By Prince Albert National Park

Fall Fun at theNorth's National Park

Waskesiu Update

Oct 7, 2019 | 1:29 PM

Fall favorites in the park

It’s that special time of year when the weather begins to cool and the nights are noticeably longer. These shorter days and cooler temperatures trigger the leaves’ green photosynthetic pigment (called chlorophyll) to break down, allowing other yellow and orange pigments to show through. And the brilliance of fall color has been lingering in the park so it’s time to immerse yourself in nature while avoiding the crowds and absorb the autumn splendour.

The northern lights and constellations are shining bright this fall too. With a new moon phase coming at the end of September, visitors can enjoy the beauty of dark skies speckled with stars on clear nights. Great places to visit this time of year are South Bay or Paignton Beach along the Narrows Road for wide open views of the night sky. When the winds are calm, you can often see a clear reflection of bright stars and the northern lights on the lake.

Shoulder season camping open until Thanksgiving

Several campgrounds are still fully operational until Thanksgiving, Monday, October 14. It’s a great time to take advantage of shoulder season pricing at Beaver Glen, Red Deer, and Namekus Lake campgrounds. From fully serviced RV campsites located in the heart of Waskesiu to the tranquillity of lake side tenting, the camping experience in Prince Albert National Park brings you closer to nature and is a great escape before winter settles in. Discover the energy and beautiful colours of the fall season, as the leaves turn golden, the days are sunny, and the evenings are perfect sweater weather. Park visitors are asked to apply safe camping and picnicking practices, obey the camping and other national park regulations including keeping your dog on leash, and keep food and garbage secure at all times.

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Capture and share your memories

The highlight of your trip to Prince Albert National Park might be just around the corner of your favourite hiking trail, campsite, picnic area or next scenic drive. When travelling in the park there are countless opportunities to view wildlife, enjoy scenic views or study flowers and plants. Make sure your batteries are charged and that you have plenty of memory to capture the perfect photograph. And don’t forget to tag us as you share your experiences on social media. Follow @Parks.Canada on Instagram to enjoy photos and stories from across the country.

Parks Canada places the highest priority on public safety through the prevention of conflict between wildlife and people. We would like to remind residents and visitors that we share the park with wildlife and to take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and wildlife safe. It is important to remember the following:

Make noise. Conversation and singing will let wild animals know where you are. If elk and deer do not move out of the way as you approach, stop and make a wide arc around them or go back the way from which you came. Always leave wild animals an escape route so that they don’t feel trapped.

Stop in and see us at the Nature Centre

The Prince Albert National Park Nature Centre in Waskesiu features interactive displays and is open on weekends until Thanksgiving. Discover the cultural and natural heritage of the area through modern exhibits in this beautiful, recognized federal heritage building. It is a great place for children of all ages to learn about the park. There are activity backpacks to borrow and park staff can assist with questions.

The Nature Centre is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The last day of its seasonal operations schedule is Sunday, October 13.

Tips for planning a fall visit

Fall is a wonderful time to view a stunning sunset, paddle across calm lakes or hike through a forest of beautiful fall colours. To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance using the national park website. Here you can find helpful information on camping, hours, services, safety, activities, and events. Visitors are encouraged to check the Important Bulletins before travelling to Prince Albert National Park to plan their trips more effectively.

Parks Canada’s official mobile app has all the essentials to plan a successful trip. Discover lesser-known hidden gems, tag special events, create a personalized packing list, unlock fun frames and stickers and instantly share photos to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Your pass to a year of nature, culture and history

Visitors with a valid park pass can take advantage of all Prince Albert National Park has to offer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This beautiful, outdoor landscape is a special place where people are able to make connections, learn about the natural and cultural environment around them and participate in recreational activities that keep us active and healthy. The park is open every season and friendly staff can help plan a fall or winter visit today!

The Visitor Centre is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Friday to Saturday. For questions, trip planning, trail conditions, and more, contact us at (306) 663-4522 or pc.princealbertinfo.pc@canada.ca.