comparison, explores the work of contemporary regional artists, while the Mackenzie Art Gallery illustrates the evolution of art. The Civic Museum of Regina offers a varied mix of exhibits that range from historic artifacts to artwork that pays homage to the region’s rich heritage.

Performing Arts
Regina is home to a thriving performing arts scene with everything from comedy, theater, and concerts, to ballet, and opera to look forward to. Downtown is home to the Globe Theatre, Regina’s premier venue for live theatrical performances, while the Conexus Arts Centre at Lake Wascana offers a more diverse program featuring classical music, theater, musicals and contemporary concerts. Conexus is also the home of the Regina Symphony Orchestra. The Regina Performing Arts Centre is another of the city’s top performance venues and showcases a varied program of events.

For live music, head to local eateries like the Artful Dodger, The Capitol, Eldorado Country Rock Bar, and the Show Lounge at Casino Regina.

Shopping
You’ll find ample opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved retail therapy in Regina. Historic neighborhoods like Downtown, the Warehouse District, and Cathedral Village are speckled with a delightful mix of locally-owned independent boutiques that offer everything from antique and vintage wares to fine jewelry, handcrafted gifts, and trendy attires for every occasion. The Grasslands boasts a mix of national retailers and independent boutiques, while shopping centers like Cornwall Centre and Northgate Mall are a paradise for the brand-conscious shopper. For fresh produce, ethnic foods, fragrant flowers and artisanal crafts, Regina’s Farmers’ Market is the place to be.

Casino
Housed within the historic Union Station, Regina Casino offers slot machines and table games, alongside live entertainment at the Show Lounge and varied dining options. Take lady luck by the arm and head to the Casino for a night of Vegas-style fun.

Sports
Home of the Regina Pats, Brandt Center hosts the hockey team’s home games, as well as figure skating, curling championships, and a host of other events. Mosaic Stadium is another of the city’s most popular sports venues and the home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Despite the team’s mostly lackluster record, the Riders boast an avid fan following that transforms the city into a sea of green (the team color) on game days. Head to the practice field at the Mosaic Stadium two hours before kick-off for a tailgate party like no other. Besides these, you’ll find athletic fields and baseball diamonds at several of the city’s parks, including Rambler Park and the Lakeridge Sports Park. Golf enthusiasts are sure to enjoy a round at the Royal Regina Golf Club, while those who enjoy time on the ice should check out Jack Staples Ice Arena, Al Ritchie Arena, and the Caledonian Curling Club.

Nightlife
From seasonal brews at Bushwakker Brewing to live music at Eldorado, Regina boasts a varied nightlife scene centered around the Warehouse District’s stretch of Dewdney Avenue. Dance the night away at Gabbo’s nightclub, or enjoy a laid-back evening at the Rebellion brewpub. Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Bar is another popular choice for a night on the town at the Warehouse District.

Regina’s culinary scene is a reflection of an ever-evolving city that celebrates diversity. From Canadian comfort food and contemporary fare to international cuisines, organic coffee and local brews, Regina’s culinary map has something for everyone.

Downtown
Downtown Regina presents a culinary offer that is deliciously diverse. Savor classic North American comfort food with a contemporary twist, alongside craft cocktails at Flip Eatery & Drink. Nearby, Caraway Grill serves up authentic Indian cuisine in a casual bistro setting, while Siam promises a true taste of Thailand. If you enjoy beer, a stop by Beer Bros at the F.W. Hill Mall is a must. This gastropub offers over 100 beers from across the globe, complemented by a variety of sweet and savory dishes. The Italian Star Deli is a delightful cross between a grocery store and deli, serving scrumptious panini sandwiches piled high with deli meats and fresh Italian ingredients. From cafes and Irish pubs to pizza and fine dining, downtown is an eclectic melange of dining experiences.

Cathedral Village
Much like the neighborhood itself, the restaurants and bars of the Cathedral Village boast an individual style and flair that lend them a unique character that you won’t find anywhere else. Most of these are locally-owned and housed within lovingly restored historic homes. 13th Avenue forms the core of the vibrant Cathedral Village and it is here that you will find the neighborhood’s most beloved eateries. A visit to the 13th Avenue Coffee House is a must if you’re in the neighborhood. The cafe is housed inside a historic house and offers espresso made from locally roasted beans alongside a host of healthy, vegetarian meals prepared using only the freshest ingredients. If you sport a sweet tooth, stop by Dessart Sweets for ice cream and vintage candy, or savor fusion cuisine at the Orange Izakaya.

