Regina
Tourism Saskatchewan
If you find yourself in Regina for just a day, there are plenty of things you can do to get a feel for the city. Whether you’re just looking for a great lunch or dinner spot, have an hour to kill here and there, find yourself with a morning, afternoon, or night free, or you’re planning a day long trip to see the best the city has to offer, we have you covered. Though the activities are listed in single format, the location is listed in the description of each so that you can plan to do activities back to back if you like.
Wascana Centre & The Legislative Building
No trip to Regina would be complete without visiting the beautiful Wascana Centre. Located in the south part of the city off of Albert Street, the area is truly one of the prettiest parts of the city. The walking path winds around a beautiful lake, with a longer or shorter trail you can walk. You’ll see lots of wildlife on the way, anything from squirrels to geese and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of pelicans on the lake. The Legislative Building stands just off of the park. The building does offer tours, if you want to take a look through the incredible work of architecture. If you’re visiting in the summer, the gardens in front are incredible and definitely worth walking through
RCMP Heritage Centre
Located in the North West end of the city, the RCMP Heritage Centre is located in a beautiful building that’s worth seeing just for the architecture. Inside, the collection is as nearly as impressive. Throughout the year they also offer special programming. Drop in or consult the website ahead of time to plan a visit.
Photo Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
The Regina Floral Conservatory
Located a few kilometers north of downtown and open from from September to June, the Floral Conservatory is a must stop in Regina. The weather is always just right and different flowers are featured. The beautiful indoor garden is the perfect paradise no matter what the weather is like outside.
Centennial Shopping Centre
Located on Broad Street a few kilometers north of downtown, the Centennial Shopping Centre in Regina (also known to locals as the Value Mall) is quickly becoming one of the hottest up and coming spaces to visit. The entire mall features something for everyone. From antiques, to a quaint used bookstore, thrift shopping to the Centennial Market which includes handmade goods, original art, coffee, and even fashion and live performances, the Centennial Mall is a stop you won’t want to miss!
The Exchange
If you’re looking for some great nightlife, from comedy to concerts, the Exchange has you covered. The quaint brick building is located a few kilometers to the northwest of downtown has become a favorite for locals of all ages. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming events. Many concerts featured are all-ages events and ticket prices are extremely reasonable. Some big name bands have frequented The Exchange over the years, so don’t miss out!
Bushwakker Brewpub
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, look no further! Located on Dewdney Ave just north of downtown, the food at Bushwakker is incredible, and the beer is even better with many different kinds brewed right on sight. Throughout the year, they offer special events, so be sure to check the website. At select times of the year, they even offer mead!
Globe Theatre
Located right in the heart of downtown in a beautiful building, is the amazing Globe Theatre. It’s a must see if you find yourself with an evening free in Regina. Check the website for the many different productions they offer year round. It’s a live theatre experience you won’t soon forget and tickets are fairly reasonably priced.
The Log House Thrift Store
If you’re looking for some off the beaten path thrift shopping, be sure to check out this gem. Located just off downtown on Dewdney Ave, the Log House really does look like an authentic log house from the outside. Inside, the store is nicely organized. It’s a true thrifter’s paradise with bargains galore. They often feature clothing at $2 per item and all the profits made in the store go directly back to the community.
Hunter Gatherer Vegetarian Diner
Located just off the downtown area is this quant diner that offers vegetarian fare. The interior of the diner is beautifully decorated with vintage art and the good is to die for. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll likely enjoy the unique dishes and tasty combinations.
The Vintage Tea Room
There’s a reason that most locals will tell you The Vintage Tea Room isn’t just the best place to have a cup of tea in Regina, but that they make the best homemade soup, biscuits, and desserts in the city. Conveniently located on Broad Street a short drive from downtown, if you’re looking for homemade comfort food in a quaint environment, this spot is hard to beat. The Cream Earl Grey tea is simply AMAZING and the sticky toffee pudding or little baggies of Welsh Cakes are a must try! Your tea will even be served
Government House
The Government House offers many different exhibits and galleries. Children and adults alike will enjoy the historical artifacts, art gallery, and if you’re visiting in the warmer months, the incredible gardens. If you just want to drop in, the Government house is open all week except on Mondays and is located in the NW part of the city. It’s actually just down the road from the RCMP Heritage Centre, so you might want to do them back to back.
Photo Credit: Government House
Vietnamese Garden
Looking for the best Vietnamese cuisine in the city? Look no further! The Vietnamese Garden is a favorite with locals. Located on the north part of Broad Street a few minutes north of downtown, the food is out of this world. The menu is huge and varied. They also make some pretty amazing Bubble Teas and Vietnamese Coffee and the prices are incredibly reasonable.
