(Submitted photo/Parks Canada/Prince Albert National Park)

By Ian Gustafson

Getting away close to home

Prince Albert National Park sees record-breaking campsite reservations

May 5, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The Prince Albert National Park (PANP) has experienced record-breaking numbers for early campsite reservations for this upcoming season.

On opening day, using the Parks Canada reservation system online, on April 14 they nearly doubled their reservations from opening day in 2020.

Jeff Wasylyk,Visitors Service Team Leader at PANP told paNOW over 4,000 of the 4,766 reservations were made in the first two hours the website went live, and were double the 2,425 made on January 10, 2020.

“From 2016 to 2021 camping reservations made on opening day have increased by 225 per cent,” he said. “I think there’s a huge demand for camping and travelling closer to home. Many visitors are enjoying the beautiful spring weather at the park and getting outdoors is just a great way to maintain health and wellness as long as everybody follows the provincial public health measures.”

Those who are still looking to camp in the park can book online for the whole operating season. Wasylyk said the campgrounds are open until the end of Thanksgiving weekend. He added considering the popularity of the campgrounds, there is limited vacancy in July and August in Beaver Glen and Red Deer campgrounds.

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“Campsites, especially during the week or for shorter stays are available in May, June and September for shoulder season camping. We also encourage people to go to the Parks Canada reservation system once in a while and have a look because we do have cancellations,” he explained.

He added spring is an exciting time to be in the park for both visitors and staff as it’s a great time to view wildlife, observe visible changes in the season and the opportunity to see the migratory birds.

“The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, visitors must follow the advice of public health experts and guidelines outlined by the Government of Saskatchewan while visiting or participating in any activities in Prince Albert National Park.”

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ian.gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @iangustafson12