Trip chapter 05
Winnipeg to Regina
An unexpected pow-wow, a prairie border crossing and a thoughtful Regina stay connected by pathways to Wascana Lake.
After five nights in Winnipeg, we returned to the Trans-Canada Highway and started west toward Regina. Our first planned break was in Brandon at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.
An unexpected stop in Brandon
When we tried to park at the discovery centre, we were directed into a field and initially had no idea what was happening. It turned out that a pow-wow was underway, so Tilly and I wandered around and explored for a little while.
We did not get to see the discovery centre or explore its usual park areas, but the unexpected event still made Brandon a nice place to stop and break up the drive.
Riverbank Discovery Centre
A visitor centre and riverbank destination that became an unexpected pow-wow stop during our drive west.
Read our Riverbank Discovery Centre notes →Welcome to Saskatchewan
Our next break was at the Saskatchewan welcome sign. There was a parking lot but little else to make it a destination in its own right. A portable toilet was present when we stopped, although it did not appear reliable enough to assume it would always be there.
Tilly was far more interested in the groundhogs or ground squirrels darting around seemingly everywhere. After giving her time to watch them from the leash, we continued west along the Trans-Canada Highway to Regina.
A thoughtful welcome in Regina
We settled into another Airbnb, this time in west Regina near Les Sherman Park. Tilly quickly made herself comfortable, and the location proved especially convenient once we discovered how easily the nearby pathway connected us with the rest of the city.
Our host had left snacks and a maple-leaf bandana for Tilly to celebrate my citizenship ceremony. It was such a sweet gesture, and Tilly looked ready for the occasion.
West Regina Airbnb
A thoughtful dog-friendly stay near Les Sherman Park with easy pathway access into central Regina.
Read our west Regina Airbnb notes →Following the pathway to Wascana Lake
We devoted a full day to walking. Starting near Les Sherman Park, we followed the pathway beside the water toward Wascana Lake, looped through the park and continued into town for a bite to eat.
Les Sherman Park and pathway
A useful west Regina connection to the city's trails, waterway and central neighbourhoods.
Read our Regina pathway notes →Wascana Centre was a fascinating place to explore on foot. The route took us past the Legislative Building, public art and a fountain, while the lake and grounds seemed to hold more geese than either Tilly or I had ever seen in one place.
Wascana Centre
An expansive urban park where paths circle Wascana Lake and pass gardens, public art and the Legislative Building.
Read our Wascana Centre notes →A shaded stop at Leopold's
Leopold's Tavern made a convenient meal stop during our walking day. Its colourful patio was fully dog friendly and, more importantly after so much time on foot, nicely shaded.
Leopold's Tavern
A neighbourhood tavern with a colourful, fully dog-friendly patio that gave us a shaded walking break.
Read our Leopold's Tavern notes →