Trip to Regina

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Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

Regina is a unique city with plenty to offer and even more to see. Even if you only have a couple days, you can still take in the best of the city. From exciting activities, unique architecture and phenomenal dining, you are sure to have a delightful time in Regina!

 

What To Do
The activities listed below, as well as the amazing dining suggestions, are grouped by area so that you can save time and money by cutting own on travel time or cab rides and still see and do a ton of different things.

Must Do: If you are in Regina in summer on a Tuesday, make sure to visit RCMP Heritage Centre to enjoy the Sunset-Retreat Ceremony which lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes military music, the lowering of the Canadian flag, the March Past, and a troop drill display performed by cadets dressed in the famous scarlet tunic. – Every Tuesday from July 1 through to mid-August. | Doors open at 5:30 pm; Show starts at 6:45 pm

Day One in Regina: The South End Experience

The South end of Regina has so many activities to do and sites to see you could literally plan an entire trip around it.
The Legislative Building is always a must see. The incredible architecture will take your breath away. You can book walking tours throughout the day at select times to see the inside of the building. The outside features beautiful gardens in the summer and a gorgeous water fountain. The Wascana Lake area is just outside the building and features walking paths that surround the entire lake. Couples and families alike will want to venture out on the winding paths and take in the beautiful scenery.
If you happen to be walking around the paths that span Wascana Lake and come to the Marina, be sure to check it out. You can rent a canoe or kayak and spend hours exploring the lake. The Willow on Wascana is located right next to the Marina and offers unique fare, most of which was produced locally.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUawTIFFRA-/ Also located nearby is the Conexus Arts Centre. A whole host of different shows are offered during the year so you should definitely look into what’s playing when you’re in town. There is also a bird sanctuary close by where you can go see or feed many different types of birds including pelicans, geese, ducks and swans.

The Kiwanis Waterfall Park is located just down the street and offers a breathtaking waterfall, a great park for picnicking and a huge park near that with children’s play equipment. There are also walking paths surrounding the park and a walking bridge that spans the creek.

The fare in the area is great for lunch or dinner. Be sure to check out Earls, The Cottage, The Nest Piano Bar, Greko’s Restaurant & Steak House, the Keg, Chop or Brewed Awakening.

If you have children, or for those young at heart, you should visit the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Everyone will have a blast exploring the many different activities and displays. They are always changing so be sure to come again even if you’re visited before. Traveling exhibits visit throughout the year, so be sure to check on tickets for these. After you’re done at the Science Centre, don’t miss the IMAX Theatre. It’s a whole different way to be immersed in a movie.

Couples and families alike will enjoy an afternoon or evening bowling at the Golden Mile bowling Lanes in the Golden Mile Mall. The mall also has The Broken Rack where you can play pool. The Rainbow Cinemas offers a huge selection of movies so you can finish the night off right.

Day Two in Regina: The North End Experience

The North end of the city offers some great sites that are often overlooked, excellent dining options and fantastic shopping.

 

Check out the Government House. Once the residence of the Lieutenant-governor, the house is now home to unique gardens and beautiful exhibits. It’s a step back in history that you’ll never forget.

After your visit to Government house, head to RCMP Heritage Centre to learn about the story of Canada’s mounted police service from its conception in the early 1870s. Plan to watch the Sergeant Major’s Parade: Monday to Friday during the summer, and from Tuesday to Friday from September until the end of April, at 12:45 pm at the Sleigh Square, RCMP Academy, “Depot” Division, 11th Avenue, Regina.

The Regina Floral Conservatory is also a must see, if you are visiting in between September and June. The ever changing display of flower and fauna is sure to delight people of all ages. If you’re coming in the winter, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise right in the middle of the prairies.

The thrift and antique shopping in Regina will be sure to thrill even the most ardent treasure hunter. You can spend an entire day exploring the many different levels of the Antique Mall.

For lunch and dinner alike there are some fantastic, can’t miss options. The Vintage Tea Room is perfect for lunch or brunch. You’ll be talking about the amazing desserts for years to come.

Vietnamese Garden or Vietnam Mekong Restaurant are excellent spots for lunch or dinner. Though it might be located a little closer to downtown, Bushwakker Brewpub is close to several of the thrift shops in the area and is always a popular choice for lunch or dinner. Leopold’s Tavern offers excellent fare for either meal.
If you’re looking for some fantastic family activities, be sure to try Laser Quest. Young and old alike are sure to have a blast. Wonderland Entertainment Centre will be enjoyed by parents and kids. They have all the old school games that adults had as children so it’s like taking a step back into your childhood. Your kids will have a blast in the huge arcade and best of all, it’s super affordable. The Nortown Bowling Lanes on Rochdale are also a great way to kick off the evening. Afterwards, you can take your significant other or the whole family to the Cineplex Cinemas for a movie.

