Regina: Rediscover the Prairies

Surrounded by seemingly endless fields of wheat and other grains - Regina is the capital of the province of Saskatchewan, and is a stopover for many people travelling across Canada by road. Regina is a centre of commerce and finance and a very interesting city with a thriving cultural scene, and many historically significant places of interest. Upon hearing of the flat prairie that surrounds this city; some people may get the impression that a visit here would be a rather dull experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. To see the land that goes as far as the eye can see, without a solitary tree in sight, is something that really does have to be witnessed, to be truly appreciated. In addition to that the sunrises and sunsets are phenomenal,and the night sky, when clear, has more stars than seems possible. The daytime sky looks huge, and the cloud formations are magnificent.

Skyline of Regina with Wascana Lake

Cree First Nations originally inhabited the area of Regina. They used the side of the creek to process and butcher the bison they hunted, and left the remains. The hunters' camp that grew next to the creek was called Pile O' Bones because of this. The settlement became known as Wascana, after the Cree word Oskana, and was given this name by Captain John Palliser, when he explored the region. When the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived here in 1882, the settlement was renamed Regina (Latin for queen) in honour of Queen Victoria. The same year Regina was made the administrative headquarters for the North West Territories, which in those days covered a large part of Western Canada, in what is now Saskatchewan and Alberta. Regina was also the headquarters for the Northwest Mounted Police (later this became part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.) In 1905 the Province of Saskatchewan was formed, and Regina became the capital of the new province. Since then, although Regina has not grown to the extent of many other Canadian cities, it is a modern city with some excellent facilities. It is a major service centre for the grain industry, and has manufacturing and distribution facilities. It also is the administrative centre for Saskatchewan's oil and potash industry.

CLIMATE

A Golden Harvest in Saskatchewan

Summer on the prairies, although relatively short, is usually very pleasant. Long sunny days are the perfect time to enjoy the good leisure facilities in this city. There are many outdoor pools to provide relief, which is welcome as it can get quite hot. The Devonian Pathway follows Wascana Creek for 11 km (6.8 mi) and has a paved bicycle trail. In the winter months this is turned into a cross-country skiing trail. Despite the cold winters Regina has many indoor and outdoor winter leisure facilities. Curling is a particularly popular activity here. One of the most pleasant times to visit here has to be late summer and early fall. The grain is ripe then, and the expanse of golden grains reaching to the horizon is something memorable.





TRANSPORTATION

Regina has an excellent location on the Trans-Canada Highway so can easily be reached by road from all over North America. Long-distance bus routes also traverse Regina, and there is also a good bus system within Saskatchewan. Regina also has a good transit system. The Regina Airport has direct service from all major cities in western Canada, Toronto, and Minneapolis in the U.S., so there are worldwide connections available through these points. In addition there is regular air service to Saskatoon and some other towns within the province.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

The highlight of Regina is the Wascana Centre. This 2,300 acre park built around Wascana Lake is the largest of many city parks, most of which are next to Wascana Creek. The Wascana Centre is actually eight times bigger then the actual city centre of Regina which is directly north of the Centre. Within the park are many of the sights and attractions in Regina. These include the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and the Saskatchewan Centre for the Arts. The MacKenzie Art Gallery and the Saskatchewan Legislative Building are also here.

The Saskatchewn Legislative Building, Regina

The Saskatchewan Provincial Legislative Building is constructed in a fairly loose interpretation of the English Renaissance style. It is a fine building that is made even more impressive by its location in the Wascana Centre, and it is surrounded by 165 acres of landscaped gardens. The building was completed in 1919 for three million dollars, which was a lot of money in those days, and 34 kinds of marble were used in its construction. This is the seat of the Government of Saskatchewan. Within the building there are also changing displays of artwork, and the Native Heritage Gallery which contains a permanent collection of works by well-known Canadian artists. To the east of the main building is the Trafalgar Fountain that was placed in Trafalgar Square in London, England from 1845-1939, before being taken across the Atlantic to Regina.

	The Crest at the R.C.M.P. Museum, Regina

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Centennial Museum and Depot is one of Regina's better known attractions. The museum focuses on the history of the R.C.M.P. or the Mounties since it first headed west in 1874 and the phrase 'we always get our man' first came into being. Photos, uniforms, weapons and various artifacts tell the story of what is probably the most renowned law-enforcement agency in the world. Some fascinating facts are revealed concerning some of the Mounties more noteworthy, and sometimes notorious, cases. It is also possible to visit the training facilities for the R.C.M.P. cadets, and the barracks. This functional area is known as the Depot. Here you can see the lively and colourful Sergeant Major's Parade, and in summer the Sunset Ceremony - a drill of marching and drumming which takes place during the flag lowering. As the Mounties are perhaps Canada's best-known institution this will be one of the highlights of any trip to Regina.