A Smoky Morning

The boys and I dragged our feet and collapsed off the dock into the boat. Still too tired to function. The old man had a childish smile on his face as he gave the pull-start a yank and let the engine purr back to life. The boat was going in a north-easterly direction, headed towards an area we skipped the day prior. I looked towards the horizon, and commented on how smoky it looked up that ways. One of the boys mentioned that ‘Smoky the Bear’ must be slacking off. We chuckled and continued driving ahead. We had heard reports of forest fires getting pretty nasty way up North but that we were in the clear. Good thing too, as we had some fish to catch.

Trolling, Trolling, Trolling, Rawhide

We started the morning off with some serious trolling, which for you non-fishermen, is when you drag your lines through the water while the boat is gently moving through the waters. You cover more territory this way, and have to cast less, the perfect type of fishing while recovering from a mild hangover. We trolled for maybe 15 minutes when the fish woke up. We began pulling out fish after fish, finding the occasional hot spot where we’d stop for some casting. The fish were practically jumping in our boat. And who could blame them, we had cold beer, a full bag of Sunflower seeds, and a great sense of humour.

Underwater wishes and northern pike fishes

My underwater camera proved useful for fishing. Whenever we’d get a bite, someone would reach for the camera and try to snap a picture or video of the whole event, and if possible, a picture of the battle underwater. We were lucky to get a few good shots. However I should give props to the clear waters up North too. Most of the fishing done in lakes elsewhere would be way too murky to grab a photo of anything but algae.

Lake McLennan Waterfalls

Vince and Tamara, the owners and operators of Bears Camp, mentioned that there were waterfalls nearby. Saskatchewan Waterfalls just has the ring of an oxymoron. But we went along with it, expecting to find some sign laughing at us, or maybe just a small drainage pipe from a nearby cabin. After tripping over a couple of fallen trees, we heard the hiss of water falling and the recognizable splash caused by waterfalls. Holy crap, they weren’t kidding. They’re no Niagra Falls, but this is is photographic proof that Saskatchewan is not flat. Well, not completely.

She’s Gonna Be Cold

We made our way back onto the lake and caught some more fish, had a couple laughs as a few got away. My hangover was just about gone. Knowing perfectly well that cold water almost instantly cures hangovers, I notioned to a nearby crop of rocks. “It’s time”, I told my Dad. He laughed and pulled into a bay where some rocks dropped off into about 12 feet of water. I climbed out of the boat gently and watched as my brothers followed behind. “She’s gonna be cold” yelled the old man. I laughed nervously. I jumped from the edge giving one semi-girlish scream before entering the cold waters of Lake McLennan.

A Cold Dip in the Lake

The cold water stole my breathe, my survival skills kicked in. Don’t breathe in yet, too cold. I began treading water, my temperature cooled, but my breathe came back. Now to just let my body adjust to the water. My older brother Logan jumped in and soaked me, the splash on my face was incredibly cold. We laughed and egged our youngest brother to give’r a go. He laughed and called us idiots, and chose to continue fishing instead. We harassed him until our chattering teeth wouldn’t let us speak anymore. He then brought up what Vince had said about the “One Inch Lake”. He got the last laugh. This time.

Race to the Rocky Island

Logan and I saw a small rocky island in the middle of the lake. We hollered to the old man, “We’re swimming for it”. He laughed, probably preparing to drag at least one body out of the water. Through luck, fate, or possibly our healthy diet (not likely), we both managed to make it to the rocky island. The old man maneuvered the 16 foot tin water chariot close enough to the island that we could step off the rocky ledge, back onto our seats. We swiftly grabbed our towels and a beer. Hangover cured.

The Best Shore Lunch. Ever

It was getting close to 1:00pm when all the bellies on board were loudly telling us that food would be appreciated. We met up with Erik’s boat, the old man’s comrade, and yelled “Shore Lunch”. We followed Erik’s boat to a secluded firepit near a slow moving river and a bearproof cabin. The old man cleaned fish as I dangled my feet from the small bridge that crossed the river. I complimented on the finished fillets. “Nice cutting pops.” I said. He replied in his farmers accent, something he’ll never shake,”This ain’t my first rodeo.”

