Whether you’re enjoying a summer-long sabbatical from studies or just begging for a break between summer classes, it’s important to make the most of these sunny times. Before you know it we will wake up and it will be a frigid fall or we’ll be walloped by winter. Here are some ideas for how to soak in those Saskatchewan summer vibes
Visit our city’s parks
If you’ve only got a bit of time off use it to find a favourite spot in one of the many parks that populate our city. There’s plenty of room to roam around Wascana Park, which offers lots of relaxing areas off the beaten path. There’s also Douglas Park near the university, which has a ton of room for activities like football, Frisbee Golf and some good old-fashioned frolicking. Looking for something more adventurous? Then take a short trip northwest of the city and explore Wascana Trails, ideal for hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts.
Get out and visit our provincial, national parks and heritage
Spoiler alert: Canada is a beautiful country and Saskatchewan is flat out amazing (sorry to whoever I stole that from). This year marks Canada’s 150th birthday and to celebrate all national parks across the country are offeringfree admission. Saskatchewan is home to three national parks and a bunch of oh-so-pretty provincial parks. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a lot of time off or just a bit of a break; there are many rewarding road trips within reach. Make sure to make your way to the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, where the history and culture of the province’s First Nations people is waiting to be explored.
Get some Sasky Ice Cream. enjoy some Small Town Coffee or, I don’t know, Hunt some Prairie Ghosts
Small towns in Saskatchewan are known for having some of Canada’s sweetest ice cream shops, strongest coffee stops and tales taller than the crops. Whether you’re taking in the BS in the BS (Barber Shop), getting the gossip over a great cup of Joe, or enjoying a melty cone of heaven, taking the ‘rocky road’ to a out-of-the-way place can result in nuggets of history, loads of laughs and hidden gems of beauty.
Enjoy some culture
Art, like beauty, comes in many forms and you might be surprised to know Saskatchewan has both in abundance. Across the province are exhibits, venues and galleries filled with handmade art and home-grown talent. We are fortunate to have the Fifth Parallel Gallery here at the University of Regina, as well as the First Nations University of Canada’s Art Gallery and a short trip will take you to the Dunlop Art Gallery in the downtown branch of the Regina Public Library. Our city has also seen the opening of new galleries like Slate while more established venues like the Assiniboia Gallery are still going strong after 40 years.
Enjoy some more culture
Aside from art galleries, our city has many centres of creativity like, well, the Creative City Centre, which houses spaces for performance, workshops, and exhibitions. If you love live theatre then take a trip to the Globe Theatre, theRegina Performing Arts Centre and, of course, our very own University Theatre. If you really want to experience the diversity of arts and culture this city has to offer then you don’t want to miss the Cathedral Village Arts Festival(May 22nd to 27th) or the Mosaic Festival of Culture (June 1st -3rd ), which just happens to have three pavilions here on campus.
So get out and have some fun before the summer’s done!
