A- Overview:
Regina is the sunniest capital in Canada and one of the most beautiful. Driving north into the province of Saskatchewan, Canada from Montana or North Dakota, Regina suddenly appears on the horizon as a welcome oasis in bloom amid the flat sameness of the surrounding plains. 350,000 hand-planted trees are the source of this remarkable display of lush greenery. There is, in fact, more parkland and open space per person in Regina than in any other major Canadian city.
In 1905 Saskatchewan became a province, with Regina (pronounced rej-EYE-na) as its capital. In the heart of downtown is the City Centre, the site of such buildings as the municipal government offices and the public library. The library contains the Prairie History Room, which documents local history, and the Dunlop Art Gallery, which displays works by regional artists. The Gallery on the Roof, in the Saskatchewan Power Building, is a popular spot to visit with its changing art exhibits.
Many of Regina’s attractions are contained in Wascana Centre, the city’s lovely 2,300 acre urban park. There you’ll find the Legislative Building, circa 1910, the center of Saskatchewan’s provincial government. The ornate structure makes use of unusual Renaissance-influenced elements and has intricate carvings on its facade.
Also in Wascana Centre is the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. It includes the First Nation’s Gallery, which documents the history and traditions of aboriginal people in Saskatchewan and includes the paintings and sculptures of a number of Saskatchewan artists. The museum’s Earth Sciences Gallery contains dioramas that depict the environmental changes that have taken place with the passage of time.
Another Wascana attraction is the Saskatchewan Science Centre. It contains an IMAX theater and the Powerhouse of Discovery, a major exhibit which incorporates hands-on exhibits and a live stage show. New to the Science Centre is the interactive Olympic Challenge Exhibit, which allows participants to experience Olympic sports such as Nordic skiing and bobsledding. The Science Centre also has a 60 foot climbing wall.
Other attractions in and around the Wascana Centre include the Diefenbaker Homestead, the childhood home of Canada’s 13th prime minister, the MacKenzie Art Gallery featuring provincial arts and handicrafts, the Native Heritage Foundation Gallery with exhibits of aboriginal art, and the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts which is the venue for ballet and opera performances.
In addition to Wascana, Regina hosts horse racing at Queensbury Downs, a mall of 28 shops offering antiques and collectibles, Casino Regina, located downtown, in Union Station, the Saskatchewan Archives, and Government House.
Regina is also the home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Centennial Museum, with memorabilia tracing the history of the force from its early days to its current activities. The slogan of the Mounties: “We always get our man.”
Following Wascana Creek for 7 miles is the Devonian Pathway, a paved bicycle trail that passes through six city parks and is used for jogging and walking as well as other activities. In winter, it is groomed and lighted for cross-country skiing. The Condie Nature Refuge, just north of the city on Highway 11, offers nature trails that afford views of the refuge’s grassland and marsh animals.
About 25 miles north of Regina is the Last Mountain House Provincial Historic Site, a reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company outpost. It provides an opportunity to learn how the fur traders of the 1800s lived and worked despite the brutal winters and harsh environment.
Northeast of Regina, near Fort Qu’Appelle, is Echo Valley Provincial Park, a popular recreation area offering hiking, fishing and boating. Sports activities in Regina include harness racing at Exhibition Park and summer football played by the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Taylor Field.
Regina, Saskatchewan’s capital city and administrative center, has both a small-town feel and a cosmopolitan flair. Its climate is temperate, and its welcome is warm at any time of the year.
B- City Information:
Population: 178,225
Elevation: 1893 feet
Time Zone: Regina is in the Central Time Zone. When it is 12:00 noon in New York City (EST), it is 11:00 AM in Regina. Daylight saving time is not observed.
Average Temperatures:
Month
High
Low
January
9F
-11F
February
-8F
13F
March
27F
6F
April
49F
26F
May
64F
38F
June
71F
48F
July
77F
52F
August
75F
48F
September
63F
38F
October
51F
27F
November
31F
12F
December
16F
-2F
Local Seasons: This region has long, severe winters and relatively short summers with moderate rainfall. This is a wheat-growing region and does have much fine, sunny weather. Winter snowfall is comparatively light and is swept away by strong winds. The transition from season to season often occurs very quickly without the interim seasons of fall and sring such as are found in more temperate climates.
National Holidays:
New Years Day January 1
Good Friday Varies
Easter Monday Varies
Victoria Day Monday preceding May 25
Canada Day July 1 The Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day
when July 1 is a Sunday.
Saskatchewan Day 1st Monday in August
Labour Day First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day Second Monday in October
Remembrance Day November 11
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
Getting There:
By Rail: There is no passenger rail service to Regina. The closest rail connections are in Saskatoon.
