By Prince Albert National Park

Make Prince Albert National Park your destination for February Break!

Feb 8, 2023 | 3:09 PM

Visit Prince Albert National Park during February Break (February 18-26) for an invigorating and inspiring adventure.

The entire park is a glistening winter wonderland this time of year. Be sure to enjoy our top seven outdoor experiences:

· Explore the wilderness of the park and get active by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or walking a trail. With close to 50 km of trails groomed and maintained for cross-country skiing and 20 km of trails dedicated for snowshoeing and walking, visitors are sure to have an optimal adventure. Check trail conditions before heading out. Prince Albert National Park gear – cross country skis, snowshoes and child strollers with ski attachments – are available free of charge, courtesy of Parks Canada. This equipment can be borrowed from the Hawood Inn on a first come first serve basis.

· Drop-in at the Paul Horne Community Arena in Waskesiu Lake for ice skating. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Use of the skating rink is by donation. For more information about the rink, contact the Waskesiu Recreation Association (WRA).

· Enjoy an interpretive program with a knowledgeable and inspiring guide, available daily throughout February Break:

ARSON

Two charged with setting fires in northern Sask.

16h ago

Critical assistance

Premier Moe responds to criticism for not calling in federal, military help to handle wildfires

17h ago

Red Cross wildfire fundraiser

Pattison Media stations to join 'Saskatchewan Day of Caring' June 12

21h ago

Perfect for young families

o Sparks in the Park: February 20, 23 and 26 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Main Beach in Waskesiu.

Best for ages 12 and up

o Gateway to the Stars: February 18-19 and 24-25 from 8:00pm to 9:00pm at the breakwater near the Main Beach in Waskesiu.

o Snowshoe Stomp: February 18-20 and 23-26 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Meet at the Visitor Centre in Waskesiu. This is a paid program – $23.03/person.

· Enjoy a family picnic in one of the five enclosed shelters available in the park during winter. Located at Main Beach across from the Visitor Centre, Paignton Beach, Birch Bay, Crean Day Use Area at end of Crean ski trail and Southend Campground on Kingsmere Lake, each shelter has a wood stove for warmth and meal preparation, making them the perfect sanctuary for a winter picnic with families or household group. Firewood is provided.

· Enjoy a winter camping experience. Enjoy the two drive-in winter campgrounds – Birch Bay and Paignton Beach – which offer firewood, pit toilets and enclosed camp kitchen shelters. There are also several designated backcountry campgrounds to explore. Visitors need to register and pay their camping fees at the Visitor Centre before any overnight excursion.

· Bring fishing gear and enjoy the ice fishing season on Waskesiu Lake, available until March 31, 2023. Prince Albert National Park fishing licenses can be purchased at the Visitor Centre upon arrival. If it’s slow between catches, visitors can scout the lake or shoreline for animal tracks.

· Keep an eye out for wildlife and their tracks. Silent forests and shorelines offer the perfect opportunity to watch for mammals such as elk, deer, wolf, lynx and fox. Listen for the hardy birds that stay in the park through the winter. Visitors can even take a scenic drive to the Narrows and watch for otters fishing in patches of open water or sliding on the ice.

Heated washrooms with running water are available in the Visitor Centre and Waskesiu Beach 24 hours a day. The Waskesiu Beach complex also offers showers.

For more information, please contact Kaylene Amundson by email kaylene.amundson@pc.gc.ca or phone 306-930-6360.

Reservations for camping in Prince Albert National Park and Grasslands National Park open on March 28, 2023 at 8:00am CST, the local time zone in Saskatchewan.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in the peak summer season and on weekends.

In Prince Albert National Park, visitors can make reservations for Beaver Glen Campground or Red Deer Campground. The reservation period is May 20 to October 9, 2023.

In Grasslands National Park, campsites included in the reservation service are Frenchman Valley Campground, Rock Creek Campground and backcountry camping; the reservation period is May 1 to October 9, 2023.

Come explore all that these parks have to offer and sleep under the stars after a day full of hiking and wildlife viewing. Reserve your 2023 campsites starting March 28, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. CST, the local time zone in Saskatchewan, online at www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-737-3783.