Adventures in Regina: Meandering in Moose Jaw

Alyssa and I took a jaunt over to Moose Jaw on the weekend - she wanted me to see it before I leave Saskatchewan next week. (insert sad face)

The trip was absolutely lovely. I think Moose Jaw is quite possibly one of my new favourite little towns. It was like being transported back to the 1950's, with its beautiful downtown architecture and mid-century storefront signs. I loved it!

We ended up taking one of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw tours, The Chicago Connection. Did you know that Moose Jaw was referred to as "Little Chicago" in the 1920's and 30's because of its connection to prohibition and gangsters? Most notably, Al Capone made Moose Jaw one of his most important bootlegging stops during his heyday of prohibition booze smuggling. The tour guides took us through an 'old' speak-easy and the underground tunnels where Capone's bootleggers conducted their operations. I thought it was a hoot and a half! There's also another tour offered called Passages to Freedom, all about the Chinese immigrants who worked on the railroads at the turn of the last century. Both tours sounded really cool, and I'd definitely recommend them if you're in town!

After the tour we had some lunch at Nit's Thai Food, which came highly recommended and didn't disappoint in the flavour department. (Best pad thai I've had in a LONG time!) Then we headed through the park to Moose Jaw's museum and art gallery. I always enjoy going through small, local museums and seeing what sorts of things they like to put on display in order to showcase their histories. Moose Jaw was no exception, and I learned a lot about this part of Saskatchewan and its colourful past.

And what better way to finish off the day than with a trip to the local fudge factory and gift emporium?