By Air
Regina Airport is west of the city, only 15 minutes from downtown.
By Bus
The Regina bus station is downtown at 2041 Hamilton St, 306/787-3340.
Greyhound as well as Saskatchewan Transportation Company buses are the dominant public transport service in the province and originate a this station.
By Car
the Trans-Canada Highway passes just south of Regina.
Getting Around the City:
City Layout: The two main streets are
(1) Victoria Avenue, which runs east-west
(2) Albert Street, which runs north-south.
South of the intersection lies the Wascana Centre. Most of the downtown hotels stretch along Victoria Avenue between Albert Street on the west and Broad Street on the east. The RCMP barracks are to the north and west of the downtown area. Lewvan Drive and Ring Road together encircle the city.
Regina Transit, 333 Winnipeg St. 306/777-7433 operates nine bus routes that make it easy to get around. For schedules and maps, go to the Transit Information Centre at 2124 11th Ave., at the Cornwall Centre, open weekdays 7am to 9pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Exact fare is required.
By Taxi: Taxis are easily found at most downtown hotels.
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Casino Regina
1880 Saskatchewan Dr.
Regina, SK S4P 0B2 CAN
Phone: (306) 565-3000
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-4 a.m.; closed Dec. 24-25
Government House Museum and Heritage Property
4607 Dewdney Ave.
Regina, S4P 3V7 CAN
(306) 787-5773
Government House Museum And Heritage Property is at 4607 Dewdney Ave. This Italianate-style mansion was the home of the lieutenant governors of the Northwest Territories 1891-1905 and the lieutenant governors of Saskatchewan 1905-45. Flanked by 2.5 hectares (6 acres) of gardens and orchards, the official residence has been restored to its Victorian elegance. Picnicking is permitted.
Holy Rosary Cathedral
3125 13th Ave.
Regina, S4T 6Y5 CAN
(306) 565-0909
Thurs.-Fri. 9-noon and 1-4, Wed. 1-5, July-Aug.; Mon.-Fri. 8:30-noon and 1-4:30, rest of year. The cathedral is kept locked for security purposes; phone ahead
Holy Rosary Cathedral is at 3125 13th Ave., just w. of jct. with Albert St. This Cruciform/Romanesque structure, built in 1912, features 43 stained-glass windows installed in 1951 by French artisan Andre Rault, who designed windows for more than 50 other Canadian churches. Their artistry is best appreciated on a sunny day. A Casavant pipe organ, known for its exceptional sound quality, plays during Sunday services. Guided tours are available.
Legislative Building
2405 Legislative Dr.
Regina, S4S 0B3 CAN
(306) 787-5358
Admission Free
Daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Victoria Day-Labour Day; Mon.-Fri. 8-5, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1, Good Friday and Dec. 25. Guided tours of the building are offered. Tours depart every 30 minutes
Legislative Building (Capitol) is off Albert St. in Wascana Centre. Surrounded by 67 hectares (165 acres) of landscaped grounds, the imposing landmark is the seat of provincial government. Completed in 1912, the building reflects the architecture of the English Renaissance and Louis XIV of France. The building houses several art galleries, including the Cumberland Gallery, a showcase for works of the Native Heritage Foundation of Canada.More than 34 different types of marble adorn the interior. On the east side of the building is Trafalgar Fountain, which was in London’s Trafalgar Square 1845-1939. Tours in French are available.
MacKenzie Art Gallery
3475 Albert St.
Regina, S4S 6X6 CAN
(306) 584-4250
Admission: Donation
Daily 10-5:30 (also Thurs.-Fri. 5:30-10). Guided tours are available Sat.-Sun. 2-4
Mackenzie Art Gallery is in the T.C. Douglas Building at the s.w. corner of Wascana Centre at Albert St. and 23rd Ave. A major exhibition center for Saskatchewan, it contains permanent and changing exhibits of Canadian and international art.
Regina Plains Museum
1835 Scarth St.
Regina, S4P 2G9 CAN
(306) 780-9435
Admission Free
Mon.-Fri. 10-4 (also Sat. 10-4, June-Aug.)
