The Queen’s City – Introducing Regina

Regina – named in honour of the monarchs and nicknamed the Queen’s City, and I met each other late in the afternoon… the skyline was definitely noteworthy amongst the flat backdrop, with its mix of heritage, modern, and your typical mid 50s-60s architecture. Though approximately the same size as Saskatoon, Regina has a totally different look and feel. Mind you, the population and housing boom has also found its place here… some property values have gone up as much as 50K in six months! Interestingly, I find myself liking both equally.

Regina is not home to a large river, but rather, to a man made reservoir, Wascana Lake. The lake is massive and many a festival, the Legislative Assembly, the Science Centre, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, and local marinas can be found on its shores. My B & B, the Dragon’s Nest, is just down the road from the lake in the historic Cathedral neighbourhood. My hosts, Rick & Denise are just amazing- pick-up/drop-off, a wealth of tips and ideas, and Rick’s breakfasts promise to be nothing but great… I have really lucked out!! That or have remarkable B & B selection skills… I am siding with luck. All of the rooms here are designed using the principles of Feng Shui and it is clear a lot of effort has gone into amassing the funky decor. Even as they finish an addition of a 3rd floor (normally renovations are a plague to guests/tourists… not here!), the Dragon’s Nest will serve as a most comfortable retreat.

I wrestled up some grub – a personal favourite and treat of Chicken Fingers and Fries – at a local family restaurant before hitting the road for a tour of the area. I discovered that football is KING of the summer sports world here in Regina, and perhaps even Saskatchewan. People love it! Everywhere I went, it was either on TV (even games where Sask. was not playing) or people were talking about their beloved Rough Riders. “This year is the year for the CUP!”… I was sad to discover that a game wasn’t scheduled until after my departure! Would have been fun…:).

I also noted in my wanderings downtown that much of Regina’s under 30 population can be attributed to the University of Regina or the RCMP – the RCMP academy is based here. I found myself pondering how the ‘Alberta Surge’ might effect the demographics of the city… but with both institutions having deep roots, it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere.

After my tour de la ville, I retired for the night. Tomorrow is Canada Day… I have read (Rick confirmed) that there is a large festival down by Wascana Lake. Rick also told me that the fireworks are done by a “guy who really know what he is doing!”. Sounds okay by me… am excited to check it all out!