'''Regina''' is the capital city of the province of Saskatchewan. It is in the south part of the province on highway No. 1 . Regina is home of the RCMP Training Academy.
Get in
By plane
'''Regina International Airport''' ({{IATA|YQR}}), 5201 Regina Av., [http://www.yqr.ca/]. Only minutes from downtown Regina, it has eight gates which handle flights to major centres in Canada via Air Canada and WestJet as well as daily flights to/from Minneapolis, MN in the U.S. via Northwest Airlines, weekly flights via WestJet to Las Vegas, NV and charter flights to sun destinations during winter. Regional airlines provide service to Saskatoon, Prince Albert and points in northern Saskatchewan.
Regina sits along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1 in Saskatchewan) and is a 40 minute drive east of Moose Jaw. Saskatoon is 2.5 hours to the north on Highway 11, Calgary is 7 hours to the west on Highway 1, and Winnipeg is a 5 hour drive to the east on Highway 1. Highway 6 runs north-south through the city along Albert Street, the main street, and runs south to the US border (Raymond and Plentywood, Montana), which is about 90 minutes away. North it eventually leads to the parklands in central Saskatchewan and is one of four routes to Prince Albert (the others being Highway 11, Highway 2 via 11 and Highway 20 via 11). Highway 33 runs to southeast Saskatchewan and the cities of Weyburn and Estevan. Highway 46 is a short commuter highway to Balgonie, Saskatchewan.
By bus
'''The Saskatchewan Transportation Company'''[http://www.stcbus.com/] STC is the primary mover of people and freight in the Province of Saskatchewan. the STC Terminal is in a new terminal at Saskatchewan Drive and Broad Street that opened in 2008, and is also served by other bus lines such as Greyhound[http://www.greyhound.ca/]
By train
Due to service cuts back in 1990, there is currently no VIA Rail [http://www.viarail.ca] service to Regina.
Get around
Regina is pretty navigable, especially its inner city area which roads are on a grid, like most other cities around the region. Regina also has a Ring Road, though it is only a half ring road and can take you through most of the city.
Regina Transit [http://www.reginatransit.com]
See
Museums
''' Saskatchewan Science Centre''', Powerhouse Drive, off Wascana Drive, [http://www.sasksciencecentre.com/]. Over a hundred permanent, hands-on exhibits, live stage shows, amazing Gryo-Gym, and one of the tallest climbing walls in Canada.
''' Kramer IMAX Theatre''', [http://www.sasksciencecentre.com/modules.php?name=Sections&sop=viewarticle&artid=2/], located right next to the Science Centre and one of about 250 such theatres in the world. It is one of the most dynamic ways for people to experience the places, people, and principles of science and nature.
''' The Royal Saskatchewan Museum''', Albert Street and College Avenue, [http://www.royalsaskmuseum.ca/]. An interesting natural history museum that describes the features of the province. Also features a half-size robotiic T-Rex called "Megamuch".
''' Mackenzie Art Gallery''', Albert Street and 23rd Avenue, [http://www.mackenzieartgallery.ca/]. Major touring exhibits, Gallery Shop and 175 seat theatre. Tours available.
''' RCMP Heritage Centre''', 5907 Dewdney Avenue[http://www.rcmpheritagecentre.com/]. Through the use of permanent and temporary exhibits, multimedia technologies, and extensive programming, the Heritage Centre tells the RCMP story and educates Canadians and the world about the past, present and future of the RCMP within Canada and abroad. The RCMP Heritage Centre also boasts a Gift Shop and e-store. Tours of the RCMP Academy, Depot Division are offered daily from May to August.
Parks
Regina has more parks and greenspace per capita than any major city in Canada.
'''Wascana Centre''' is a huge 9.3 square kilometre (2300 acre) park that is built around the shores of Wascana Lake, a man made lake in the heart of Regina. It is one of North America's largest urban parks, and includes several attractions, such as several walking and bicycle paths, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, an outdoor pool, a marina with boat rentals, the Saskatchewan Legislative building, and the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts.
''' Willow Island''', [http://wascana.sk.ca/willowisland.html]. This Island on Wascana Lake is both open to the public and available for group bookings. A pontoon boat which seats 12 passengers is used to transport people back and forth from the Island.