Butterflies are too manly!

Hot dogs were brought out of the food cooler, along with all the condiments. Ketchup, mustard, and relish, each a necessity for any good fishing trip. We breaded some more fish, buttered a skillet, tossed it on the fire and let the fish cook as we roasted hot dogs and inhaled trail mix by the handful. While the fish was finishing, I did a quick walk around the old bearproof cabin and managed to find a butterfly who was willing to do a photo-op with me. I walked back to the fire, and devoured some of the tastiest Northern Pike and Lake Trout I’d ever consumed.

Last Sunset in Northern SK

We managed to get a few more hours of fishing in before the sun began its descent into the clear glass-like waters of Northern Saskatchewan. We would be leaving early the next morning back to Regina, so we had lots of packing and cleaning up to do. We took a few pictures, watched the sunset in the middle of the lake, and enjoyed the peace and quiet that this remote part of Canada has to offer.

Henry David Thoreau once said “Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” I think those words tie our little adventure together perfectly. We met some great people, who found a passion, followed it, and now call it their life. We made some great memories, escaped the day to day routine, and had a few laughs. It’s memories like this that make fishing what it is.

Check out Bears Camp at Lake McLennan, Saskatchewan, for more information on fishing, boating, and experiencing an affordable Northern getaway.

Why Lake McLennan?

The Arrival at Bears Camp

The valuable Old man

Sunset in Northern Saskatchewan

Wake up, we’re going fishing!

Sunny Day for fishing

Oh BBQ, how I love you.

Campfires, Beers, and conversations with a local

Check out Bears Camp at Lake McLennan, Saskatchewan, for more information on fishing, boating, and experiencing an affordable Northern getaway.

It’s been over a decade since I’ve spent any significant amount of time in Northern Saskatchewan. Through luck, fate, or just sheer coincidence, my Dad and two brothers and I have all managed to find enough time off to make the 12 hour drive up north to McLennan Lake for some fishing, camping, and some good old fashion wholesome outdoor activities. Chances are  I’ll be incommunicado during this time, but should hopefully have something very Saskatchewan-ish to show by the end of the week.

In the mean-time I’d like to introduce you to Crabman. One of my familys cats. He enjoys escaping from our house and wandering into neighbours houses for naps.

The roadtrip

30 minutes out of the city

License and registration, please

High fives

You don’t have to live like a refugee

There’s so much room for activities!

Cypress hills is a great place for outdoor activities. During the summer months (June to September) you’ve got your pick at dozens of hiking trails in Alberta and Saskatchewan. If hiking  gives you a case of the yawns, pick up a bike and hit some of the dozens of biking trails, from beginner to intermediate, to even a few expert trails. If you find working up a serious sweat isn’t your thing, you could always slow things down with some of the many Interpretive Hiking Trails, which will point out important landmarks and teach you about the local flora and fauna.  During winter, dust off those cross-country ski’s, proceed with your worst impression of “wax on, wax off” and strap in for a work out and a good time!

The wild? Are you nuts?

If you’re amped up on crazy, and obsessed with getting pictures of animals in the wild, you’ll be happy to hear that Cypress Hills is home to Elk, White Tail, Mule Deer, Moose, Rainbow and Brook trout (bring your fishing rod) and even cougars, North America’s largest and most badass wild cat found on this continent. Keep in mind, 3 of those listed animals have the ability to kill you, and coincidentally each are on my list of 10 Ways to Die in Canada. So just be smart out there.

Pitch a tent!

There are plenty of campgrounds to go around, both on the Saskatchewan side and on the Alberta side of Cypress Hills. Prices typically range from $21 for non electrical campsites and up to $32 for full service campsites. (More Camping Costs) You’ve got a huge variety of choices here, so if you’ve got time, and want to familiarize yourself with the campgrounds, take a drive and see what each has to offer.

