Embrace winter at Prince Albert National Park

This holiday season, visitors are invited to get into the Christmas spirit by cutting their own tree. Visitors can select a young spruce or pine tree in the designated area and help maintain the Waskesiu Community Fuel Break. Visitors can pick up a free tree permit at the Visitor Centre between December 1 and December 24, and create new holiday traditions and family memories at Prince Albert National Park. More information.

 Waskesiu Snow Days, February 14-23, 2020

Visitors can enjoy a week of free activities with family and friends during the Waskesiu Snow Days. They can bring skates to the community indoor ice rink or even borrow some snowshoes or cross-country skis from the Hawood Inn. Watch for program schedule on the event calendar in the new year. Winter recreation included in a park pass With a valid park pass visitors can enjoy a range of unique winter experiences:

 Cross-country skiing – There are approximately 45 kilometers of groomed ski trails in the park which provide lots of options for visitors to enjoy snow-covered scenery and terrain. There are both skate and classic ski trails with varying degrees of difficulty. A 1 kilometer spur trail connects the Spruce River Highlands trail to an additional 18 kilometres of ski trails in the Anglin Lake area. Updates on current trail conditions are available on the Prince Albert National Park trail conditions page.

 Snowshoeing – One of the oldest forms of winter transportation, the park offers a range of designated snowshoe and hiking routes close to Waskesiu or via easily accessible ploughed winter roads.

 Enclosed Picnic Shelters – There are five enclosed shelters through the park during the winter, complete with wood stoves, making them the perfect sanctuary for a winter picnic. Firewood is even provided!

 Visitors and astronomy-lovers alike can enjoy the Milky Way, northern lights and constellations from Prince Albert National Park. Annual meteor showers in August, October and December are a thrill that can be seen from within the park. Visitors can bring their telescope to South Bay or Paignton Beach along the Narrows Road for wide open views of the night sky.

Capture and share your memories Winter in the park is a stunning time of year for photography and viewing wildlife. With fewer visitors around, the opportunity to see elk, wolves, deer, and foxes from the safety of your vehicle is more likely.

Parks Canada encourages visitors to bring binoculars while cross-country skiing through wooded trails and listen for the hardy birds that live here year-round. They can even take a scenic drive to the Narrows and watch for otters fishing in patches of open water or sliding on the ice. Kid-friendly winter fun Kids can also take advantage of the outdoors this winter.

Families can plan an ice fishing trip to the park for its ice fishing season on Waskesiu Lake until March 31. Prince Albert National Park fishing licenses can be purchased at the Visitor Centre upon arrival.

If it’s slow between catches, visitors can bring a toboggan to pull children around and scout the lake or shoreline for animal tracks and pine cones. Snow crystal identification kits are available at the Visitor Centre and may keep little detectives investigating the surrounding environment a bit longer.

Camping in the off-season The northern sky, solitude and sense of adventure make a winter camping experience unlike any other. The park has designated two campgrounds with access to firewood, pit toilets and enclosed shelters for which a nominal fee applies. Visitors must register with the Visitor Centre before any overnight excursion and for information on random winter camping.

When visiting Prince Albert National Park during the winter, be aware of extra hazards such as cold temperatures and wind chill, storms, challenging travel conditions, and short daylight hours. To make each winter visit a safe one, be sure to check the forecast and road conditions, and prepare accordingly before leaving home. To learn more about staying safe while exploring the park during the winter visit AdventureSmart.

Parks Canada Merchandise Holiday Sale in Waskesiu

Between December 6, 2019, and January 1, 2020, all Parks Canada Official Merchandise is 25% off at the Visitor Centre. When popping in to obtain a Christmas Tree permit, or cooling down from an afternoon ski, don’t forget to pick up a special souvenir or cozy sweater for yourself or a loved one. The Holiday Sale applies to all in stock items and cannot be combined with other promotional offers. Prince Albert National Park is open for pass holders to enjoy 365 days per year Discover the park for the day or for your whole vacation – summer or winter!

Local annual passes for individuals (Adult and Senior) can be purchased at a discounted rate of 20% from December 1, 2019 until March 31, 2020. These discounted passes can be purchased in-person at the Visitor Centre or by phoning in payment and shipping details.

Regular Visitor Centre hours apply (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday; and, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday).

Regular price Early Bird price Family $78.50 $78.50 Adult $39.20 $31.40 Senior $34.30 $27.40 Prince Albert National Park entry and service fees help support visitor services and facilities. This means that every time you visit, you are investing in the park — and in a legacy for future generations.

Experience history, nature and adventure across the country The Parks Canada Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year to over 80 Parks Canada places across the country. Canadians can purchase their Parks Canada Discovery Passes online or directly at Prince Albert National Park. The Parks Canada Family/Group Discovery Pass is the perfect gift for your family and friends. Purchase your Family/Group Discovery Pass online or at the Prince Albert National Park Visitor Centre by December 31 and receive a $20 discount. When you purchase your Discovery Pass online by December 31, 2019, you will receive 20% off Parks Canada Official Merchandise at the Visitor Centre in Waskesiu or at ParksCanadaShop.ca. The discount is valid for one purchase made by February 29, 2020. Look for your promo code in the package with your Discovery Pass or on your receipt from the Visitor Centre. We’re here to help!

The Visitor Centre is OPEN DAILY, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Saturday to Sunday excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Knowledgeable Parks Canada team members can help plan visits and answer any questions: (306) 663-4522 or pc.princealbertinfo.pc@canada.ca.

Day 3: Clinton Jacobi and Kalea Durnin, cross country skiing on the on the Wapiti Trail.

PANP Encosed Picnic Shelter

by Prince Albert National Park

Embrace winter at Prince Albert National Park

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