Regina 
Summer is an ideal time to explore Wascana Centre, one of Canada’s largest urban parks and a year-round destination in the heart of Regina.
Credit: Wascana Centre
Spanning nearly 1,000 hectares, the park brings together lakefront recreation, cultural attractions, family activities, public art, gardens, trails, and historic landmarks. Visitors can paddle across Wascana Lake, cool off at Wascana Pool, tour the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, explore the MacKenzie Art Gallery, enjoy self-guided walks, or spend time at family-friendly spaces such as Willow Island, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and the Marina Playground. With activities for all ages and interests, Wascana Centre offers a full summer experience in one scenic location.
Cruise Across Wascana Lake on a Guided Boat Tour
One of the most relaxing ways to experience Wascana Centre is from the water. Guided boat tours on Wascana Lake offer visitors a unique perspective on the park’s landscapes, monuments, and waterfront scenery. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, these excursions explore the history of the lake while sharing stories behind notable landmarks found throughout the park. Each boat accommodates up to eight passengers, and wheelchair-accessible options are available. Tours operate from late May through mid-September, making them a popular summer activity.
Enjoy a Picnic Adventure on Willow Island
Families seeking a memorable outing can visit Willow Island during the summer months. Accessible by boat, the island transforms into a charming picnic destination on Sundays throughout July and August. Visitors can enjoy outdoor games, relax with family and friends, and even roast marshmallows over designated fire pits.
The island itself has an interesting history. It was created in 1930 when 2,107 unemployed workers manually deepened Wascana Lake using shovels and dump wagons. More than 120,000 cubic yards of earth were moved to create Willow and Spruce Islands at a project cost of $102,848.51.
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Explore the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens
Garden enthusiasts will appreciate the beauty and design of the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens. Guided tours led by the horticulture team are offered on select Saturdays throughout June and July, providing insight into the extensive planting and maintenance efforts that keep the gardens flourishing. Updates on the dates will be provided on their website and social media pages.
The gardens frame spectacular views of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and reflect the vision of renowned designers Frederick Todd, Edward Maxwell, W.S. Maxwell, and Thomas Mawson. Their symmetrical layouts, tree-lined pathways, and elegant landscaping make them one of Canada’s most notable examples of City Beautiful-inspired design.
Discover Nature Through Wascana Wonders
Wascana Wonders is a summer educational program designed for children aged four to twelve. Running throughout July and August, the program introduces young participants to topics such as forestry, horticulture, wildlife habitats, and the ecology of Wascana Lake. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences, children gain a deeper appreciation for the natural environment while enjoying their summer break.
Celebrate Indigenous Culture at Oskana Days
Oskana Days returns to Wascana Centre, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about Indigenous traditions and heritage. Organized in partnership with Nature Saskatchewan and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the event takes place on July 11 and August 8.
Activities include traditional hide tanning demonstrations, Indigenous games, educational discovery stations, and cultural presentations. The event’s name reflects the Cree word “oscana,” meaning “pile of bones,” from which the name Wascana originated.
Beyond the seasonal event, visitors can also explore the Oskana sculpture created by Saskatchewan artist Doug Hunter in 1989. Located behind Wascana Place at 2900 Wascana Drive, the artwork incorporates symbolic elements such as circles, bronze bison skulls, and large glacial boulders.
The sculpture reflects Indigenous history, migration across the Prairies, and the cultural significance of the bison. Its design draws inspiration from ancient Plains Indigenous carvings known as rib stones, creating a powerful tribute to the region’s heritage.
Experience Water Sports on Wascana Lake
Wascana Lake serves as a hub for outdoor recreation throughout the summer. Visitors can enjoy rowing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding on the western section of the lake. The area is home to organizations such as the Regina Rowing Club and the Wascana Racing Canoe Club.
The lake has also earned international recognition thanks to the world-class Finishing Line Facility, which has hosted major events including the National Dragon Boat Championships and the Canadian Sprint Nationals.
For those who want to get out on the water independently, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available at the Wascana Marina from May through September. Single and double kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards come equipped with life jackets, paddles, and safety kits, making it easy for visitors of all skill levels to enjoy the lake.
