Regina residents flocking to sunny destinations to escape cold

With frigid temperatures, Regina travellers are booking sunny Mexico getaways and popular U.S. flights to escape the cold. Damian Smith has more.

As temperatures plunge in Regina, many residents are looking south for a winter getaway.

Local travel agencies say Mexico continues to be the top destination for Regina travelers.

“Some travelers are choosing to focus on non-U.S. destinations, like Mexico,” said Rajan Sagar, manager of C World Travel. “It’s a top priority right now. People love going to Mexico, and there aren’t the political concerns there that some are thinking about elsewhere.”

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Despite shifting travel preferences, the Regina International Airport says demand for U.S. destinations remains strong.

“It’s interesting for us because we added the Denver flight last year,” said Kyla Antonini, manager of public relations and customer service at Regina International Airport. “Our transborder traffic is actually up compared to 2024, with daily flights to Denver and Minneapolis.”

Sagar, who has worked as a travel agent for 12 years, said the number of available flights is lower than in previous years, contributing to higher prices. Last year he saw people travelling to either South Asia or Europe.

“When there are fewer flights, prices go up,” Sagar said. “That’s why people are complaining about fares being higher than what they paid five years ago.”

Airport officials say they continue to work with airlines to expand options for travelers.

“We’re always talking to new airlines and our existing partners to provide more opportunities for people in Regina,” Antonini said.

Passenger volumes at Regina International Airport remain strong, with more than one million travellers recorded in 2025 — comparable to pre-pandemic levels.

“In southern Saskatchewan, we love sunny destinations,” Antonini said. “Winter is a busy time here, especially in the mornings. A lot of people are heading south for just a week to get a break from the cold.”

Airport officials say the most frequently requested new direct flights from passengers are to Chicago and Ottawa.