prairie girl musings

Tag: Saskatchewan

  • Exploring The Queen City

    Exploring The Queen City

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    As Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities, Saskatoon and Regina have always experienced a rivalry of sorts.

    With close relatives in Saskatoon, I didn’t spend much time in Regina until my final year of high school. After auditioning for Saskatchewan Express, I spent all my weekends and the summer after high school in The Queen City. Some of my fondest memories are from those days, when all I wanted to do was eat, sleep and dance. Recent trips to Regina involve seeing friends and discovering new galleries and cafés. So, why not share some of my favourite Queen City haunts with you all?

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    Regina isn’t known for its cafe culture, but fortunately that’s starting to change. Begin your day with coffee at local roastery, 33 1/3. Offering fresh and locally-sourced espresso, 33’s beans can be found throughout the province.

    Another place to feed your caffeine addiction is Atlantis Coffee, which is located on Hamilton Street. They also serve bagels and sandwiches if you’re feeling peckish.

    If you’re looking for something more substantial, I suggest visiting Orange Izayaka for some of the best Japanese and Korean food in Saskatchewan. Otherwise, check out Flip Eatery and Café for comfort food in a casual setting.

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    You can’t leave The Queen City without visiting Dessart. Whether you’re a soft serve fiend like myself or simply want to peruse the unique and retro sweets on offer, Dessart considers dessert to be an art form. I can’t say I disagree.

    Visiting Regina on a Saturday? Stop by the Farmers’ Market for local and seasonal produce.

    Shopping in Regina is best experienced on Scarth Street or near The Cathedral. Paper Umbrella is a cute shop filled with gift ideas. Next door is Argento, which stocks jewellery by Canadian designer, Leah Alexandra.

    There’s plenty to see and do in Regina, and I’d recommend visiting The MacKenzie Art Gallery. With eight expansive galleries, MacKenzie features exhibits by Saskatchewan, Canadian and international artists.

    As Saskatchewan’s capital city, make sure you visit the Legislative Buildings. Tours are available seven days a week in both English and French. After your tour, walk through the gardens to take in all the

    Wascana is beautiful year-round, after lunch, set off on one of the many trails that encompass the area. Before you leave, see what’s on at the Conexus Arts Centre. The Rocky Horror Show will be on for Halloween and The Regina Symphony Orchestra is definitely worth a listen!

    Tell me, what are your favourite Regina spots?

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  • Five Things To Do In Yorkton

    Five Things To Do In Yorkton

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    Yorkton is my hometown. I grew up here, went to school here and left only after finishing high school. Since moving away, many new businesses have opened up. And it’s only fitting that I share some of my must-visit Yorkton spots.

    Refresh Massage Spa and Studio
    A contemporary day spa that offers high quality massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and makeup application. I recently had a facial here and was impressed with both the products used (Éminence Organics) and level of service. The extractions were thorough and the facial itself was relaxing and sleep-inducing. I also loved the steaming, which brought all of my impurities to the surface. I highly recommend booking yourself in for a facial this winter, your skin will thank you.

    Get Half Baked
    If you’re anything like me, life sometimes gets in the way of cooking wholesome, healthy meals. Fortunately, my mother is a fantastic cook and makes me the most delicious meals whenever I return home. However, it’s a relief to know Get Half Baked will help me out if I’m in a pinch and need to host a dinner party. 

    Inner Cycle Studio
    Get your sweat on at this newly opened spin studio. The classes are upbeat and energizing. The motivating instructors will ensure you’re challenging yourself and staying positive throughout your workout. I’m also a fan of their company gear, be sure to check it out.

    Body Poetry
    A beautiful place to elevate your practice, Body Poetry offers a spectrum of yoga classes. Everything from gentle and restorative to Vinyasa flow and Bikram, Body Poetry is my favourite place to practice my downward dogs and breathing in Yorkton.

    Godfrey Dean Art Gallery and Western Development Museum
    While these cultural hubs aren’t new, (we used to play piano at Godfrey Dean in high school) the exhibitions on offer are constantly changing. Regardless of what floats your boat, you’ll find something of intrigue at Godfrey Dean. The Western Development Museum is the place to learn about Saskatchewan’s vast history. With a brand new tagline, Saskatchewan Inspired, “the museum celebrates artifacts that represent the innovation, creativity and resourcefulness that are so much a part of Saskatchewan’s heritage.” Both are worth a visit whenever you’re in town.

  • Saskatchewan the Great

    Saskatchewan the Great

    Much of this blog has been dedicated to highlighting international travel destinations. With this photo essay, I’d like to demonstrate the stark beauty of my home province. For my own selfish reasons, I’d like to encourage those who may not consider the prairies a worthy travel destination to look beyond their initial reservations.

    Growing up in Saskatchewan, suffering through extremely cold winters and scorching summers, I always dreamt of travelling to faraway places. I devoured guidebook after guidebook of destinations far more exotic than my home province.

    For a long time, I struggled with being from Saskatchewan when talking to friends from big cities, whom I perceived as more cultured and interesting than myself. I failed to appreciate the incredible opportunities that existed for me and the important relationships I had formed throughout my first eighteen years. Some of the most captivating people I’ve come to know live right here in Saskatchewan. I regret my urgency to escape, but as they say, we need to leave in order to appreciate what we have.

