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Queen Elizabeth II Gardens and the Legislative Buildings in the background at Wascana Lake. Photo By Scotwood72 –

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Wascana Park, Regina 

Wascana Center Park is known internationally as a beautifully landscaped park surrounding a 120-hectare lake located in the heart of the City of Regina.  

The park is home to numerous important buildings such as the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and hosts more than 2,000 events a year ranging from charity runs & walks, and cultural celebrations, to the annual Canada Day festivities. 

As a popular focal point within the city, it’s a great place to enjoy both the natural and historical features of the park. But few are aware of some of the park’s interesting features, facts, and record-breaking accomplishments. 

Here are the top 10 interesting facts about Wascana Park in Regina. 

1. It’s one of the Largest Parks in North America 

Wascana Park is bigger than the 405-hectare Stanley Park in Vancouver and 341-hectare Central Park in New York combined. This Park is one of the largest in North America at 930 hectares.  

That means there is more than enough space for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors right in the middle of the city. 

2. The Park Has the Longest Bridge Over a Narrow Water Channel 

Totem Pole in Wascana Park. Photo By Scotwood72 –

The Art Deco ornamented Albert Street Memorial Bridge that is on the edge of Wascana Lake is rumored to be the longest bridge over the shortest span of water in the world. The bridge crosses a narrow portion of the lake, making it the longest bridge of a small waterbody in the world.   

At 256 meters long and 22 meters wide, it was built in 1930 and it bridges Wascana creek. The bridge was designed as a relief project during the Great Depression. It employed 700 men and was dedicated to soldiers who fought and died in World War I. 

The bridge is highly ornamented with Egyptian motifs, lamp standards, multiple flag staffs, glazed terra-cotta balusters, and buffalo heads. 

3. The Wascana Lake Has Two Sides 

Wascana Lake was created in 1883. It has been renovated severally the latest being in 2004.  The Lake is divided into two zones separated by the Broad Street Bridge.  

In the lower or western lake, the emphasis is on water-based recreation. In the upper or eastern lake, the emphasis is on wildlife habitat and education. 

Due to the installation of aeration systems throughout the west lake, there is no access during the winter months while the East Lake is a federally protected Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and therefore there is no access to this portion of the lake in spring, summer, and fall. 

4. The Park is Home to Painted Turtles 

The painted turtle is the most widespread native turtle of North America. It lives in slow-moving fresh waters. The world’s largest western painted turtle named Olga is found in Wascana lake.  

In 2015, Olga’s carapace which is its top shell measured 26.6 cm long, breaking the previous record of 25 centimeters set in 1922. Olga is well over 15 years of age and turtles tend to slow in growth following maturity. Chances are, she most likely will not grow any larger.   

The gender of the painted turtles is determined by the temperature of their nest. Cool nests result in male turtles, while warmer nests result in females. 

5. There is a Rescue Center for Birds at the Park 

Wascana Lake in winter. Photo By Masalai –

The Waterfowl Park Committee, working under the Wascana Centre, recognized the need for a facility for captive waterfowl. They created the Waterfowl Park Display Ponds which are home to Wascana Centre’s injured and captive waterfowl including geese, ducks, pelicans, and swans.   

The Display Ponds are a series of three ponds located across from the Conexus Arts Centre. They provide a home for captive and injured birds and an opportunity for people to interact with birds up close.  

The Wascana Centre provides free grain for the birds but also encourages locals to bring leafy greens as bread and popcorn are not healthy for the birds. 

These Ponds have served as an outdoor classroom for Regina city and area schools and are also a popular attraction for the local public and tourists alike. It is an educational resource for subjects such as ecology, biology, and nature study. 

6. Wascana Park has Beautiful Recreational Trails  

The trails at the Wascana valley are natural recreational site areas with a 15-kilometer track perfect for outdoor activities and breathtaking sceneries.  

It is ideal for mountain biking, running, hiking, cross-country races, snowshoeing, and skiing in the winter seasons. Wildlife can also be found in the valley, including beavers, muskrats, mink, red foxes, white-tailed, and jackrabbits.  

The animals are located in the conservation area. There is one pit toilet available on-site and Dog walking is permitted, but pets must be leashed at all times.   

7. Boat Tours are Available on Wascana Lake  

Tourists looking to access the west lake for rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing can do so at the Marina, which is near Broad Street Bridge. Boating is done during summer, spring and fall.  

The west lake is accessible for rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. From Pine Island, spectators can enjoy the boat rowing races. It is a world-class venue for competitive games. 

8. There are Colourful Flower Gardens in the Park 

Queen Elizabeth II Gardens and the Legislative Buildings in the background at Wascana Lake. Photo By Scotwood72 –

The Queen Elizabeth II Gardens provide a colorful display of different types of flowers. There is an impressive view of the Saskatchewan legislative building. 

The gardens offer a colorful display of flowers whose scents are delightful in the spring and summer seasons. There are approximately 25,000 flowers in the garden and another 5000 distributed throughout the legislative grounds.  

In total, the entire Wascana Centre Authority which includes the University of Regina and Research Park has 50,000 plants. Worth stopping to smell the roses. 

9. Fishing and Swimming are NOT Allowed  

Fishing in Wascana lake is not permitted for environmental and health reasons, as stated by the Provincial Capital Commission.  

The lake waters are from a river system, a rural watershed the city’s streets and drains render the fish unsafe for human consumption.  

Swimming is also prohibited due to occasional high levels of dangerous toxins. Life-supporting quality was improved by introducing aeration diffusers that help the lake produce oxygen. 

10. There are Other Attractions in the Park 

The Conexus Arts Center. Photo By Tintaggon –

Wascana Centre offers many attractions within the park including gardens, museums, restaurants, and more. The Conexus Arts Centre, for example, provides a wide range of entertainment options, meeting space, and room for tradeshows and special events. 

The facility is perhaps best known as a world-class performing arts center and one of Canada’s most perfect acoustic performance theatres. The venue also offers a wide variety of convention, trade show, seminar, and gala event spaces.   

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Mackenzie Art Gallery, Saskatchewan Science Centre, The Toten Pole, and many other monuments and memorials are many more things to see at the park.