Regina Plains Museum is on the second floor at 1835 Scarth St. It features Saskatchewan artist Jacqueline Berting’s sculpture “The Glass Wheatfield,” consisting of 14,000 waist-high stalks of hand-crafted glass. Also on display is a mural by aboriginal artist Sherry Farrell Racette.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Depot and Centennial Museum
6101 Dewdney Ave.
Regina, S4P 3J7 CAN
(306) 780-5838
Daily 8-6:45, Victoria Day weekend-Labour Day (also Tues. 6:30-8:30 p.m., July 1 to first week in Aug.); 10-4:45, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1 and Dec. 25. Depot and chapel tours depart Mon.-Fri. at 9, 10, 11, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30, Victoria Day weekend-Labour Day; at 1:30, rest of year
Admission: Donations
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Depot And Centennial Museum is on Dewdney Ave. W. The regimental museum of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Mounties) recounts the history of more than a century of service. Photographs, weapons, personal items, uniforms and related artifacts on display reflect the tragedies, successes, history and human side of this well-known Canadian institution.At the training academy for cadets, a colorful Sergeant Major’s parade is usually held Monday through Friday at 12:45 p.m., except for Fridays that precede a holiday weekend. Sunset ceremonies are held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., July 1 to the first week in August. Depot and chapel tours are available and begin at the museum. Guided tours are available.
Royal Saskatchewan Museum
2445 Albert St.
Regina, S4P 3V7 CAN
(306) 787-2815
Daily 9-5, May 1-Labour Day; 9-4:30, rest of year. Closed Dec. 25
Admission: Donations
Royal Saskatchewan Museum is at College Ave. and Albert St. in Wascana Centre. The Earth Sciences Gallery focuses on the geological and paleontological evolution of Saskatchewan and includes Canada’s only resident robotic dinosaur. The Paleo Pit features hands-on exhibits. The First Nations Gallery portrays the culture and heritage of the province’s aboriginal population through artwork and artifacts. The Life Sciences Gallery explores Saskatchewan’s natural history and current environmental issues. Exhibits depict life in a beaver pond, a Costa Rican rain forest and hurricane actions that are disturbing the global ecosystem.
Saskatchewan Science Centre
Winnipeg St. & Wascana Dr.
Regina, S4P 3M3 CAN
(306) 522-4629
Admission charged.
Mon.-Fri. 9-6 (also Fri. 6-8:30 p.m.), Sat.-Sun. 11-6, Victoria Day-Labour Day; Tues.-Fri. and Monday holidays 9-5, Sat.-Sun. noon-6, rest of year
Saskatchewan Science Centre is on Winnipeg St. at Wascana Dr. in Wascana Centre. The Powerhouse of Discovery houses more than 100 permanent hands-on science exhibits and features live stage shows and demonstrations. Visitors who want to test their physical skills can tackle one of the tallest climbing walls in Canada. The 165-seat Kramer IMAX Theatre uses a five-story screen and four-way sound system to present science and nature films in a giant format.
Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
2205 Victoria Ave.
Regina, S4P 0S4 CAN
(306) 780-9232
Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. and holidays 1-5, Victoria Day-Labour Day; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, rest of year
Admission: Free
Photographs, trophies, records and other memorabilia represent noted athletes and teams from Saskatchewan.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
1861 McIntyre St.
Regina, S4P 2R2 CAN
(306) 522-6439
Mon.-Fri. 9-4, Sun. 9-noon
Admission: Donations
This Gothic Revival-style church is said to be the oldest in Regina; its cornerstone was laid in 1894. A museum, which is located under the church and is open by appointment, houses books and artifacts dating to the 1600s. Guided tours are available.
Wascana Centre
2900 Wascana Dr.
Regina, S4P 3S7 CAN
(306) 347-1810
Advance reservations are required
Ferry boat rides Mon.-Fri. noon-4, Sat.-Sun. noon-9. Ferry tours of Wascana Lake also are available by appointment; phone for more information
Wascana Centre surrounds Wascana Lake. The 2,300-acre park is the center of recreational and cultural activity in Regina and includes the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts. Wascana Place is both a departure point for sightseeing tours and a reservation office for special events. Ferry boat rides to the Willow Island picnic area are available. Wascana Waterfowl Park and Speakers’ Corner also are in the area.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Depot and Centennial Museum
6101 Dewdney Ave.
Regina, S4P 3J7 CAN
(306) 780-5838
Daily 8-6:45, Victoria Day weekend-Labour Day (also Tues. 6:30-8:30 p.m., July 1 to first week in Aug.); 10-4:45, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1 and Dec. 25. Depot and chapel tours depart Mon.-Fri. at 9, 10, 11, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30, Victoria Day weekend-Labour Day; at 1:30, rest of year
Admission: Donations
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Depot And Centennial Museum is on Dewdney Ave. W. The regimental museum of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Mounties) recounts the history of more than a century of service. Photographs, weapons, personal items, uniforms and related artifacts on display reflect the tragedies, successes, history and human side of this well-known Canadian institution.At the training academy for cadets, a colorful Sergeant Major’s parade is usually held Monday through Friday at 12:45 p.m., except for Fridays that precede a holiday weekend. Sunset ceremonies are held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., July 1 to the first week in August. Depot and chapel tours are available and begin at the museum. Guided tours are available.