Follow the Wascana Cultural Trailway
History lovers can deepen their understanding of the park through the Wascana Cultural Trailway. Introduced in 2024 through a partnership between the Provincial Capital Commission and Heritage Regina, this self-guided experience combines historical photographs, audio commentary, and informative displays.
The trail explores significant locations such as the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, the Albert Memorial Bridge, Tyndall Stone, and the famous “Big Dig,” offering fascinating insights into the development of Wascana Centre and Regina’s cultural heritage.
Credit: City of Regina | Municipal Government
Cool Off at Wascana Pool
Wascana Pool brings a fun outdoor summer experience to Wascana Centre, with the season beginning Tuesday, June 9. The facility includes a 25-metre lane pool, 25-metre leisure pool, two waterslides, accessible side-by-side slides, a lazy river, hot tub, climbing wall, basketball hoop, and 1-metre and 3-metre diving boards. Visitors can also use accessible, all-gender washrooms and changerooms, while the nearby playground and spray pad are free, accessible, and inclusive.
Admission starts at $7.50 for adults, $5.86 for seniors, $5.16 for youth, $3.52 for children, and $14.99 for families. A concession operated by Capital City Kitchen serves both pool and park visitors.
Walk or Cycle Along the Trans Canada Trail
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore more than 10 kilometres of trails that form part of the Trans Canada Trail network. The route winds through Wascana Centre, connecting visitors to scenic lake views, wildlife habitats, and some of Regina’s most important landmarks.
Highlights along the trail include the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, the University of Regina, the Albert Street Memorial Bridge, the Mackenzie Art Gallery, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and the Wascana Marsh. The trail is accessible, dog-friendly, and suitable for walking, cycling, rollerblading, and other recreational activities.
Visit the Marina Playground
Families with younger children should make time for the Forbes Foundation Play Area, commonly known as the Marina Playground. Opened in July 2011 through the support of the G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation, the playground offers a safe and engaging space where children can climb, explore, and play while parents enjoy views of the surrounding marina.
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Visitors can explore Wascana Centre at their own pace through seven self-guided walking tours, each highlighting a different side of the park. Routes include A Place for You, which begins at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, A Place for Vision, starting near Darke Hall and the Conservatory, and A Place with Purpose, beginning by Pine Island. Other walks focus on government, family attractions, recreation around Wascana Hill, and education near the University of Regina. Together, the tours offer an easy way to enjoy the park’s beauty, history, landmarks, and green spaces.
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Explore Science and Innovation at Saskatchewan Science Centre
The Saskatchewan Science Centre offers a perfect indoor escape on warmer days. Featuring more than 180 hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, workshops, and live science demonstrations, it provides engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.
The facility is also home to the Kramer IMAX Theatre, Saskatchewan’s only giant-screen theatre, showcasing educational films focused on science, travel, and nature.
Dine at Skye Café & Bistro
After a day of exploration, visitors can enjoy a meal at Skye Café & Bistro, located inside the Saskatchewan Science Centre. The restaurant emphasizes locally sourced and seasonal ingredients while supporting sustainable practices. In addition to serving fresh cuisine, Skye also hosts cooking classes suitable for beginners, children, and experienced food enthusiasts.
Attend a Performance at Conexus Arts Centre
Summer in Wascana Centre is not limited to outdoor recreation. The Conexus Arts Centre hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, theatrical productions, live demonstrations, and special events. It is an excellent option for visitors looking to complement a day in the park with arts and entertainment.
Visit the MacKenzie Art Gallery
The MacKenzie Art Gallery, located in the T.C. Douglas Building, is Saskatchewan’s oldest public art gallery and a major cultural stop in Wascana Centre. It features rotating exhibitions with a focus on Indigenous and contemporary art, along with historic and international works. Visitors can enjoy tours, artist talks, screenings, performances, Sunday art-making workshops, the MacKenzie Shop, and Craft Services Café by Crave.
Tour the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and Grounds
Completed in 1913, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building is a Provincial Heritage Property and one of the province’s most recognized landmarks. Free 30-minute tours are offered in English and French 362 days a year, with wheelchair access and listening devices available.