13th Ave Shopping
If you’re looking for something to do for an afternoon in the city, you can really make great use of time by heading down 13th Ave (head West from Albert St, it’s only a short walk from the downtown area). The street features amazing shopping- everything from book stores to tea stores, pet stores, to off the beaten path clothing for adults and babies. The restaurants and pubs in this area are some of the best in the city. The architecture along the street is simply a can’t miss. Almost every other building has a mural painted on the side or the back by local artists, and of course, the incredible Holy Rosary Cathedral that the area is named after is a must see.
Milky Way Ice Cream
Located on Victoria Ave a few kilometers east of downtown and open seasonally, Milky Way is definitely a local favorite. This little gem is walk up only and even on cooler days in the summer, the lines often extend well down the sidewalk. It’s worth the wait, as the portions are HUGE and the prices aren’t. Whether you’re in the mood for ice cream, milkshakes, or other sweet frozen treats, this is the stop for you! If you’re not craving something sweet, try their burgers. They’re absolutely delicious.
Kiwanis Waterfall Park
Just off Albert Street in the south part of Regina is a quaint park that is surprisingly peaceful for being nestled in the midst of the city. The beautiful waterfall feature, tall trees, cute bridge and winding stream draw people all spring, summer, and fall. Nearby is a system of tree lined walking paths that run past a huge creek. Be sure to cross over the bridge and check out both sides.
The Crescents
If you find yourself in the city on a beautiful day and don’t have a big budget, but still want to take in the sights, be sure to hit the area termed the Crescents. It’s located just off Cathedral area (which is west of downtown), heading south. The Crescents are basically a series of streets that feature charming old houses. If you love cute gingerbread style houses and turn of the century architecture, you’ll love these gems. The streets all have sidewalks and many are tree lined the entire way. The spectacular area opens right up into a series of walking trails that skirt the creek that borders Kiwanis Waterfall Park.
Royal Saskatchewan Museum
If you have a few hours to spare and find yourself in the south end of the city (about five kilometers south of downtown) be sure to check out the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. They do change their exhibits but their permanent collection is varied and exciting. Take the kids or go by yourself, it’s fun for the entire family!
The Kramer IMAX Theatre
Regina is home to the only IMAX theatre in Saskatchewan. Located in the south end of the city, if you haven’t been before, it’s an unforgettable experience. The films come alive in a way that you won’t believe possible. The IMAX is great for the entire family. Kids and adults alike will be sure to enjoy the many different films that are featured throughout the year.
Saskatchewan Science Centre
Whether you want to check out the IMAX Theatre or not, you could do the Science Centre first or after, seeing as they are in attached buildings in the south end. The Science Centre always offers unique activities and displays and it’s a HUGE building. You could literally go and spend the entire afternoon or if you’re hard pressed for time, just stop in for an hour and power through. The kids will definitely enjoy everything!
McKenzie Art Gallery
No trip to Regina would be complete without stopping in at the McKenzie Art Gallery. Located in the south end off Albert Street, the Gallery contains a large and varied collection. If you’re on a budget, admission is generally by donation, although sometimes travelling exhibits have different pricing to see. You can probably get through the entire building in an hour if you’re pressed for time, or walk at a more leisurely pace and take everything in. The gift shop features art, jewellery, pottery, and books by local artists and artisans and is almost as much fun to take as the Gallery itself.
Antique Mall
Featuring three different stories with over 21,000 square feet of floor space, the Antique Mall is any treasure hunter’s paradise. It’s also a super fun spot to stop at if you’re looking to fill an hour or two. It’s obviously free to shop, so it’s incredibly easy on the budget and it’s located in a beautiful old building a few blocks north of the downtown area. As an added bonus, there is some great shopping and dining nearby. (The Centennial Shopping Centre is right across the street and just a few blocks further north is the Vintage Tea Room and Vietnamese Garden.)
Conexus Arts Centre
The Conexus Arts Centre has become a staple in Regina for exciting events. From concerts to ballets, musicals, to trade shows, they have it all. If you know you’re going to be spending a night in town, it’s worth checking out their website for shows and ticket information. Even if you can’t catch a show, the building is quite pretty. If you’re in the south end, be sure to stop by for a walk and hit the trails that wind past the Centre. Not far away is the Waterfowl Park Display Pond where injured and other waterfowl are kept. You can walk right in and see all the beautiful birds.
Photo Credit: Wascana Centre
Condie Nature Refuge
Located about 14km NW of Regina, if you’re coming from Saskatoon or heading out there, stop along the way and check out the Condie. The beautiful Nature Refuge features a sparkling lake, tons of wildlife, a picnic area, and many different kinds of wildflowers. The photography opportunities are boundless, or just take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy a picnic and a hike along the trails in the area.
Fresh and Sweet
This little gem, located off Victoria Ave right by the park downtown, is a breakfast and lunchtime favorite. Offering homemade fare including some of the best sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts in Regina, it’s definitely a must visit. The lines do tend to get REALLY LONG around lunch time and can even be massive for breakfast, but if you time your visit on the off hours (like an hour before lunch), you’ll probably be able to get a seat and won’t have to wait so long.
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