PA National Park News

SaskHiker Plans to Visit Prince Albert National Park

The Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region and Prince Albert National Park are enlisting the help of social media all-stars; bloggers, Facebook sensations, and Instagram influencers to reach social media consumers. The founder of SaskHiker website and blog, Jay Brown, plans to hike and camp in the backcountry of Prince Albert National Park in November or December.

“Prince Albert National Park has always been one of my favourite places to visit in Saskatchewan. It’s the perfect combination of raw nature with easy access to it. I am looking forward to getting out into the forest on my cross-country skis and just listening to the creaking and groaning of the trees in the winter and the crunch of the snow under my feet,” said Brown.

“I think social media posts about the region are doing a lot to promote the attractions and natural beauty of the area to a new audience,” said Terry Dow, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region. “Whether you are a family, a couple, or an individual who wants a weekend getaway; it’s a great place to explore with stellar tourism products, restaurants, and hoteliers.”

The Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region and Parks Canada began the outreach campaign in September with a visit from Regina’s rising-stars, video bloggers, Justin and Greg.

Their visit to the national park led to the creation of a two-part video episode shot in Prince Albert National Park and region. Lost Creek Resort accommodations and the Hawood Inn services where featured in the videos as well as Justin and Greg’s humorous antics. There were various clips of the slap-stick duo in the wilderness. One of their video posts has garnered 53,656 views and 105 reactions, comments, and shares to date.

Cheryl Kirkness, the author of the Moms & Munchkins blog website, spent Thanksgiving weekend in the region. “I thought it was great. Because there wasn’t a lot of people around, I felt we got the personal touch at local businesses and tour operators.”

Kirkness and her partner Ryan stayed at Lost Creek Resort with their four boys ages, 17 to seven and took part in various attractions such as dog carting at Sundogs Excursions, bike rentals from the Grey Owl Centre, the Parks Canada Nature Centre, hiking trails, and a holiday meal at the Hawood Inn. “We could bounce from one activity to the next without any holdups so we fit a lot into a weekend,” said Kirkness.

Even though there’s snow on the ground Brown is looking forward to camping. SaskHiker’s tagline is, “Go outside. There’s fun stuff out there.”

Brown said, “What this means is that I want to encourage as many people as possible to get outside and explore our province and find their own fun. To do this, I focus on providing the how-tos and where-tos of having fun outdoors.”

The public can learn more about the trails in Prince Albert National Park and SaskHiker’s backcountry camping tips on Facebook and Instagram, or read Brown’s story on the SaskHiker website at, saskhiker.com.

Winter Camping Preparedness

Prince Albert National Park is open for camping all year long. Saskatchewan weather conditions are unpredictable and temperatures can drop quickly. Visitors should come to the park prepared to be self-sufficient. This includes planning their trip, wearing appropriate clothing, and having reliable transportation.

 “Visitors are reminded to register for overnight winter camping at the Visitor Centre,” said Visitor Safety Coordinator Kevin Ferrie. “Cell phone coverage is variable in the park and cell phones batteries tend to go flat quickly when cold. Always tell someone where you are going so they know to come and look for you in case you don’t return by the expected time.”

There are dedicated winter campsites around Waskesiu Lake at Paignton Beach and Birch Bay that you can drive to in the winter season. These beach areas each receive a lot of sun on clear days and include an enclosed kitchen shelter, firewood supply, and serviced pit toilets. Visitors can also random camp in the backcountry.

A list of recommended items to bring to the park can be found in the Winter Guide and Trail Map brocuhure. The national Adventure Smart program offers additional detailed safety tips at: adventuresmart.ca

Recommended essentials:

• trail guide and map
• compass first aid kit
• warm winter clothing and boots
• emergency blanket
• fire starter and signals
• navigational and communications devices
• pocket knife
• flashlight or headlamp
• sun protection
• food and water for 48 hours

“In the winter the ground is frozen so a lot of people use pop-up, one-to-two man tents. You can sink tent pegs a little ways into ground right now but if the ground is too hard or frozen, you can tie your tent cords to trees, rocks, or pieces of firewood to anchor them in the snow,” said Ferrie.

A warm sleeping bag is recommended. Underneath your sleeping bag, a cot or thick inflatable mattress can be used to keep yourself off the ground. A thick insulating layer such as a camping foam or even a piece of carpet between your sleeping bag and the cot or ground to can make the experience more enjoyable.

Propane heaters can be used. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s directions to prevent fire or carbon monoxide exposure.

Winter camping costs $4.90 per person, per night. Campers can to register at the Visitor Centre. Park entry fees apply.

Early Bird Park Entry Discounts

There are 20 percent discounts on adult and senior one-year Prince Albert National Park entry passes available, December 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019. The Government of Canada is pleased to continue to offer free admission to all youth aged 17 and under.

Enjoy natural and cultural experiences across Canada all year long with a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. It provides unlimited admission for a full year to over 80 Parks Canada places; national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas. There is a 20 percent discount on national individual, family, and group Discovery Passes until December 31, 2018.

Passes are valid across the country for 12 months from the date of purchase. Discovery Passes can be purchased in person at any Parks Canada site or ordered online at: parkscanada.gc.ca

Post a selfie using #ShowUsYourPass to be included in Parks Canada promotions.