• For Cypress Hills, Alberta campgrounds call (403) 893-3782 or reserve a site online
• For Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan campgrounds call (306) 662-5484

Camping in the upper-class

If tenting brings about thoughts of uncomfortable sleeping, creepy crawlies, and a sore back in the morning, there are a few other options. Cypress Hills has a couple different resorts you can stay with. In Alberta, there is the Elkwater Lake Lodge & Resort, and in Saskatchewan there is Cypress Park Resort Inn. There is also several Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Ranches where you can kick up your pampered feet after a long day.

Cypress Hills has got the wildlife, it’s got all the camping you could ask for, it’s got some of the most amazing sights and sounds in the area, the only thing missing from this picture is you. This magnificent park is located in the perfect spot to give your wheels a rest during the 8 hour drive between Calgary and Regina. It’s the perfect spot for a long weekend camping trip or a quick day trip on your way through. Whatever your reason for visiting, it gives you some great views of the rolling hills of Alberta, and the flatlands of Saskatchewan, and makes you appreciate this part of Canada so much more.

The most popular tourist attractions in Moose Jaw are the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, The Western Development Museum, Casino Moose Jaw, Murals of Moose Jaw, and the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, which sort of plays the victim and the perpetrator in this trial. I’m not discrediting Moose Jaw’s interesting past, however I do feel people have the right to know about certain half-truths the Tunnels of Moose Jaw use to lure in curious tourists.

A little history of the Moose Jaw tunnels

In the early 1900’s the majority of the large buildings in Moose Jaw were being heated by steam. Engineers who looked after this heating system in the basements decided to create a network of tunnels linking the buildings together, so they can easily move themselves and their equipment from building to building without freezing in them gosh darn cold prairie winters.

During this time, many Chinese immigrants had begun to arrive in Moose Jaw to work for very low wages. In order to survive off their poor wages, the immigrants adopted the tunnel system as living quarters and workplaces which were cheap to run, and hidden from the occasional hostile populace.

What hostile populace? Well for a brief period Moose Jaw was the centre of the Ku Klux Klan in Saskatchewan. The first KKK rally being held on June 7, 1927, with 400+ members attending. The last rally was held on October 26, 1927, shortly after organizer Hugh Emmons was arrested. At the time, bigotry was in.

Once prohibition started, Moose Jaw became the capitol for the distribution of bootleg liquor both in Canada and in the US of A. The Soo Line Railroad which goes to Chicago was the vessel for the majority of the international distribution of the booze. With all this illegal activity going on, Moose Jaw earned the nickname “Little Chicago”. More and more illegal enterprises began popping up within the network of tunnels. Speakeasies, casinos, and brothels all at one point found their own area to sell their services. When prohibition was ended, the tunnels fell into disuse, until over time the tunnels were nearly forgotten. Many were filled in or blocked off by new construction.

Creative Commons Attribution daryl_mitchell

A Tourist Attraction Is Created

Decades later an elaborate tourist attraction was created in what remains of the tunnels using live actors and animatronics to give tourists a look into the past of this era of “Little Chicago”. They call the attraction The Tunnels of Moose Jaw. The story they tell however, is in fact based on a bit of a lie that leaves my mouth tasting a little sour.

The Tunnels of Moose Jaw claim that the infamous 1920’s original gangster ‘Al Capone’ hung out in Moose Jaw during these sketchy times. I’ve been on the tour a couple times as a kid, once on an elementary school trip, and I remember somewhere along the line you get to enter the “supposed” office of Al Capone, where he held secret meetings with associates. As a child I took this for fact, and thought, “Woah, Moose Jaw’s badass.” Which it is and all, but this tourist attraction is selling a lie. There is no proof whatsoever that Al Capone ever visited Moose Jaw. His name has never turned up in old hotel registries, and not a single person has brought out their old photo album to show the crime boss hanging out anywhere in Moose Jaw. If you dig deep enough the only thing you’ll find is six personal accounts of people who claim to have met the mobster Al Capone in Moose Jaw.