'''Central Park'''
'''Victoria Park''' is the park located in Regina's Market Square. It is the venue for many summer and winter events and concerts. In the centre of the park is a war memorial. A few statues dot the park, there is a playground on the South East corner. The park is well treed and has many benches. On summer afternoons expect downtown's business-people to populate the park equally with teenagers (who mostly stay on the grass). The park is on the North side Victoria Avenue between Scarth and Lorne Streets.
'''A.E. Wilson Park''' has the Northern entry point to the Devonian Pathway. There are many path intersections in this area, making it great for short walks. The park has the widest points in the creek on the North side of Wascana Lake. It is home to the Jack Hamilton Arena and Rick Hansen Optimist Playground.
'''Douglas Park''' houses the Canada Games Athletic Complex and Leibel Field.
Sport
'''Saskatchewan Roughriders''', [http://www.riderville.com/]. Regina is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team of the Canadian Football League. The team's loyal fans are known for prominent displays of the team's colours, green and white, especially through their tradition of carving fake football helmets out of watermelons. Home base is Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, located at North Railway Street.
'''Regina Pats''', [http://www.reginapats.com/]. The Regina Pats are the world's oldest major junior hockey franchise in existence, beginning play in 1917. The Pats are four time Memorial Cup champions and have produced NHL vetrans such as Doug Wickenhiser, Clark Gillies, Brad Stuart, Barrett Jackman, Derek Morris and Josh Harding. The Pats play at the Brandt Centre formally known as the Agridome.
Golf
There are many public golf courses throughout the Regina area. The Royal Regina is a semi-private course and Wascana Golf & Country Club is members only. Joanne Goulet, Tor Hill & the Murray are all municipal courses. The city also runs a par 3 course at Lakeview. The surrounding area boasts championship courses at Deer Valley Estates and Emerald Park.
Shows
Regina is home to many performing arts venues.
''' Casino Regina and Show Lounge''', Broad Street and Saskatchewan Drive, [http://www.casinoregina.com/]. Casino Regina is in a beautiful historic train station. With almost 2 million visitors every year, it's Saskatchewan's top tourist draw.
''' The Distrikt''', [http://www.thedistriktonline.com/], a nightclub located at 1326 Hamilton Street in the warehouse district, where many an independent band has played. Formerly known as The State, Channel One, The Venue, and the Schnitzel House.
''' Conexus Arts Centre''', [http://www.conexusartscentre.ca/] located on Lakeshore Drive in Wascana Park. Many big-name artists play here. Formerly known as the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts, it seats 2,033
''' The Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society''', 2431 8th Avenue in the warehouse district, [http://www.sces.ca/]. Operates two venues: The Exchange, a 240-capacity club (complete with bar and Ms. Pac-Man machine) and The Club, a smaller venue. There are usually several acts per night, and range from independent bands to comedians to visual artists. Admission is usually under $10 or free.
'''The Globe Theatre''', at the corner of Scarth Street and 11th Avenue ''in the Prince Edward Building, upstairs from the Old City Hall Mall'', [http://www.globetheatrelive.com/]. It is a 100-seat venue for plays and intimate concerts.
Movies
Going to movies is a popular pastime in Regina.
Cinema
''' Cineplex Odeon''', located in the Southland Mall, [http://www.cineplex.com/].
'''Galaxy Cinemas''', 420 McCarthy Boulevard North in the Normanview Shopping Center.
Cheap Theatres
These are theatres that show movies after their main theatrical run at a discount. Tickets are usually under $5.
''' Rainbow Cinemas''', [http://www.rainbowcinemas.ca/about.php?theatre=Regina&b=Rainbow_Cinemas/] are located in the Golden Mile Shopping Center. Has "Toonie Tuesdays", when tickets are just $2.
Independent Theatre
''' Regina Public Library Film Theatre''', 2311 12th Avenue,[http://www.reginalibrary.ca/filmtheatre/index.html/]. Usually screens a different film every 2 nights, Wednesday through Sunday.
Do
Annual Attractions
'''Downtown Ice & Fire Winter Carnival''' (February 15-18).Winter Carnival activities include snow sculptures in Victoria Park, evening lantern procession and a masquerade ball.
