National Car Rental
Regina

Once you've collected your luggage, look for the overhead signs inside the terminal directing you toward "Rental Cars." The counters for most agencies are conveniently located together within the main terminal building, just a short walk from the baggage claim area. This indoor route is the most direct way to reach the desks and avoids any confusion with the exterior road signs, which are primarily for passenger drop-off and public vehicle traffic.

Rental car counters at Regina International Airport are accustomed to the flight schedules and typically remain open to accommodate passengers on delayed arrivals. As long as your flight number is included in your reservation, staff will generally be aware of the delay. The process of getting from baggage claim to the rental desks remains the same, though the terminal will be much quieter, making for a calm and straightforward pickup experience.

The most direct route is to exit the airport and take Lewvan Drive north. Continue on Lewvan Drive until you reach Saskatchewan Drive, then turn right to head east directly into the downtown core. While Regina's rush hour is more manageable than in larger cities, this route helps you avoid some of the more congested intersections on Albert Street. Allow for a little extra time, but the drive is generally straightforward.

For travelers prioritizing easy parking and road access, consider hotels in neighborhoods outside the immediate city center. Areas like Harbour Landing in the southwest or the various developments in the east (like Greens on Gardiner) offer modern hotels with large, complimentary parking lots. These locations provide excellent, quick access to Ring Road and the Trans-Canada Highway, allowing you to bypass downtown traffic when heading out for day trips.

First-time visitors should pay close attention when navigating the interchanges on Ring Road, ensuring they are in the correct lane well before their exit. The intersection of Albert Street and Saskatchewan Drive can also be busy with multiple turning lanes requiring your focus. Additionally, the downtown core features several one-way streets, such as Lorne Street and Smith Street, so it's helpful to review your route before you start driving in that area.

In Regina, school and playground zones are clearly marked with bright, reflective signs indicating a significantly reduced speed limit. School zones are typically in effect on school days during morning, lunch, and afternoon hours, while playground zones are often active from early morning until late evening, seven days a week. The best practice is to be vigilant for these signs on any residential street and always slow down to the posted limit when a zone is active.

Driving on packed snow requires a gentle and smooth approach to every action. Accelerate slowly to avoid spinning your tires, and increase your following distance to at least three or four times the normal length to allow for much longer stopping distances. Make turns slowly and avoid any sudden movements with the steering wheel or brakes. Your rental vehicle will be equipped with appropriate tires for the season, which provides essential traction for local conditions.

Drivers in Regina should be most cautious on elevated structures like bridges and overpasses, as these surfaces freeze much faster than the ground-level roads. Underpasses and other shaded areas can also hold onto ice long after the sun has melted it elsewhere. On highways outside the city, open stretches exposed to the wind can develop black ice, so it's crucial to reduce speed and be prepared for slippery conditions in these specific locations.

The single most important adjustment during a snowstorm is to dramatically increase your following distance, as your stopping distance on snowy or icy roads can be up to ten times longer than on dry pavement. Reduce your overall speed, drive with your headlights on for visibility, and make all inputs—braking, steering, and accelerating—as smooth as possible. Before you even start, be sure to completely clear all snow and ice from your vehicle's windows, mirrors, and lights.

During winter conditions, it's wise to add at least 30 to 45 minutes of extra time for your drive to the airport. This buffer accounts for slower driving speeds on potentially slick roads, possible traffic delays, and the time required to thoroughly scrape ice and brush snow off your vehicle before you depart. Arriving at the airport with time to spare is much safer and less stressful than rushing on winter roads.

While Lewvan Drive is a direct route to the REAL District where the stadium is located, it becomes heavily congested on event days. A common strategy is to approach from a different direction, such as taking Saskatchewan Drive and parking in the Warehouse District or downtown, then enjoying the short walk to the stadium. Drivers who try to park right next to the venue often get stuck in slow-moving traffic on Elphinstone Street and in the surrounding lots.

For drop-off, follow the signs to the designated passenger zones, which allow for a quick and safe process. When leaving after an event, the key is patience, as thousands of people will be exiting at once. Instead of rushing to your car, consider waiting 15-20 minutes for the initial traffic surge to clear. Exiting onto a less congested road like Princess Street, rather than directly onto Lewvan Drive, can sometimes offer a quicker escape.