Warehouse District
The historic Warehouse district is home to a sumptuous range of culinary delights. Here, casual eateries and fast food chains thrive alongside more upscale and trendy options. Savor Pan-Asian cuisine at Nhu Y Tea Tree and the China Doll, or tuck into a traditional Pakistani meal at Tandoori Kabab. Nearby, the Keg Steakhouse is a fine place to spend quality time with family and friends over succulent steak dinners in a more refined setting. Bushwakker Brewing is the crowning glory of the neighborhood’s burgeoning culinary scene, with a selection of 20 seasonal beers and contemporary comfort food to soothe your cravings. Warm wood tones and local art complete the offer of this modern-day brewpub; the perfect complement to the Warehouse District’s historic locale.

Wascana Centre and Transitional
If you find yourself craving a wholesome meal after a day at Wascana Centre, you’ll find plenty to tickle your fancy by the lake and just off College Avenue in the Transitional District. Savor scrumptious American fare as you take in the spellbinding view of Lake Wascana from the patio at Willow, or enjoy a casual meal at the Saskatchewan Science Centre’s Skye Bistro. Just north of College Avenue, Tangerine and the Fireside Bistro serve up delicious eats in a casual setting, while La Bodega dishes Spanish paella and tapas.

The flat, featureless plains of Regina were frequented by the First Nations’ hunters long before settlers arrived in the 1880s. The hunters preyed on the buffalo that roamed the plains, leaving behind only piles of bones. In 1882, the first settlers arrived, and set up camp along Wascana Lake. This humble settlement of shacks and tents was called Pile of Bones. That same year, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, then known as the North West Mounted Police, moved their headquarters to Regina. Although the headquarters were later moved to Ottawa, the RCMP training academy is still located here. While passing through, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, renamed the town “Regina” in honor of her mother, Queen Victoria. “Regina” is the Latin word for “Queen”, which is why the city is sometimes referred to as the Queen City.

In 1883, Regina became the capital of the North West Territories and was officially given the designation of a town. Regina continued to grow over the next few years, its fertile lands attracting immigrants and investors.

In 1903, the town was officially made a city, and in 1906 it became the capital of the newly formed province of Saskatchewan. Over the next few years, the agricultural industry continued to grow. Thousands of trees were planted and ornate administrative buildings were constructed. In the midst of this period of prosperity, tragedy struck in 1912 when a tornado ripped through the city, leaving in its wake devastation and destruction that would take years to correct.

The 1920s saw the entry of Regina into the world of aviation with the foundation of the country’s first aerodrome and the construction of a massive General Motors assembly plant, as well as grand hotels and residential buildings. This period of boom was followed by decline in the 1930s, spurred by the Great Depression and drought. Those left jobless were employed by the government to drain and deepen Wascana Lake. A group of unemployed men from British Columbia, dissatisfied with the government’s efforts to alleviate their woes, began a journey to Ottawa called the Ottawa Trek. They made it as far as Regina where arrest warrants were issued for seven of these men. When the police attempted to arrest them at a peaceful rally, riots broke out, thus stopping the trek in its tracks. These riots went down in history as the Regina Riot.

The start of World War II in 1939 marks another important chapter in the history of Regina. The war led to the establishment of three air training schools, and the reopening of the General Motors assembly plant for the manufacture of war equipment. Following the war, the city once more entered a period of boom, and has continued to grow ever since. In the 1970s, the face of downtown was forever transformed by the construction of the city’s first high-rise buildings. Hotels, offices and shopping centers soon followed, and modern-day Regina began to take shape. Today, Regina is the second largest city in the province of Saskatchewan, and a thriving commercial and cultural hub.

Most of Regina’s major attractions are centered around Lake Wascana, at the Wascana Centre, making it easy to walk between attractions.

Wascana Centre
Centered around Wascana Lake, this sprawling urban park was designed by the famed architect Minoru Yamasaki. The sprawling green space ties together some of the city’s top attractions, including the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Provincial Legislative Building, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, the Conexus Art Centre, and Mackenzie Art Gallery. Hiking trails encircle Wascana Lake, traversing the length and breadth of the park, with scenic vistas to be had in every direction. In summer, the lake offers an opportunity to enjoy boating and other water activities, while winter transforms the reservoir into a natural ice skating rink. Keep an eye out for the London gas lamps that are scattered around Speaker’s Corner, and visit the birds that throng the Waterfowl Park. The Trafalgar Fountain is another popular attraction, as is the Weir across Wascana Creek that was used to create the reservoir, known today as Wascana Lake. The park is also home to the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan.