'''RCMP Sergeant Major's Parade''' (year round). A demonstration of the inspection of the troops, followed by a march through the Parade Square or the Drill Hall. The Sergeant Major's Parade occurs Mon to Fri at 12:50PM, statuatory holidays excluded. RCMP Depot Division [http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/depot/index_e.htm]
'''RCMP Sunset Retreat Ceremonies''' (July - August). Colourful 45 minute ceremony centered around the lowering of the Canadian Flag. Features RCMP Cadet Band and Cadet Troops wearing the traditional scarlet tunic of the world-renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Also in attendance uniformed members mounted on horses and carrying lances. RCMP Depot Division [http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/depot/index_e.htm]
'''Canadian Western Agribition'''[http://www.agribition.com/] (November 21-26). Canada's premiere agriculture show and marketplace with over 4000 livestock on display including cattle, horses, bison, llama, sheep, and goats. Highlights: 14 breeds purebred beef cattle, Canadian Cowboys' Association Finals Rodeo, light and draft horse events, grain and forage events, agri-trade/technology and western craft trade show, stock dog trials, Agri-Ed showcase, food fair and daily entertainment.
'''Regina Farmers Market''' (March - December).Members of the market make, bake or grow their wares. The market offers the freshest fruit and vegetables, bison, lamb, tastiest breads, cookies, and original crafts and treats around. May to mid-Oct Wed 9:30AM-1PM., Sa 9AM-1PM.; mid-Oct to mid-Dec, Sa 9AM-1PM.
'''Buffalo Days'''[http://www.buffalodays.ca/] (August 1 - 6).The biggest summer fair in the province, featuring something for all ages - free stages, food, midway, exhibits and much more. Buffalo Days parade, home decor, pancake breakfast, Equifest, downtown activities.
'''Regina International Fringe Theatre Festival''' (July 10 - 13). Theatre lovers and performers will come from across the province and around the world for the festival running concurrent with Buffalo Days. Fringe is cutting edge entertainment bringing together performers and audiences in a fun, safe and exploratory environment.
'''Connect'''[http://www.connectfestival.ca/] - Yearly electronic music festival that can be found just outside of the Regina area.
'''Cathedral Village Arts Festival'''[http://www.cathedralartsfestival.ca/] - Annual celebration of the arts, located in Cathedral Village.
Buy
Eclectic, locally-owned shops and boutiques can be found clustered in the pedestrian-friendly '''Cathedral Village''' [http://www.shopthevillage.ca/] or '''Old Warehouse District''' [http://www.oldwarehousedistrict.com/].
Visitors to Regina will also find all the indoor shopping malls and big box power centres endemic to most North American cities:
'''The Southland Mall''', in the south end of the city at the corner of Albert and Gordon. Anchored by Walmart and has a Cineplex Odeon [http://www.cineplex.com] movie theatre.
'''The Cornwall Center''', located at Scarth Street and 11th Avenue, is anchored by Sears and The Bay, two upscale department stores. It is located downtown in the middle of most of the city's office space. For this reason parking is difficult and expensive. Covered raised walkways connect this mall to Casino Regina, and The Delta Hotel. Immediately south are '''Scarth Street Mall''' and '''Old City Hall''' two pedestrian-only shopping centers.
'''Golden Mile Shopping Centre''', located on Albert Street and 25th Avenue. Anchored by Extra Foods supermarket and Urban Planet retail store.
'''The Normanview Mall''' has a Galaxy Cinemas [http://www.cineplex.com] movie theater.
The North West commercial area anchored by Walmart, Superstore, Home Depot and Sobeys. Do not attempt if you are not driving.
The '''"Vic East"''' commercial area anchored by Walmart, Superstore, Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot and '''Victoria Square Shopping Center''' on Victoria Avenue East. Do not attempt without a car.
Eat
Saskatchewan is known for the largest per-capita ratio of restaurants to citizens, so there is a wide variety of places to choose from. Regina's downtown alone has approximately seventy eating establishments. Aside from the regular chains, here is a list of local favorites:
Local
''' The Free House''', Albert Street, [http://www.thefreehouse.com/]. A popular spot for a tasty lunch or for chilling out in the evening. Popular with the office and university crowd, the food and service are excellent, but you may find it a little too busy at certain times of the day.
The Crushed Grape Wine & Food Bar: 2118 Robinson St is a new addition to the Cathedral village neighbourhood, one of Regina's most interesting and eclectic areas. The restaurant offers a wide variety of wine choices, an excellent (if small) menu and a very cozy atmosphere.