If personal accounts from people were fact, then Extra Terrestrials, Angels, Unicorns, Leprechauns, Santa Claus, Gnomes, Trolls, and Fairies would all be real. I think what really gets my goat the most about this obvious stretch of a few personal accounts, is that the Tunnels of Moose Jaw have these witness accounts on their website under ‘History‘, and the fact that they bring School Groups into the tunnels to learn. Seems to me that they’re selling a piece of false-history. Not cool guys. I feel like this place is serving an empty plate for hungry tourists, and likely making a killing in the mean-time. According to Tunnels of Moose Jaw, they receive over 100 000 visitors per year. I’m no math wiz, but at $14.00 a pop, they can’t be hurting.

The Real Gangsters of Moose Jaw

It’s not like Moose Jaw doesn’t have it’s fair share of memorable proven historical figures to use. Take Annie Hobert for example, she was the owner of the Railway Restaurant in the 1890’s and operated 24 hours a day to accommodate passengers of the Canadian Pacific railway. During this time hard liquor was banned in Moose Jaw, which at the time was part of the North West Territories. So Annie begins making regular round trips on the train to Winnipeg where she used her long skirts and petticoats to hide her custom fitted rubber bags filled with moonshine, which she brought back for her thirsty patrons.

Annie Hobert began making a killing, and soon began smuggling more and more. She began to dress up kegs of whiskey to pass as sleeping babies, then moved on to masking crates of alcohol to resemble plain old commodities, such as flour or beans. Everything was going according to plan for a while. That is until a crate took a spill and she was busted. She paid her fine and retired in Manitoba.

Mobsters and gangsters were likely in Moose Jaw at one point or another, however if Godfather taught me anything, it’s that The Boss Hog himself would not risk being caught up in some petty crimes just to visit “Little Chicago”. That’s what henchmen are for. Duh!

Moose Jaw is an interesting town, it has some quaint shops, and old buildings, some cool museums, and is a good place to get a dose of the history of the prairies. I just feel that this stretched truth has gotten out of control. Go to Moose Jaw, and heck, check out the Tunnels for yourself, they are neat and entertaining, just know that what you’re seeing is a scripted theatrical performance based on fictional events.

This national historic site has some great stories to tell. In 1899 over 7400 Russian Doukhobors immigrated to Canada to take their claim of the Canadian government promise of land and religious freedom. The Doukhobors were persecuted in Russia for their beliefs. They completely rejected the secular government, the Russian Orthodox priests, icons, and all church rituals. Their pacifist beliefs led to an exodus to Canada. One of the coolest facts of all is that Leo Tolstoy, famous writer (War and Peace, Anna Karenina) was one of the main benefactors of the Doukhobors journey, along with the Society of Friends. Well worth the day trip out there, be sure to check out the cemetery and take in the museums and period-style furnished houses. Show up around lunch for free home-made Doukhobor baking.

Verigin is located 50km North East of Yorkton, and 10 km west of Kamsack. Well worth the drive

3 Reasons to Check Veregin Out:

• Great history and stories of the Doukhobors
• Awesome Statue of Leo Tolstoy and great view of the prairies
• Can’t go wrong with the price ($5)

Outdoor Adventure in Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Home to surfers, hippies, eco-activists, and people just looking to let their hair down. Hands down, Tofino is the best place in Canada to surf. Tofino is a youthful town with plenty things to do, from kayak tours, whale watching tours, hiking trails, and some of great swimming beaches. It’s a great place to spend a week or two and shows just how beautiful Vancouver Island is.