Wascana Centre has several large, convenient parking lots spread throughout the park, making it easy to find a spot. Good options include the lots adjacent to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Conexus Arts Centre, or the Kramer IMAX Theatre. On weekdays, parking is generally plentiful, while on sunny weekends, arriving earlier in the day will ensure you get a prime spot close to the main walking paths.

The museum is very easy to find, located at the corner of two major streets, Albert Street and College Avenue, right on the edge of Wascana Park. It features a large, dedicated visitor parking lot directly in front of the building, which is typically sufficient for most visitors. Should that lot be full during a special event, additional street parking is usually available on the nearby park roads.

The most practical approach is to drive along Albert Street and turn onto Legislative Drive, which leads you directly to the front of the building. There are several public parking lots situated around the building and its grounds, offering ample space for visitors. Once parked, you are just steps away from the main entrance and the extensive network of pathways that meander through the beautiful Queen Elizabeth II Gardens and along Wascana Lake.

It's very doable and quite convenient for a quick stop. The Warehouse District, located just north of the downtown core, is laid out in a simple grid pattern. While Dewdney Avenue is the main thoroughfare, the side streets are generally quieter and easy to navigate. Most breweries, restaurants, and shops in the area have their own parking lots or are surrounded by plenty of metered street parking, making it simple to pop in and out.

Regina's main roads are generally well-lit, but visibility can decrease in older residential neighborhoods. Always be prepared for pedestrians, especially in the evenings around the downtown and Warehouse districts, where people are often walking between restaurants and bars. It's also important to watch for wildlife, like deer, on the edges of the city and near green spaces like Wascana Centre, as they become more active after dusk.

For a quick and easy break with children, the large shopping centers are ideal. Places like the Grasslands shopping area in Harbour Landing or Southland Mall have massive parking lots with easy access from major roads like Lewvan Drive or Ring Road. These locations offer restrooms, food courts, and space to walk around, providing a perfect, low-stress environment for a family travel reset.

Deer are most frequently spotted on the fringes of the city, particularly at dawn and dusk. Be extra vigilant when driving on Ring Road, the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1), and Highway 11 as they enter or exit the city limits. The roads within and surrounding the large Wascana Centre park are also common crossing points for wildlife, so it's important to maintain a safe speed and scan the ditches.

The direct drive to Moose Jaw along the Trans-Canada Highway takes just under an hour. To have a relaxed day trip with time for spontaneous stops or a detour to a place like Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, it's a good idea to budget about 90 minutes for the journey each way. This allows you to travel at a comfortable pace and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed to get to your destination.

The most straightforward route is to take Highway 11 north from Regina and then follow the signs for Lumsden. Once you descend into the valley, the drive itself becomes the main attraction. Visitors often underestimate how much time they'll spend driving the winding roads between towns like Lumsden and Craven, or stopping at scenic viewpoints. Be sure to allocate extra time for exploring within the valley, not just for the travel to and from it.

When planning a trip to Last Mountain Lake, it's wise to start with a full tank of fuel, as gas stations become less frequent once you leave the main highway. Cell phone service can be spotty in the valley and more remote areas around the lake, so downloading maps for offline use is a great idea. The paved roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for gravel roads if you plan to explore off the main routes.

The drive between Regina and Saskatoon is a simple trip north on the divided Highway 11. To minimize traffic stress, plan your departure from Regina to be after the morning rush hour, typically after 9:00 AM. Aim to arrive in Saskatoon before its afternoon rush begins around 4:00 PM. Following this schedule allows for a much more relaxed drive on the city streets at both the start and end of your journey.

A trip to Grasslands National Park requires careful planning due to its remote location. Ensure you begin with a full tank of fuel and identify the few small towns along your route where you can refuel. It's essential to pack plenty of water, snacks, and other provisions, as services are virtually nonexistent near the park itself. Also, be aware that cell service is unreliable for much of the journey, so offline maps are a must.

Before heading south from Regina to a U.S. border crossing like Regway, filling up your fuel tank is the most important preparation. The highways become quiet, two-lane roads with very few towns and even fewer gas stations the further south you travel. It's also crucial to check the hours of operation for your chosen border crossing in advance, as many are not open 24 hours a day.

