Wascana Centre
Regina, the queen of the cities in Saskatchewan and home to the provincial legislature offers up some beautiful and unique places to spend some time outside this winter. Strap on a pair of running shoes or good winter boots and head out to walk through some of the city parks, trails, and streets as you explore the varied outdoor aspects of the city. Don’t forget to take your camera or have your phone ready for a pic, there are plenty of photo-worthy spots to stop at as you walk along.
1. Wascana Centre
The name is a bit misleading, as you would imagine that this is an indoor facility if you are not familiar with the city. Instead, you will find a beautifully landscaped park right in the heart of the city which is one of the best places to walk, even in the winter months. Enjoy the paths around the lake and through the park – there are more than 10 kilometres of trails to wander. You can even take an audio-guided walking tour of the lake and its surroundings if you like.
2900 Wascana Drive
2. Les Sherman Park
A lovely park located right in the heart of the Cathedral neighbourhood; keep in mind that you can hook up with the Kiwanis park trails from here if this park isn’t quite enough for you. The beauty and quiet of the creek and open spaces of the park let you soak up nature as you stride along. Just remember to stick to the walking paths – there are also cross-country ski trails here which should not be walked on.,
2450 Pasqua Street
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3. Downtown Regina
If you like a different place to walk and some interesting sites, then downtown Regina is a great place for a stroll. Full of shops and restaurants, this urban area will provide you with lots to look at and a unique area to take a walk. Take advantage and get an audio walking tour to make the most out of your visit to the downtown core.
4. McKell Wascana Conservation Park
There is one thing Regina is not short of, and that is parks. But not every park is equal, such as this award-winning 171-acre one! This gorgeous area is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of native prairie and floodplain habitats. There are four kilometres of interpreted nature trails, and birdwatching opportunities, and is home to some of the most remarkable walking trails for snowshoeing and winter hiking. The park features a wide-open nature path and ponds, along with a pretty creek. You can’t ask for more in a walking destination.
12001 Wascana Circle
5. A.E. Wilson Park
This lovely 300-acre park is a great place to spend some time this winter. Along with the walking paths that wind along Wascana Creek, you will find a nice outdoor skating rink, so if it’s not enough exercise to hike the trails, take your skates and enjoy a turn or two around the rink. You can also find many birds here during the winter season. Commonly referred to as a gem in the city, you will surely savour every moment. Can you spot the beaver habitat in the park?
Access is from 7 Avenue or McCarthy Blvd
6. Albert Street Promenade
In 2004 the lake here was deepened, so the Albert Street Promenade was built to help re-direct pedestrians and foot traffic off the busy nearby streets. The sixteen interpretive signs set along the walkway provide historic information spanning more than 100 years – from the first settlers to arrive in the area to the lake deepening project. Walk the short distance and learn about the history while soaking in the area’s beauty.
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7. University of Regina Campus
No matter where you are, university campuses are usually delightful places to wander, and this one is no exception. Head out to explore the grounds around the historic and newer buildings that make up this campus in Wascana Centre.
8. Regina’s Historic Warehouse District
The city is chock o block full of interesting historical areas and the warehouse district is just one of the ones which is fun to explore on foot. If you like architecture, then this is the place to be – don’t Regina is full of historical areas, at the Warehouse District is one of them. Explore the city’s history and, if you are able, warm up while shopping in one of the unique or antique stores or trying out one of the local eateries. If interested in architecture, you’ll want to grab your camera to photograph the beautiful brick buildings.
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9. Saskatchewan Legislative Building
You don’t have to go inside the Saskatchewan Legislative Building to appreciate the beautiful architecture which is just as stunning in the winter as it is in the summer months. The building was built between 1908 and 1912 and is easily one of the most striking buildings in the city, so it makes for a dramatic background as you wander your way around. The legislative building along with its grounds is designated a National Historic Site of Canada as well as a Provincial Heritage Property, so pull on some boots and head out to enjoy. Take advantage of the outdoor walking tour guide to get the most out of your time here.
2405 Legislative Dr
10. Lakeridge Park North
The park is accessible via four entrances. Alternatively, you can take McCarthy Boulevard North, turn onto Whelan Drive and park at the corner of Whelan Drive and Harrison Way. The park has two playgrounds, a great toboggan hill, trails to explore, and a small rock garden.
11. The Blue Trail
Part of the Wascana Center trail network, this one is worth noting all on its own. One of the more popular routes for locals, this 4-kilometre-long trail circles Wascana Lake. It can be accessed at different points and winds past the man-made lake, water features, and the striking Legislative Building. This is a great short walk for those who just want an hour outside to exercise and don’t have time to get out of the city.
2900 Wascana Dr
12. White Butte Trails Recreation Site
Just twenty minutes east of the city (so close that we didn’t want to leave it off this list), you will find this gem of a recreation area to do some serious hiking. There are over 12 kilometres of trails that are great for hiking at any time of year. You will feel as if you have been transported to another place as you explore the (mini) forest that allows you to wind your way through a maze of trees. Take a half-day or full-day break from the city and soak up the peace and quiet that comes along with being out here. Make sure you don’t walk on the cross-country tracks!
13. Great Trail
Just like many places in Canada, in Regina, you can get onto one of the longest trails in the country – The Great Trail! The Trans Canada Trail connects the entire province but assuming you just want some time out one day, you can spend part of a day (or a full day) hiking the trail from Regina to Lumsden. Remember that this section of trail is almost 29 kilometres, so be prepared for the winter weather and plan by leaving another vehicle at the end.
14. Wascana Valley Trails
Located just a short half-hour outside the city, these trails are well known for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but hikers can find opportunities to enjoy them during the winter as well. Please make sure you do not walk on the set cross-country tracks! There are 15 kilometres of trails when conditions are good, but all may not be available for hiking during the winter months. The gorgeous ravines of the Qu’Appelle Valley provide trails that wind up and down throughout the beautiful scenery.
15. Mount Pleasant Sports Park
While not super long, the 1.4-kilometre looped walking path here will take you around the entire park. Of course, if this isn’t enough activity, you can always try out speed skating or bring a toboggan to try out on the hill in the park – you will still have to hike up!
750 Winnipeg St
16. Victoria Park
We are not kidding ourselves about the length of this walk… to get some good exercise, you will have to walk around the area several times as it is only the size of about two city blocks. However, it is a pretty park surrounded by interesting buildings, including a lovely church, trees and monuments, so you will have plenty to look at while you stretch your legs. As you walk, contemplate the fact that this park has existed, in one way or another, since the late 1800s.
1955 Smith Street
17. Kiwanis Waterfall Park
Located along the Devonian Pathway, Kiwanis Waterfall Park is a great location for winter exploration. As you go along the park, try to sport the various wildlife, and snowberry or wild rose hips.