3 Reasons to check it out:

• Canada’s best surfing
• Massive and beautiful beaches
• Cool cafes

Hike and Camp in Glacier National Park, British Columbia

Visit during the summer or winter to experience some of the best views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are some amazing hidden hiking trails here, and three locations for camping. The Glacier National Park area is dense with lush forests, however it is prone to avalanches and the occasional rock slides. Glacier National Park is also a critical habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including the mountain caribou, mountain goat, and grizzly bear. Despite the dangers, a drive or a hike through this area will take your breathe away any time of the year.

3 Reasons to check it out:

• Great camping
• Over 400 glaciers continue to sculpt the landscape
• Crystal clear rivers

1. Craven Country Jamboree

Craven Country Jamboree is Canada’s longest running multi-day music festival. Known locally as just “Craven”, this unique festival is located on the same plot of land for 25 years, smack-dab in the middle of the Qu’Appelle Valley. 23,500 fans flock to the small town of Craven, Saskatchewan to catch four days of some of the worlds best Country Music.

The 2009 lineup included George Strait, Taylor Swift, Clint Black, Kellie Pickler, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Charlie Daniels Band. Whether you’re into Country Music or not, if you like drinking (heavily), you’ll fit in just fine here. Don’t forget to bring a cowboy hat, a tent you have no sentimental feelings about, and a few cases of Pilsner.

Check out Craven’s website and watch for the 2010 lineup being announced soon.

Photo by Tim Wiest

2. Regina Folk Fest

Come the 2nd weekend of August, downtown Regina’s Victoria Park is flooded with 20, 000 people seeking to catch a glimpse of their favourite folk and indie bands. This festival has been going on for over 40 years, and in recent years has been scoring some huge names in the indie/folk scene. Recently they were able to get Blue Rodeo, Michael Franti, Iron & Wine, Bedouin Soundclash, Steve Earle, Feist, Nihaz, Buck 65 and many more. Tickets are relatively cheap considering how many bands you’re able to see, and when the music isn’t playing there are countless workshops you can attend, along with children’s activities going on to keep every member of the family entertained.

Check out the Regina Folk Fest website for more information.

3. Hot Summer Days at the Lake

Those who have never been to Canada have a strange assumption that’s it’s always cold up here. Toss in a unfamiliar province name like Saskatchewan, and within one sentence you’ve gone from being a regular guy or girl to being an expert in Igloo and Quinzhee Design.(Read How to build an Igloo) Fact of the matter is, come summer time, this place get’s hot. Between the months of June and September, the weather in Saskatchewan will stay well above 30 degrees Celsius  for weeks on end, and occasionally make it all the way up to 40. With over 100,000 lakes scattered across this square shaped province, you’re sure to find somewhere close by to cool off.

If your staying in Regina, you’re best bet is to check out Last Mountain Lake. It’s roughly 40 km North West of Regina. This lake is 70 km long, and only 2 km wide at it’s widest portions. Local favourites of Last Mountain Lake include Regina Beach, Grandview Beach, and Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park, which has a marina for boaters and sea-dooers, a full service campground, a small restaurant, and every campers favourite…mini golf.

4. Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding in the Prairies

The thought of downhill skiing or snowboarding in the prairies has boggled the mind of many a non-flat-landers alike. “How is it downhill if it’s always flat?” – Glad you asked Kemo Sabe – Saskatchewan is home to thousands of valleys and hills, some of which are large enough to ski or snowboard down. The demand for winter activities in Saskatchewan has caused several Ski Resorts to pop up around Saskatchewan. Including Mission Ridge, 40 Minutes from Regina (near Fort Qu’Appelle),  Wapiti, located north of the of Melfort, and Table Mountain Regional Park, located 16km west of Battleford.

I’ve personally been going to Mission Ridge for years. It gets a good amount of snow, occasionally icy, but that’s to be expected given Saskatchewan’s climate. It’s home to several rails, boxes, kickers, and a half pipe. These little ski resorts are cheap compared to the lift tickets in the Rockies, and if you’re just getting started, or need to keep the “itch” at bay until your next trip to the Rockies, they’re the perfect choice.

