Igloos, ice bars, and hiking; Frost Festival kicks off 2023 with new events
Above seasonal temperatures with snow squalls did not slow down the first day of Regina’s Frost Festival.
Some fan favourite events including sleigh rides and skating on Wascana Lake are back for their second season while organizers introduced new elements to this year’s agenda. Many of which embrace the natural side of the Queen City.
Bird watching tours, as well as trips around the lake with hiking enthusiasts, highlight what Regina's nature scene has to offer.
David Drummond has been offering hikes around the lake and said the activity has many benefits for those who join in.
"Getting kids outside in the winter it helps them understand and appreciate how dangerous it can be to see an animal living outside,” Drummond said.
“[It makes you] really appreciate that warm house you go back to every night.”
Frost Festival has been split into four different hubs spread out throughout the city with no shortage of events happening outside of the REAL District.
In the downtown hub near Pat Fiacco Plaza, competitors were participating in the first ever igloo building competition.
Jaden Janzen and his team were eager to build the structure, but were also excited to see what their competitors could create.
"I’m expecting to see a lot of good igloos, a lot of teams coming together and a lot of good design,” Janzen explained. “I think there are a lot of creative people in this city so I am excited to see what everybody makes.”
With the igloo competition a Frost Festival first, organizers are taking notes with the expectation of coming back next year with a larger event.
"There’s a lot of exciting colour and elements and they will be illuminated in the evening and just a really interactive event,” organizer Kayla Lindgren explained.
The warehouse hub is also host to many events, including an ice bar at Rebellion Brewery.
The warehouse hub will be home to events suited for crowds 19+ including snow suit dance parties.
With all the outdoor fun, the Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) reminds the public to dress for winter conditions.
“You want to dress accordingly to the winter and to the weather,” Chief Layne Jackson said.
“So dress in layers and make sure you’re covered especially if it starts to get cold.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.