The capital city of Saskatchewan serves as the cultural and economic center for the southern region of the province. Regina is an appealing city with a rich history that can be traced back to 1882, and much of this heritage is visible today, making it a destination worth exploring.
Summary
- Explore Museums
- Observe Cadets in Training
- Engage with Science
- Experience Historic Districts
- Enjoy Parks
- Appreciate Art
- Spend a Day at the Beach
- Attend Performances
- Visit the Casino
- Tour the Legislative Building
- Visit the Floral Conservatory
- Participate in Local Events
- Shop Locally
- Support the Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Visit Religious Sites
Regina boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous performing arts centers, museums, and annual events. Moreover, it possesses the highest number of parks and green spaces per capita of any city in the country, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Overall, it is an excellent location for a vacation, offering a broad spectrum of activities and sights. Here are the top attractions in Regina:
1. Explore Museums
The Royal Saskatchewan Museum holds the distinction of being the first museum established in the province as well as the Prairies. It functions as a natural history museum and is an excellent venue for spending a few hours.
The museum consists of three distinct areas, each equally intriguing, featuring special exhibits tailored to their respective themes.
The Life Sciences Gallery provides insights into the province’s landscapes and biological diversity, while the First Nations Gallery showcases the traditions and histories of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities. Alternatively, visitors can marvel at dinosaurs and reptiles in the Earth Science Gallery.
2. Observe Cadets in Training
Regina houses the RCMP Academy, Depot Division, which has been responsible for police training since 1885. Visitors can tour the depot and observe cadets in training.
Many individuals opt to visit the depot on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays for the ‘noon parade,’ which actually takes place at 12:45 PM. Additionally, there are various other attractions to explore.
The chapel is one of the most iconic structures on the grounds, known for its exquisite stained glass windows. Other notable buildings include the Centennial Building, the Firearms Complex, and the RCMP Heritage Centre.
3. Engage with Science
Since its opening in 1989, the Saskatchewan Science Centre has provided an enjoyable experience related to science for all age groups. A visit guarantees engagement with this interactive museum.
Various permanent exhibits are available, alongside special exhibits that rotate throughout the year. The museum also organizes social events, including Adult Science Nights and film series.
Visitors can observe wildlife, navigate tunnels, simulate astronaut training, or participate in virtual hockey games. Additionally, a gift shop offers interesting souvenirs.
4. Experience Historic Districts
Given its long history, it comes as no surprise that Regina is home to impressive historic districts. A noteworthy area is the Warehouse District, located just northeast of the central business district.
This district once served as a site for warehouses supporting the nearby railway station, but has since evolved into a vibrant neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Many of the establishments occupy historic warehouses, integrating the past within their contemporary settings, and there are numerous residential lodgings available.
5. Enjoy Parks
Not merely any park, Wascana Centre encompasses an impressive 9.3 square kilometers surrounding Wascana Lake, making it the fourth-largest urban park in Canada and even larger than New York City’s Central Park.
The park features numerous buildings, facilities, and attractions, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the surroundings. It is also home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and geese.
Visitors can unwind throughout the year by observing the park’s activities or simply admiring the view of the lake. Notably, Wascana Centre accommodates the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and the University of Regina, among others.
6. Appreciate Art
Also located within Wascana Centre, the MacKenzie Art Gallery is a distinguished attraction in its own right, featuring eight galleries and attracting over 160,000 visitors annually.
Housing over 3,800 pieces, the gallery predominantly showcases historical and contemporary works from Western Canadian artists, including Patrick Hayman, Bill Vazan, Ivan Eyre, and Roger Ing.
Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the gallery to appreciate the art and are encouraged to explore the outdoor sculpture garden.
7. Spend a Day at the Beach
Located northwest of Regina, the town of Regina Beach sits on the shores of Last Mountain Lake. This area is a popular summer resort destination and is ideal for spending a day by the water.
Regina Beach has retained its quaint charm while adapting to modern conveniences. Swimming opportunities abound, as well as areas to relax and sunbathe.