For safe photo stops, look for designated historical markers, scenic viewpoint pullouts, or rest areas along major routes like the Trans-Canada Highway. Pulling over on the shoulder of a rural grid road can be risky, as the ground can be soft and unstable, especially after rain. A safer alternative is to use the wide entrance to a farmer's field, ensuring you are well off the road and not blocking any access.

A common mistake for visitors is not carefully checking the time limits posted on parking meters or street signs, which can lead to an unexpected ticket. In the winter, another potential issue is parking on a designated snow route during a parking ban, which is declared after a significant snowfall to allow for plowing. Always read all posted signs carefully before leaving your vehicle to avoid any parking complications.

The best strategy is to use the hotel's designated passenger loading zone, which is typically located directly in front of the main entrance. Pull in, unload your luggage onto the sidewalk, and then one person can proceed to check in while the other circles the block or moves the car to the hotel's main parking area. This approach is efficient and avoids blocking traffic on the busy street.

Regina is generally very accessible for drivers with mobility needs. The city's grid layout and wide main streets make navigation straightforward. Major attractions, shopping centers, and public facilities like Wascana Centre provide ample designated accessible parking spaces located conveniently close to entrances. This makes getting around the city and enjoying its sights a comfortable experience.

For a stress-free pickup, arrange to meet in the large parking lot of a well-known retail store or a major grocery store. These locations are easy to find, offer plenty of free parking, and are situated away from congested traffic, allowing you to wait comfortably. A coffee shop with a drive-thru and a large lot also serves as an excellent, low-pressure meeting point.

Ring Road is Regina's primary freeway, designed for efficient travel around the city. Exits are well-marked and generally spaced far enough apart to allow for easy lane changes, but it's important to move into your exit lane ahead of time. A common mistake for newcomers is underestimating how quickly an exit approaches. Pay close attention to the overhead signs to ensure you don't miss your turnoff.

Driving on rural highways during a winter storm can be extremely hazardous due to blowing snow, which can cause sudden whiteout conditions and reduce visibility to zero. It is critical to check the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline for road closures and travel advisories before you depart. If travel is not recommended, the safest decision is always to postpone your trip until conditions improve.

For early-morning photography, the public parking lots within Wascana Centre are an excellent and safe choice, as they are accessible at all hours. Alternatively, you can find a safe pull-off area on a quiet grid road on the eastern edge of the city for a clear view of the sunrise. When parking on any roadway, ensure your vehicle is as far off the traveled portion as possible and use your hazard lights for visibility.

The most frequent GPS issue in Regina occurs in the newest suburban developments on the city's edges, where road networks may not yet be fully updated in mapping apps. Another common challenge is navigating the one-way street system in the downtown core, where a missed turn can require a confusing rerouting. It's always helpful to briefly review your overall route on a map before relying solely on turn-by-turn directions.

You'll find several gas stations conveniently located along Lewvan Drive, the main road that leads directly to the airport entrance. These stations are designed for easy in-and-out access for airport-bound traffic. Additionally, there are multiple options on Albert Street South, just a minute or two away from the airport turnoff, providing another straightforward choice for refueling before your car return.

During a major event, such as a Saskatchewan Roughriders home game or a large concert at the REAL District, expect significantly increased traffic volume on Lewvan Drive and Ring Road. These are the primary routes to both the event venues and the airport. To avoid stress and potential delays, it is highly recommended to budget at least 30 minutes of extra travel time for your return trip to the airport.

A comfortable and safe amount of time to budget is about 15 to 20 minutes from the moment you park in the rental return lane. This allows you to unload all your luggage, do a thorough final check of the car for any personal belongings, and complete the short walk to the terminal check-in counters. Regina's airport is compact, so the process is typically quick and efficient.

When driving a larger SUV or truck, it's important to pay close attention to the posted height clearance signs at the entrances to downtown parkades, as some may not accommodate oversized vehicles. Opting for surface parking lots can be a simpler, stress-free alternative. On the street, finding a parallel parking spot large enough can be a challenge, so looking for end-of-block spaces is often a successful strategy.

The most efficient route from the east side to YQR during peak traffic is to take Victoria Avenue or Arcola Avenue west to Ring Road. From there, head south on Ring Road and take the Lewvan Drive exit, which leads directly to the airport. This freeway-based route allows you to bypass the traffic lights and potential congestion of driving through the downtown core or along Albert Street.