Prince Albert National Park

Introducing Prince Albert National Park

This national park (www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/sk/prince albert; Rte 263 or Rte 264; adult/child/senior/family $5/2.50/4.25/12.50) is a jewel in the wild. Just when you thought the vast prairie would never come to an end, the trees rise up from the earth signaling the beginning of the boreal forest. This park put the wild back into wilderness with expanses of untracked land, lakes and rivers. There is a multitude of potential adventures to be had here, from hikes to canoe trips to even chilling out on a beach. This is one of those special places you will never forget, whether it be Grey Owl’s cabin or simply the feeling that you are truly on the edge of the known world.

The village of Waskesiu is a quaint outpost and your base for exploration within the park. With a few small streets, a couple of shops and some affordable cafés, it’s a nice place to be. Head over to the Information Centre (306-663-4522; Waskesiu Dr; 8am-8pm mid-May–early Sep), which can sort you out with the skinny on the whole area, including a variety of accommodations.

Waskesiu marina (306-663-5994) rent canoes, kayaks and motor boats.

There are many campgrounds (877-737-3783; www.pccamping.ca; RV/backcountry/tent sites $27/5/13) in the park. The wooded Beaver Glen, in Waskesiu, accommodates RVs and fills up quickly. If you’re tenting it, there is a multitude of options and you are sure to find some seclusion.

The park’s natural expanse is hard to explore without a car, as the trailheads and marinas are outside of town. STC arrives here once a day on the way north to La Ronge ($30, two hours) and south to Prince Albert ($15, one hour).

Last updated: Sep 23, 2008