FEELING COOPED UP?
Get out in the great outdoors this winter
THE SNOW IS FLYING and temperatures are dropping, so it’s time to gear up for some fun winter adventures in Regina.
Trevor Norgan, store manager with Fresh Air Experience’s Regina location, says given the current pandemic, he feels people are ready to embrace the season.
“They’re going to be tired of being stuck at home, so for their mental health they’ll want to get outside and get active,” says Norgan.
“So I think this winter, people are really going to be excited about the idea of being outdoors.”
He says cross country skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, and has wide appeal with both classic-style technique and equipment and also skate skiing.
Norgan says classic skiing is low impact, great for all ages, and beginners can start out learning on gentle terrain.
It’s also relatively affordable, as an adult can get a complete ski package for about $360.
He says skate skiing has appeal for people looking for a good workout, and has a bit more of a learning curve.
“You have to have a little bit more of a drive and motivation to do it, so it appeals to people who are more active."
Snowshoeing is another activity that Norgan says has wide appeal, from seniors who love the chance to go for a walk on snow, to backcountry enthusiasts who use snowshoes to go out into the wilderness for an overnight trip.
He says a good pair of snowshoes can be bought for about $180, and poles can be used for added stability if someone is planning to go on terrain with climbs or descents.
Norgan says just going for a walk in the winter is a great idea, and there are traction devices that fit under your boots to add extra grip for
snow and especially icy surfaces.
He says people don’t really have to know a lot about the equipment for the various winter activities as staff at a good outdoors store can help them select the gear they need.
“It’s pretty easy, because when do you have the equipment, you can grab it and go anytime.”
Regina is also home to a variety of other winter adventures, many which are focused around Wascana Park—the largest urban park in North America that is all within one municipality, says Ashley Stone, Destination & Tourism Director with Economic Development Regina - Tourism Regina.
Stone says the park is near shopping, restaurants, and other attractions, making for some unique winter adventures.
Approximately 13 kilometres of cross country ski trails extend along Wascana Lake and the Saskatchewan Science Centre where exhibits such as their beautiful Joy Lab are worth a visit during a ski outing.
“You can go and warm up and check the Science Centre out, then hop back on your skis and continue your trek around the park,” says Stone.
She says people can also take a refreshing outdoor walk while absorbing some history.
Government House has tours of the outdoor gardens, which Stone says are still very impressive in winter and have a lot of history that is explained on the tours.
There are also walking tours of the Legislative Assembly during winter which include Trafalgar Fountain, one of the original fountains from London’s Trafalgar Square.
“There are many walking trails throughout the city that you can winter bike on or go for a walk with your family,” she adds, “All which really encourage people to get out and to spend time together in the outdoors.”
Fat tire bikes are a great choice for exploring snow trails during the winter, as the wide tires offer extra grip and flotation. They can be rented at several locations in the city.
Check out tourismregina.com or #SEEYQR for monthly updates on events and activities all winter long.