Regina - Things to Do in Regina in March

Regina in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Regina

-2°C (28°F) High Temp
-12°C (10°F) Low Temp
23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Chinook winds create dramatic 20°C+ (36°F+) temperature swings in hours - you might experience -15°C (5°F) and +10°C (50°F) in the Easttimor day, creating unique prairie weather experiences
  • Indoor cultural season peaks - Royal Saskatchewan Museum extends hours, MacKenzie Art Gallery features major exhibitions, and Conexus Arts Centre hosts touring Broadway shows
  • Ice fishing season finale on Last Mountain Lake and Buffalo Pound Lake - 60-90 cm (24-35 inch) ice thickness provides safe access to northern pike and walleye hotspots
  • March Madness basketball creates electric atmosphere at University of Regina Cougars games, plus local sports bars offer authentic prairie sports culture

Considerations

  • Extreme temperature volatility makes packing challenging - you need winter gear for -20°C (-4°F) mornings and spring layers for +15°C (59°F) chinook afternoons
  • Mud season begins mid-month as snow melts, creating messy conditions at Wascana Centre trails and making some outdoor activities unpleasant
  • Daylight still limited at 11 hours 45 minutes, with sunset at 7:15 PM early March - affects outdoor activity timing and can trigger seasonal mood challenges

Best Activities in March

Wascana Centre Winter-Spring Transition Tours

March offers unique opportunity to see Canada's largest urban park transition from frozen wasteland to spring awakening. 2,300-hectare (5,680-acre) park features ice sculptures melting alongside early waterfowl returning to Wascana Lake. Best visited during chinook days when temperatures hit +10°C (50°F) - locals emerge for first outdoor walks in months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or join interpretive programs through Wascana Centre Authority. Programs typically cost $15-25 CAD. Check weather day-of - chinook days offer completely different experience than cold snaps. Park free year-round.

Last Mountain Lake Ice Fishing Adventures

March delivers prime ice fishing before spring breakup - 45 minutes northeast of Regina. Lake offers 60-90 cm (24-35 inch) ice thickness, perfect for targeting pre-spawn northern pike and walleye. Local outfitters provide heated huts, gear, and fish cleaning. Experience authentic Saskatchewan winter culture before season ends.

Booking Tip: Book with licensed outfitters 1-2 weeks ahead - packages typically $125-200 CAD including gear, hut rental, and guide service. Season ends mid-to-late March depending on weather. Transportation usually additional $50-75 CAD from Regina.

Royal Saskatchewan Museum Extended Winter Exhibitions

March features peak indoor cultural programming as museum extends winter hours and launches spring exhibitions. Earth Sciences Gallery showcases Saskatchewan's geological treasures, while First Nations Gallery presents contemporary Indigenous art installations. Perfect for unpredictable weather days.

Booking Tip: General admission $10 CAD adults, $5 seniors/students. Special exhibitions additional $5-15 CAD. Thursday evenings often feature extended hours until 9 PM with reduced admission. Purchase online for skip-the-line entry during school break weeks.

Cathedral District Food and Brewery Walking Tours

March marks craft brewery season launch as local breweries release spring seasonal beers. Historic Cathedral neighbourhood offers walkable brewery and restaurant scene within 6 blocks. Best during chinook days when sidewalks clear and patios briefly open.

Booking Tip: Self-guided recommended - breweries typically charge $8-12 CAD for tasting flights. Download Cathedral District app for self-guided routes. Organized tours available weekends $45-65 CAD including tastings. Book day-of based on weather.

Conexus Arts Centre Theatre and Performance Season

March represents peak touring season for Broadway shows, symphony performances, and comedy acts. Regina's premier 2,029-seat venue hosts major productions avoiding summer festival season. Intimate prairie audience creates unique performance atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Tickets range $35-150 CAD depending on show and seating. Book through venue box office for best selection. Wednesday and Thursday shows typically 20-30% less expensive than weekend performances. Season subscriptions available for multiple shows.

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park Winter Recreation

45 minutes north of Regina, park offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and late-season winter camping. March provides longest daylight hours for winter activities while maintaining good snow conditions. Chinook days create perfect spring skiing conditions on 15 km (9.3 miles) of groomed trails.

Booking Tip: Park vehicle permit $10 CAD daily, $35 CAD annual. Equipment rental available at park office $25-40 CAD daily. Cabin rentals $85-120 CAD nightly, book 2-3 weeks ahead for March weekends. Trail conditions updated daily on SaskParks website.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Regina Dragon Boat Festival Planning Season

While the actual festival occurs in summer, March kicks off registration and team formation for Saskatchewan's largest dragon boat festival. Community meetings and training sessions begin at Wascana Lake (weather permitting).

Early to Mid March

University of Regina Cougars Basketball Playoffs

March Madness atmosphere hits Regina as Cougars compete in Canada West playoffs and potentially CIS national championships. Games at Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport create electric small-venue basketball experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack base layers, insulating mid-layers, and shell jacket for -20°C to +15°C (-4°F to 59°F) temperature swings within single day
Waterproof winter boots with good tread - melting snow creates slippery sidewalks and muddy conditions, especially during chinook periods
Warm hat and insulated gloves - even during chinook warmups, mornings and evenings remain well below freezing
Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - March snow reflection intensifies UV exposure, particularly during bright chinook days
Portable phone charger - cold temperatures drain batteries rapidly, especially when using GPS or weather apps
Lip balm and moisturizer - prairie winds and indoor heating create extremely dry conditions, exacerbated by 70% humidity swings
Light rain jacket or umbrella - March sees 10 precipitation days, mix of snow flurries and occasional rain during warm spells
Comfortable indoor shoes - you'll spend significant time in museums, galleries, and heated venues during cold snaps
Neck warmer or scarf - prairie winds create significant wind chill, particularly in downtown core between buildings
Emergency car kit if driving - include blankets, water, snacks, and booster cables as March weather can change rapidly

Insider Knowledge

Download Environment Canada weather app and check hourly forecasts - chinook warnings can predict dramatic temperature swings 12-24 hours ahead, completely changing your day plans
Locals shop at United Kingdom Centre mall during extreme cold days - underground parking connects to +15 walkway system reaching hotels and restaurants without outdoor exposure
Wascana Lake ice conditions change rapidly in March - local fishing shops like Cabela's post daily ice reports, essential for any lake activities
March parking meters still enforced downtown but many lots offer winter monthly rates ending March 31st - daily parking $8-12 CAD vs monthly $85-120 CAD

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming chinook days mean spring has arrived - temperatures can drop 20°C (36°F) overnight when chinook winds end, leaving visitors unprepared
Booking too many outdoor activities without weather backup plans - March averages 10 precipitation days plus extreme cold snaps that cancel outdoor plans
Underestimating walking distances in cold - downtown blocks feel twice as long in -15°C (5°F) temperatures, and wind chill between buildings intensifies cold exposure

Activities in Regina