Royal Saskatchewan Museum
2445 Albert St.
Regina, S4P 3V7 CAN
(306) 787-2815
Daily 9-5, May 1-Labour Day; 9-4:30, rest of year. Closed Dec. 25
Admission: Donations
Royal Saskatchewan Museum is at College Ave. and Albert St. in Wascana Centre. The Earth Sciences Gallery focuses on the geological and paleontological evolution of Saskatchewan and includes Canada’s only resident robotic dinosaur. The Paleo Pit features hands-on exhibits. The First Nations Gallery portrays the culture and heritage of the province’s aboriginal population through artwork and artifacts. Exhibits depict life in a beaver pond, a Costa Rican rain forest and hurricane actions that are disturbing the global ecosystem.
Saskatchewan Science Centre
Winnipeg St. & Wascana Dr.
Regina, S4P 3M3 CAN
(306) 522-4629
Admission charged.
Mon.-Fri. 9-6 (also Fri. 6-8:30 p.m.), Sat.-Sun. 11-6, Victoria Day-Labour Day; Tues.-Fri. and Monday holidays 9-5, Sat.-Sun. noon-6, rest of year
Saskatchewan Science Centre is on Winnipeg St. at Wascana Dr. in Wascana Centre. The Powerhouse of Discovery houses more than 100 permanent hands-on science exhibits and features live stage shows and demonstrations. Visitors who want to test their physical skills can tackle one of the tallest climbing walls in Canada. The 165-seat Kramer IMAX Theatre uses a five-story screen and four-way sound system to present science and nature films in a giant format.
Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
2205 Victoria Ave.
Regina, S4P 0S4 CAN
(306) 780-9232
Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat.-Sun. and holidays 1-5, Victoria Day-Labour Day; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, rest of year
Admission: Free
Photographs, trophies, records and other memorabilia represent noted athletes and teams from Saskatchewan.
Wascana Centre
2900 Wascana Dr.
Regina, S4P 3S7 CAN
(306) 347-1810
Advance reservations are required
Ferry boat rides Mon.-Fri. noon-4, Sat.-Sun. noon-9. Ferry tours of Wascana Lake also are available by appointment; phone for more information
Wascana Centre surrounds Wascana Lake. The 2,300-acre park is the center of recreational and cultural activity in Regina and includes the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts. Wascana Place is both a departure point for sightseeing tours and a reservation office for special events. Ferry boat rides to the Willow Island picnic area are available. Wascana Waterfowl Park and Speakers’ Corner also are in the area.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
Late January
Men’s Southern Curling Playoffs
613 PARK ST.
Regina, S4N 5N1
306) 780-9202
Mid-February
Annual Stamp Exhibition and Sale
777 ALBERT ST.
Regina, S4R 2P6
(306) 789-1673
2/19/2005 – 2/20/2005
Early April
Saskatchewan Indian Federated College Powwow
1 First Nations Way
Regina, S4S 7K2
(306) 790-5950 Ext 2100
Early April
Orchids as House Plants Show and Sale
14th Ave. & Lindsay St.
Regina, S4N 7L4
(306) 543-0560
Late April
Taste of Spring Festival
170 Elphinstone St.
Regina, S4P 2Z6
(306) 781-9200
Late May
Cathedral Village Arts Festival
2900 13th Ave.
Regina, S4T 1N3
Phone: (306) 569-8755
June
Mosaic
Ethnic cultural celebrations. Special passports entitle attendees to enter pavilions and experience the food, crafts, customs, and culture of each group.
June
Western Canada Farm Progress Show
Agricultural Festival
July and August
Tuesday nights
RCMP Sunset Ceremonies (military drill)
End of July/early August
Buffalo Days (the provincial exhibition commemorating the time when the mighty buffalo roamed the west. Throughout the city, businesses and individuals dress in Old West style, while the fair itself features a midway, grandstand shows, big-name entertainers, livestock competitions, beard-growing contests, and much more. 306/781-9200
August
Thursdays-Saturdays
Trial of Louis Riel, historical re-enactment.
Louis Riel was tried and hanged in Regina in 1885. Bitter arguments have been fought between those who regard Riel as a patriot and martyr and those who regard him as a rebel.
Even though he took up the cause of the mixed-blood population of the west, French-speaking Canadians often regarded Riel as a martyr and English-speaking Canadians condemned him. For information or reservations, call 306/584-8890 or 306/525-1185.
August
Royal Red Arabian Horse Show. The Canadian championships of the International Arabian Horse Association
November
Canadian Western Agribition An agricultural celebration.