5. Pond Hockey / Shinny

Located in just about every city or town in Saskatchewan is a pond, lake, stream, river, or something that will freeze over by winter. Rent, borrow, or steal some skates and a hockey stick, and you’ve made the cut to one of Saskatchewans favourite winter pastimes. The trick to getting a good Pond Hockey game going is to either wait until the Ceremonial Stick Throwing, or start your own pile and scream “Shinny!“.  The Ceremonial Stick Throwing is where all participants throw their sticks into a pile. One blindfolded pond hockey player then kneels in front of the large pile of hockey sticks, and begins throwing one to the left, one to the right. One to the left, and one to the right. And repeat. Once all of the sticks are gone; the teams are made. Retrieve your stick and commence getting your “Game On.”

Saskatchewan has a superb habit of having very clear winter nights. There isn’t really anything like looking up from a hockey rink into a starlit sky. The sound of skates tearing into the ice, pucks hitting sticks, the sight of your breathe leaving your mouth, and the cold feeling you get in your lungs once you inhale. Sooth your frozen aching feet with a warm cup of mocha and you’ve got yourself a perfect Saskatchewan evening.

6. Saskatchewan Roughriders

Throwing the ol’ pig skin around isn’t just an American thing. In fact, the CFL (Canadian Football League) is one of the most followed leagues in Canada, next to the NHL. This surge in popularity, along with our passion for drinking & partying, has earned ‘Rider Fans a reputation amongst other cities. Whether your in it for for sport, the heritage, or just an excuse to slap an emptied watermelon on your head and hammer back a dozen beers, you’ll find somewhere to fit in amongst the masses of Rider Nation. The Saskatchewan Roughriders play their home games at Mosaic Stadiums Taylor Field, located in downtown Regina. Be sure to show up a few hours ahead of the game for the pre-game entertainment, and remember to cheer loud as you walk down the Green mile.

I’m sure if I thought hard enough I could come up with a few other reasons, but six is my favourite number, so stopping here just feels right. The idea for this post came from the many conversations I’ve had with people who know absolutely nothing about Saskatchewan aside from it being flat. Hopefully this will give you something to talk about next time you run into somebody from Saskatchewan. Just a tip: Scream “RIDERS” or “CRAVEN” to any group of drunks to make instant friends. 60% of the time, it works every time.

My favourite skit the Gemini’s did a couple years back

Turgeon International Hostel – HI Hostel

This is the only hostel found in Regina, so be sure to book ahead. The hostel is a converted old Victoria House, designated a Municipal Heritage Property, with all the old creaks you would expect to find in a 100 year old home. It is located right downtown, with 2 hour street parking right in front, and parking all night until 10:00am. Free parking can be found a few blocks away as well. Keep in mind, all parking is free in Regina on weekends and after 5:00pm. One block from the Turgeon International Hostel is the picturesque Wascana Park, which I highly recommend.

The hostel offers private rooms, a family room, and the infamous dorimtory style accommodation one can expect in any hostel. The Turgeon has showers, a TV lounge, dining area, laundry facilities, lockers, free internet, library, and a good sized self-catering kitchen which is fully equipped for your cooking needs. The hostel is open from February 1st to December 23rd. Check-in hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., extended hours in July and August.

2310 McIntyre Street
Regina, SK S4P 2S2
(306) 791-8160

Wascana Park

Wascana Park is easily one of the most beautiful parks you’ll find in any city across Canada. Wascana Park was officially established in the early 60’s. The park is 9.3 square kilometres (2300 acres) large. The park has a unique location, in that it brings together buildings owned by the City of Regina, University of Regina, and the Province of Saskatchewan. The park was designed by the Seattle architect Minoru Yamasaki, famous for the design of the original World Trade Center in New York. The name “Wascana” is derived from the Cree word “Oscana”, which translates to “pile of bones”. In reference to the bison bones scattered around Wascana Creek before this area was populated by non-indigenous peoples.