Day Three in Regina: The Downtown Experience

If you’re looking for a good breakfast, brunch or lunch spot, be sure to hit up Fresh & Sweet. Located downtown, this gem offers fare that always tastes handmade and a huge selection of baked goodies.
After breakfast, check out the downtown area. Scarth Street is always popular, offering a unique cobbled walking street and phenomenal shopping, many of which are independently owned and operated businesses. The Cornwall Center is located right at the end of Scarth Street and boasts two floors of stores for all your shopping needs.

 
Victoria Park, located a short distance from the mall, always has something going on. Starting at the end of June there is Thursday Nights Salsa in the City Square Plaza located just by the park. Some mornings there is free drop in yoga. On Wednesdays, in the same area there is the Regina Farmers’ Market which is a can’t miss. Even if there’s nothing happening in the park when you’re visiting, it’s a beautiful area just for relaxing surrounded by natural beauty. There are benches and shady trees throughout.

For lunch you could hit up the Cathedral Social Hall which features unique fare, much of which is produced locally. Although there is always something amazing on tap, try the Peach Ale if it’s offered. Though the Social Hall looks like it might not be a family friendly option, children are welcome until seven at night.

No visit to Regina would be complete without visiting the amazing Cathedral neighborhood. With all the amazing, unique independent businesses you’ll have a great time just going in and exploring them all.

Don’t miss Aware House Books and the Cuppa’T Specialty Teas store. The area also offers great dining options like the 13th Avenue Coffee House and Viet-Thai and the ever popular Sinfully Sweet Cathedral Bakery.

Incredible hand painted murals can be found on businesses throughout the area, so be sure to duck into the back alleys to take a look. If you’re a fan of old architecture don’t miss the Holy Rosary Cathedral (for which the area was named). The houses in the surrounding residential streets are also worth walking down the street and viewing. The Crescents area, located near Cathedral, contains houses which are over a hundred years old and have all the character you could ask for. You can spend an entire afternoon walking this area. The streets are tree lined and there are always parks you can take the kids to. If you venture far enough, you’ll find the walking path that cuts through the creek and can meander down that.

In the evening, try Shannon’s Pub in Cathedral. Their fish and chips is to die for. Other great options include Flipp Eatery & Drink, The Diplomat Steakhouse, Golf’s Steak House, Beer Bros Gastropub &Deli, Crave Kitchen & Wine Bar, The Copper Kettle, the Fireside Bistro or the Cathedral Social Hall.

For couples or families alike you can’t miss the Globe Theatre. It’s the perfect way to close out the evening. They offer many different spectacular shows throughout the year, all featuring live entertainment and superb actors. If you can’t get tickets to the Globe, the Regina Public Library Theatre is located just off Victoria Park and screens independent movies that you’re sure to love.

Getting Around

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, it might be best to rent a car or take a taxi. Renting a vehicle allows you the freedom to explore the city on your own schedule without waiting for a cab. It might also be the easiest, most convenient option for those traveling with younger children that require car seats or strollers. If you’re okay with cabbing it, there are several companies in Regina and the wait is usually brief.

Where to Stay

Because there are so many things to do and see in Regina and no one wants to spend their time stuck in traffic or waiting in the back of a taxi cab, you might want to pick accommodations closest to the things you would like to see most. Whatever area of the city you choose, there options are excellent home away from homes.
Country Inn & Suits (East end)
Located not far from the Ring Road to take you to most destinations, this hotel offers many different amenities including complimentary newspapers and an awesome continental breakfast in the morning.
Hotel Saskatchewan (Downtown)
If you have a taste for history you can’t miss the amazing Hotel Sask. The hotel boasts beautiful rooms, unique décor and a fabulous Sunday brunch.
Travelodge Hotel & Conference Centre Regina (South end)
For those traveling with younger families or just those young at heart, the Travelodge offers a new Soaked! Waterpark which features wild waterslides, a hot tub, pools, spray pad and toddler area. They also offer free breakfast.
Dragon’s Nest Bed and Breakfast (Downtown/Cathedral)
Featuring beautiful rooms, unique common areas, murals painted on the walls, all the quaint, old architecture you can handle and an out of this world breakfast, the Dragon’s Nest is going to be a favorite for everyone.
Comfort Suits Regina (North end)
This new hotel will be sure to have everything you want including a unique waterpark, modern rooms, and an appetizing continental breakfast.

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