''' Zest Restaurant''', 2903 Powerhouse Dr., [http://www.zestrestaurant.ca]. Another new addition to Regina's casual fine dining scene. Located in the Saskatchewan Science Centre, the modern dining room offers eclectic cuisine mixing local and exotic flavours. The menu is complemented by a concise, but exciting wine list. Chef Rob Fuller's signature dessert, Sticky Toffee Pudding, is a must-try experience.
''' La Bodega Tapas Bar and Grill''', 2228 Albert Street, [http://www.mbistro.ca/]. Offers an good array of dinner and appetizer items that rise far above the usual fare. It also offers a large selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as a diverse and reasonably priced martini list.
'''Willow''' Wascana St. A bit pricey, but the food is fabulous.
Japanese
'''Neo Japonica''', [http://www.rga-biz.com/neojaponica/], the ultimately authentic Japanese restaurant, is one of the few places in Regina that is consistently endorsed by national reviewers.
For those who don't have the cash to go completely authentic, a few other Japanese restaurants have cropped up lately that are also quite good. They include:
'''Hanabi'''.
'''Michi Sushi'''.
'''Teppanyaki'''.
Pizza
Food in Regina cannot be mentioned without pizza. "Regina-style" pizza is typically cut into small squares and has thick layers of crust, sauce, cheese and toppings. There are lots of great pizza options. The larger local chains are:
''' Western Pizza''', [http://www.western-pizza.com/] has a pizza sauce with kick and heaps on the toppings. WP franchises have recently opened up in Alberta and British Columbia.
'''Houston Pizza''' has 6 locations in Regina and 1 in Moose Jaw. It piles on even more toppings than Western, try their Special Loaded.
''' Trifon's Pizza''', [http://www.trifonspizza.com/home.htm/]. Has 11 locations throughout the city. It serves a more traditional pizza, as well.
'''Vern's Pizza''', 4245 Rochdale Boulevard. It also has franchises in Alberta. Known for a "wall of meat" toppings approach.
''' Copper Kettle''', [http://www.ckpizza.com/ckr/pages/index.php] For a different taste try the spinach & feta pizza.
The Houston and Copper Kettle were featured on the Canadian Food Network's The Great Canadian Food Show
Drink
For those looking to check out a bar or night club in the evening, Regina's Old Warehouse district is the place to be.
There are at least 6 bars and clubs on Dewdney Ave between Albert and Broad street, with more bars within walking distance down both Albert and Broad, including the excellent Bushwakker Brew Pub [http://www.bushwakker.com/]
O'Hanlons pub [http://www.myspace.com/ohanlons/] on Scarth Street stands out from the Dewdney bars, though. Friday night usually features a few bands, and Saturday night is the infamous Dance Party. Plus, there's no bloody cover charge ever!
Sleep
Regina Wingate .
Best Western Seven Oaks. 77 Albert Street. egina Saskatchewan. 06-575-0121. ttp://www.bestwesternsevenoaks.com. :00p.m.. 1:30a.m.. 125.00. Located just 10 minutes from Regina_fs International Airport and 5 minutes from downtown Regina. 157 guest rooms, including 5 suites that feature extra room.
Our Indoor Sea slide Courtyard pool is fun for everyone, featuring a heated swimming pool and 240-foot water slide for all guests to enjoy. Has the only Ricky_fs Restaurant and Lounge in town just down the hall from your guest room; a great place for a quiet conversation or a late night snack.
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Hostels
'''HI-Regina Turgeon International Hostel''', 2310 McIntyre Street, ''+306'' 791-8165, fax ''+1 306'' 721-2667, [http://www.hihostels.ca/Saskatchewan/en/index.aspx?sortcode=2.0]. Regina's only backpackers' hostel is in an historic home near Wascana Centre. Beds start at $20.50 per night.
Hotels and motels
Regina offers several major chains of hotels and motels, including the '''Hotel Saskatchewan''', which is operated by the Radisson hotel chain and is one block south of the Scarth Street Mall (which is immediately south of Cornwall Centre). In Saskatchewan, an ordinary motel room is frequently called a "light housekeeping suite."
Bed and Breakfasts
Staying at bed and breakfasts is a great way to meet local people. Prices in Regina start at $70 for single and $85 for double occupancy.
'''Dragon's Nest''', [http://www.bbcanada.com/dragonsnest] in the Cathedral Village neighbourhood is in a beautifully restored century home. Its proprietors are '''feng shui''' experts who also run retreats on their property.
Get out