Royal Saskatchewan Museum
Established in 1906, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum was the first museum of the newly formed province of Saskatchewan. The museum’s collection was housed at a variety of locations until it finally moved into its current home at the Wascana Centre in 1955. Varied exhibits chronicle the natural history of the region, with room for traveling exhibitions, and a First Nations Gallery that illustrates the heritage and culture of the region’s native tribes. The T-Rex Discovery Center, with its fossils and dinosaur skeletons, is the museum’s most popular attraction, while Megamunch, the friendly, half-size T-Rex who greets visitors with a roar just outside the museum’s theater, has come to be a beloved mascot that delights both young and old. Just beyond the museum lie the sprawling parklands of Wascana Center and attractions like Speaker’s Corner and Lake Wascana itself. Head west and you’ll find yourself at The Crescents. Stroll through the streets and take in the characterful ambiance of this affluent neighborhood, or embark upon a self-guided tour of the Crescents’ many historic homes. If you’re feeling peckish enjoy hearty pub fare at local eateries like Leopold Tavern and Fireside Bistro just off College Avenue, or head to La Bodega for delicious tapas.

Legislative Building
The grand Legislative Building of Saskatchewan is the crown jewel of the city’s historic architectural landscape. This Beaux Arts beauty was built upon the designs of Edward and William Sutherland Maxwell in 1912 and was inaugurated by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught. The grand scale of this regal building, and the assembly hall, in particular, reflect the founders’ belief in the city’s potential, preparing for a time when there would be need to expand the size of the legislative assembly, although this has not yet come to pass. Public tours of the Legislative building are offered for free and last about 30 minutes. Nearby, visit Wascana Centre’s Trafalgar Fountain, one of the two that originally stood at London’s Trafalgar Square. Head down the trail that runs along the scenic shores of Lake Wascana to the Mackenzie Art Gallery. The Mackenzie Art Gallery at the Wascana Centre showcases art through the ages across eight individual galleries and through varied exhibitions. The gallery explores the evolution of art in a cultural context, illustrating various themes and artistic styles.

Saskatchewan Science Centre
Housed within a former power plant at the Wascana Centre, the Saskatchewan Science Centre first opened its doors in 1989. This science museum is a treasure trove of new discoveries, with interactive exhibits that invite you to explore and experiment. The Kramer IMAX Theater at the museum showcases a variety of educational films that are sure to leave you amazed. If you’re feeling peckish, enjoy a light meal at the museum’s Skye Bistro. Then, head across the lake to visit the ducks at the Waterfowl Park, and attend a live show at the Conexus Art Centre, home of the Regina Symphony Orchestra. From classical music and theater to circus acts and musicals the center offers a diverse cultural program. After a show at Conexus, end your day with a refined, gourmet meal at the Lakeshore restaurant nearby.

RCMP Heritage Center
Regina was the headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from 1892 to 1920 when the headquarters were moved to Ottawa. However, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy, Depot Division, stayed behind and remains a coveted piece of the Mounties’ proud heritage. The academy has existed on the site since 1885 and continues to train the force’s newest recruits. Uncover the heritage and history of the iconic Mounties at the nearby RCMP Heritage Center and visit the historic campus chapel. At 12:45p, witness the noon parade on the grounds of the academy, a Mountie tradition that attracts a varied audience.

Government House
Originally built as a residence for the Lieutenant-Governor of the North-West Territories, the Government House served as a vice-regal residence until 1944. Over the next four decades, the Government House was utilized for a variety of purposes until it was finally restored in 1984 and deemed fit for ceremonial use. Today, the historic residence is a museum that explores life in the 1900s through a host of intriguing exhibits. Uncover the mysteries of the past at the Amédée Forget Museum, and the J.E.N. Wiebe Interpretive Centre, marvel at the ever-changing exhibits of the QEII Art Gallery and explore the marvelous Edwardian Gardens. If you’re traveling with kids, the Once Upon a Time Room invites you to dress up in Victorian garb and engage in an interactive learning experience, while the tranquil confines of the Sylvia Fedoruk Conservatory are a fine place to simply relax. Guided and self-guided tours of the exhibits can be arranged upon request. After, enjoy a light meal at the Coney Island Cafe.

Guided Tours
Stone Hall Castle Tours (+1 306 539 3170 / http://www.stonehallcastle.com/)

Hot Air Balloon Tours
Sundance Balloons (+1 306 791 2853 / https://www.sundanceballoons.com/cities-pricing/hot-air-balloon-rides-regina-saskatchewan/)