Summer is afoot!

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Things to do when it is not freezing in Saskatchewan

April is that month that most people look forward to or dread. As the winter semester comes to an end, our patience dwindles and we are understandably exhausted from this moody Canadian weather. The lack of a springtime straight out of a Ghibli film starts to get on our nerves. . I am here to remind you friends, summer is right around the corner.

Summers in Saskatchewan feel like a well-deserved celebration. After surviving months of icy sidewalks, biting winds and never-ending darkness, we finally walk, squinting into the sun, like creatures who have just discovered the beauty of light. It is no wonder that summer feels like a festival in Regina. From backyard BBQs to outdoor movies in Victoria Park, there is a collective understanding that we must make the absolute most of these sunny months. They are much too precious to waste.

As students at the University of Regina, we are in that final lap of the semester. It’s a weird medley of stress and excitement. The thought of exams looming over your head just as you are beginning to chalk out summer plans feels unfair.

Personally, I’ll be taking two classes over the summer. I know, it’s not exactly the most thrilling plan but hey, life is all about balance. Just because you are in classes doesn’t mean you can’t soak up the sun. One of my favourite tricks is scheduling outdoor study sessions. There is something about reading my notes in a park with an iced latte that makes even the most daunting coarse load feel more manageable.As for summer activities, the Queen City Ex is a rite of passage if you are spending the summer in Regina. The rides, the food, the chaotic energy of the midway make you feel like a child again, even if you are just there for the mini donuts and the chance to win a giant stuffed bear.

The summer vibes in Regina are all about community events, outdoor patios and getting involved in the community. Wascana Park is normally everyone’s go-to spot, whether you are walking, jogging, picnicking or simply looking at the lake.

One of my favourite summer activities is visiting the Regina Farmer’s Market every week. This is the best place to get gifts, knick knacks and delicious food from the amazing vendors in our beautiful city.

Summer is also perfect for visiting nearby towns. Moose Jaw’s mineral spas are perfect if you need to relax. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw feel like you are stepping into a prohibition-era film set. Grasslands National Park in the southwest corner of the province is a beautiful place to explore. There is nothing quite like stargazing in a place where the sky is vast and clear. It is the kind of experience that makes you forget about assignments and deadlines, at least for a night. If there is one thing, I encourage you to do this summer is to give yourself the chance to stop and smell the flowers. Breathe. Take things in.

If you are anything like me, you look forward to oing absolutely nothing this summer. In the hustle and the bustle, many of us feel we have no time for ourselves. A summer with plenty of downtime will ensure that you do not burn out before the fall semester starts again.

If you’re the type to stay closer to home, there is always something happening. Outdoor movie nights, pop-up markets, food truck festivals, etc. Anything you want, Regina’s got it. Last summer, I went to an outdoor yoga session and I plan on going again. There is something beautiful about making time to check in with yourself and your body. Plus, you can always reward yourself with gelato afterwards.

One of my favourite things to do over summer is to explore the different ice cream shops in the city. There’s Dessart Sweets, Dandy’s, Marble Slab Creamery, the iconic Milky Way.Summer is the best time for ice cream!

For anyone experiencing their first summer in Saskatchewan, my best advice is to simply say yes. Yes to spontaneous beach days. Yes to community events. Yes to learning how to enjoy being outside again. Don’tplan everything down to the last detail. Some of the best summer memories occur when you go with the flow.

Whether you are working, taking classes or planning an adventure make sure to find little ways to enjoy the season. Don’t let the pressure to do it all get to you. It’s okay to have lazy days just as much as a calendar with road trips and festivals. At the end of the day, summers in Saskatchewan are about making the most of the good weather while it is here.