Wascana Park is proud to house many amenities for Park go-ers. A large Waterfowl Park provides refuge for ducks, geese, and many other birds. Take a walk to the North Shore of Wascana Lake, where you’ll find one of a few Speakers Corners in Canada. Surrounded by gas lamps brought in from London, it’s hard to miss. There are a handfuls of museums and art galleries around the park, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, the Norman MacKenzie Art Gallery, the Conexus Arts Centre, the Provincial Legislative Building (known locally as the Ledge), Darke Hall Theatre and Concert venue, as well as many other historic buildings. Canoeing and Kayaking can still be done on Wascana Lake during the summer. Throughout the summer there are several concerts and festivals held within the park. Easily worth a day of checking out.

Casino Regina

Fancy yourself a gambler? Stop by Casino Regina, a converted Union Station, where trains ran up until 1990. The casino houses over 800 slot machines, 35 game tables, 8 table poker room and an 800 seat show lounge. There are also regularly scheduled Union Station historic tours. The building still contains old railway police jail cells within the basement that were used for transporting prisoners, as well as evidence of a tunnel representing a system of underground passages which apparently stretch a handful of blocks east of Casino Regina and south all the way to Hotel Saskatchewan. Many believe they were used for illegal activities years back, likely for rum running during prohibition. Drop some money and check it out, or if gambling isn’t your cup of tea, check out one of the many acts in the Show Lounge. Well worth an evening out.

Ice Skating in Downtown Victoria Park

If you happen to find yourself in Regina during the winter, which many people will tell you is suicide if you’re not acustom to the prairie winters, check out downtowns Victoria Park. The park turns into a massive skating rink, free for public use. The city does an amazing job with Christmas lights, decorations, as well as music. If the cold gets to be too much, take a walk to one of the many coffee shops downtown, and warm up to a hot cup of cider, coffee, or tea. Or head down Scarth Street, a beautiful walking-only street full of shops and pubs. Check out Beer Brothers for a huge selection of Beer, or enjoy a pint while listening to some live music at O’Hanlons.

Local Watering Holes

As with any city, there are handfuls of different establishments where you can drink and dance the night away. For those looking to hit as many bars and clubs as possible in one night, the most sensible place would be to check out Dewdney Avenue in the Warehouse District. This street is literally lined with over 10 pubs, clubs and bars, all over the span of a few blocks. It has something for everyone. From hip-hop joints, to rock clubs, or just a quiet folk music night, you’re sure to find something to spark your eye. A cab ride from the hostel will cost you no more than 10 dollars to get here. Just tell the cab driver you’re heading to the Dewdney Bars.If you’re looking for a true Saskatchewan local bar, full of country music, large patios, karaoke and live music, head to the east end of town to The Pump. Easily one of the most popular bars in Regina. This place is packed from Thursday to Sunday. Stop by on Thirsty Thursdays  if you’re broke, $1 draft beer can keep you going until the end of the night.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Beer, Burgers, and Football. What could be better? If you’re in town during a home game, try your best to get some tickets, and cheer for the Riders. The city shuts down during games, thousands upon thousands of people, dressed from head to toe in green, flock to Mosaic Stadium as if it were Mecca. A unique experience everyone should try. If you have nothing green in your wardrobe, don’t worry about it. Lose the shirt, and find some cheap green body paint, or slap an empty watermelon on your head. You will only blend in more with these rowdy locals. Scream to your hearts content and help make Regina the loudest place to be that night.

RCMP Depot & Heritage Centre

Known all over the world as Mounties, commonly thought to always wear red jackets, black pants, and a wide brimmed hat (which in fact, they only do during Ceremonies). The RCMP Depot Divison (a.k.a The Acadamy) is found in Regina. If you came to Canada hoping you could get a picture with a Mountie, you’ll be happy to hear that this could be the place to snap that million dollar shot. The RCMP Heritage Centre was recently constructed in 2007, and beautifully houses a large number of historical pieces and exhibits which do an amazing job educating people on the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Admission will set you back $12.00 for adults, but is worth every penny.