Regina Transportation

We preceeded our visit to Regina with a few days visit further west in Alberta, flying Air Canada for the whole trip from eastern Canada. Regina is a spread out place, like almost all Prairie towns and cities in Canada, so we pre-booked a nice Chrysler rental car from the airport. The price was reasonable and you will need your own wheels if you really want to get around the city with freedom.

Of course another form of transportation is just walking. Here, we were watching the practise marching drills of the members of the graduating troop. They basically perform all the intricate manoeuvers of the world-famous horseback 'Musical Ride' performed by the RCMP. Marching to music, the 32 troopers execute a variety of intricate figures based on cavalry drill as they wheel, break into formations which pass through each other before assuming another formation. Demanding utmost control, timing and coordination, these movements are really amazing to watch - I was very impressed! The first Musical Ride with horses took place in 1887 as a way for the members to display their horse-riding skills while entertaining both themselves and the public.

One little thing which visitors to Canada may not know is, when you see an RCMP officer, it is highly unlikely he will be wearing his scarlet jacket, stetson hat, brown boots or riding pants. Those are only used for ceremonial occassions. The everyday uniform consists of straight legged trousers and shirts in the colours seen here, along with a dark jacket and regular police cap with a yellow band around it.