For those seeking shade, the Lakeside Heritage Museum offers an interesting diversion, and beachside restaurants provide dining options. Additionally, visitors can explore a variety of local shops offering clothing and souvenirs.
8. Attend Performances
Fans of orchestral music or theatrical performances will find much to enjoy in Regina. The city offers an array of live performances at various venues.
One of the largest venues, Conexus Arts Centre, hosts numerous shows including internationally acclaimed touring productions and serves as the home of the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
The Globe Theatre, which opened in 1966, has showcased a multitude of performances, with its historic building located in the Old Post Office adding to its charm.
9. Visit the Casino
Casino Regina attracts over two million visitors each year and is arguably the city’s most significant attraction. Test your luck at one of the casino’s 35 game tables or try your fortune with 800 slot machines.
For poker enthusiasts, the casino offers a 9-table poker room featuring various classic games and weekly Texas Hold’em tournaments.
Should you wish to take a break from gaming or celebrate any winnings, numerous dining options and entertainment shows are available on-site.
10. Tour the Legislative Building
The Saskatchewan Legislative Building boasts both a magnificent exterior and an equally impressive interior, recognized as a National Historic Site.
Visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour of the building to gain insights into its history, while the picturesque surroundings provide ample opportunities for photography.
The grounds are equally spectacular, featuring notable attractions such as an equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II and the Trafalgar Fountain, which was transported from London’s Trafalgar Square.
11. Visit the Floral Conservatory
The Regina Floral Conservatory provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in a world of tropical plants, flowers, and trees, offering a peaceful environment for all visitors.
Wander through the conservatory to admire its changing floral displays, which are updated approximately six times a year; hence, returning during different seasons can offer a varied experience.
In addition to its enchanting atmosphere, the conservatory hosts events such as public tea sessions and guided meditations, along with educational programs for children.
12. Participate in Local Events
Throughout the year, Regina hosts a variety of local events, providing excellent opportunities to engage with the community regardless of the season.
Among the most notable events is the Queen City Ex, recognized as the largest fair in the province. Concurrently, the Regina Folk Festival holds the title of Western Canada’s longest-running music festival.
Winter festivities include the Downtown Ice & Fire Winter Carnival, while November heralds the Canadian Western Agribition, Canada’s premier agriculture showcase. Other significant events feature the Regina International Fringe Theatre Festival, the Cathedral Village Arts Festival, and the multicultural Mosaic Festival.
13. Shop Locally
As with any major city, shopping is a pleasurable pursuit in Regina, especially for those with a flexible budget.
For those who appreciate locally owned stores, stroll along the pedestrian-friendly streets of Cathedral Village or the Old Warehouse District. Major shopping centers such as Cornwall Centre, Victoria Square Shopping Centre, and Southland Mall feature well-known brand shops.
Visiting Regina from March to December allows for a delightful experience at the Regina Farmers Market, where local arts and crafts can be found, often alongside the artisans themselves.
14. Support the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Many individuals may be unaware that Regina is home to one of the most prominent teams in the Canadian Football League: the Saskatchewan Roughriders. While the team’s performance varies, its devoted fan base is well-known for their loyalty.
Embrace the local spirit by painting your face in the team’s colors, green and white, and attending a game at Mosaic Stadium. For those wanting to exhibit their commitment, creativity can be displayed by crafting a watermelon helmet.
The regular season runs from June to November, and tickets are readily available online or at the venue, though last-minute purchases may come at a premium.
15. Visit Religious Sites
While not literally losing oneself, there are numerous places in Regina where one can engage in prayer or quiet contemplation.
The Presbyterian and Methodist Knox-Metropolitan United Church, established downtown in 1907, is a remarkable structure worth visiting. Additionally, those curious about the Mormon faith may find the Regina Saskatchewan Temple intriguing.
The Holy Rosary Cathedral, a Roman Catholic site built in 1913, features an exquisite Romanesque Revival design and is adorned with 43 stained glass windows created by André Rault.