    I’ve since come to marvel at all the beauty that surrounds me. As an avid and amateur photographer, I seem to take the majority of my photographs in the prairies. From the grain elevators, golden fields, and breathtaking sunsets, Saskatchewan will always be home.

    There’s a certain tenacity that Saskatchewan people exhibit. Maybe it’s enduring six months of winter or the unexpected vigour that comes from living in a less populated region. In observing different cultures around the world, I’ve also noticed that Saskatchewan people tend to be gracious, genuine and appreciative, regardless of their circumstances.

    While Saskatchewan isn’t necessarily the first place that comes to mind when considering where to spend your hard earned holiday, those who make the trek are always happy they did.

    “And the danger is that in this move toward new horizons and far directions, that I may lose what I have now, and not find anything except loneliness.” -Sylvia Plath

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  • Global Friends, Part I: SASKATCHEWAN

    Global Friends, Part I: SASKATCHEWAN

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    The Regina “International” Airport: Where it all began.

    On December 29th, my first-ever New Zealand visitor set foot in SASKATCHEWAN. Yes, Nick and I have had friends visit us in Toronto. Having someone pop by your chic downtown apartment in Canada’s biggest metropolis cannot compare to the enormity of having your friend from across the world visit your HOMETOWN, in your HOME PROVINCE.

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    Ashleigh in her new Canadiana, she later jumped into the snow wearing only this and a light parka.

    Needless to say, Ashleigh’s reaction to winter in Saskatchewan was priceless. Her lack of skates didn’t stop her from gliding out of the Regina airport into my car. Nor did she realize just how much snow (and it’s been light this year so far) can accumulate in a person’s backyard. There were deer, fox, and coyote spottings from our kitchen, mulled wine, and a minor snowmobile accident. She was also especially fond of my mother’s healthy cooking.

    To see one’s hometown through fresh, unbiased eyes is a remarkable experience. It ignited my appreciation for the quaint, rural town where I grew up in ways I never knew were possible. Ashleigh also fell in love with Saskatoon with its beautiful bridges and stunning downtown core.

    Note: In order to keep this post from becoming an expose on why prairiegirlmusings came about… I’ll stick to point form.

    Other Saskatchewan highlights include:

    Reconnecting with old friends and celebrating the marriage of my dear friend, Jill on New Years Eve! If I still worked (read: interned) at Weddingbells, I’d submit Jill and Riley’s wedding to the magazine (their New Years Eve in New York City theme was perfectly executed!)

    Now, for some terrifically awful photography by yours truly:

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    Ash and I with our matching Moochi heels, prior to the wedding.

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    Didn’t I say the decor and food was top-notch?

    Here are some more professional photos that I pinched from the bride (Thank you, Jill!)

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    An old-fashioned Ortynsky potluck at the Saskatoon apartment:Image

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    Trying out Saskatoon’s culinary scene:

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    We had a delightful pre-flight lunch at Ayden Kitchen & Bar.

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    Nobody does a latte bowl like Jimmy Oneschuk at Museo.

    Stay tuned for Toronto and Montreal blog posts!

    Love, Vanessa

  • Land of Living Skies

    Land of Living Skies

    There’s something incredible about returning home after being away for a long period of time. I was recently back in Saskatchewan for the first time since relocating to Toronto. Oddly enough, I came home more frequently when I lived in New Zealand. I’m not sure why I haven’t been home. Perhaps it’s been because of my internship and job hunt. With the oftentimes haphazard scheduling of interviews, I didn’t want to miss out on any opportunities that came my way.

    Regardless, it felt amazing to be back at my parents’ house in Yorkton. They’ve only lived here for the past three years, but it always feels like home. It’s the constant in my ever-changing, never stable life. It’s the place to which I return from wherever I’ve been living. As the complete antithesis of Toronto’s urbanity and chaos, Saskatchewan feels like a retreat, an escape from the everyday challenges I encounter in the Big Smoke. I always harp on about how much I love urbanity, and it’s a necessity for me at this age, but Saskatchewan has indescribable charm and vast beauty that many city dwellers will never experience.

    It’s also a place where my family has lived for a number of years. Throughout my life, I was fortunate to live nearby to all four grandparents. Last week, after the passing of my paternal grandfather, I realized what a luxury it was truly getting to know my grandparents. Many of my cousins, aunties, uncles, and extended family are all located in the prairies as well. It’s serene, with vast blue skies and perpetual sunshine. Most of my childhood and teenage friends still reside in Saskatchewan, which makes for a wonderful reunion whenever I am here.

    When I was completing a multimedia project for my creative writing course at The University of Auckland, I conducted an experiment comparing my two reference points (at the time): The Prairies and The North Island (of New Zealand). It was an introspective assignment that I delved into wholeheartedly. It enabled me to record my experiences with displacement. Should you be interested in reading my exegesis, I’ve attached the link here.

    Saskatchewan, I do not appreciate you enough. You’re a wonderful place to call home.

  • “She’s mad but …


    “She’s mad but she’s magic. There’s no lie in her fire.”

    – Charles Bukowski