By Prince Albert National Park

Need a Christmas tree?

Nov 30, 2018 | 7:14 AM

Choose a tree from Prince Albert National Park and help protect the community of Waskesiu from wildfires at the same time! The Parks Canada Christmas Tree Harvest is a great way to get into the spirit of the season and explore nature.

The initiative allows the public to cut their own Christmas tree from the Waskesiu Community Fuel Break. The coniferous trees in the zone are predominately white spruce and pine. Visitors must acquire a free Christmas Tree Harvest permit from the Visitor Centre prior to harvesting a tree.

A map illustrating the harvest zone is provided to visitors with the permit. Visitors are welcome to harvest one tree per household any time between December 1 and December 24 from the designated area.

The harvest has gained popularity since its inception three years ago. In 2016, 94 permits were given out and in 2017, 205 permits were dispersed.

The safety of the public is Parks Canada’s priority. The harvest area must be accessed on foot. Winter clothing and boots are recommended. Trees must be cut down with a handsaw or axe. All-terrain vehicles and chainsaws are not permitted. Bringing a sleigh along makes it easier to haul the tree to a vehicle. Pack a first aid kit, extra mittens, dry socks, and a thermos with a warm drink to help you warm-up after your time outdoors.

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The fuel break was established in 2002 to help prevent the spread of wildfire to private and public property. Since the fuel break was first cleared, some small trees have grown back in the area. By cutting a Christmas tree from the area, visitors are helping to maintain the fuel break that protects Waskesiu from the threat of wildfire.

Parks Canada has more than 30-years of experience in using fire to naturally restore and maintain the ecological integrity of national parks and historic sites. Through safe and effective fire management, we are reducing the danger of wildfire to the public, infrastructure and neighbouring lands, while improving the ecological health of our forests and grasslands.

Christmas Tree Harvest permits available at the Visitor Centre, open seven days a week.

• Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

O Christmas Tree Winter Festival

December 14, 15, 16

Celebrate the holiday season with a fun and festive weekend in Waskesiu and Elk Ridge Resort at the O Christmas Tree Festival. The Waskesiu Wilderness Region and Prince Albert National Park are providing activities for free to visitors. Additionally, visitors to Prince Albert National Park enjoy free park entry Saturday, December 15.

The festival kicks-off on Friday night with horse-drawn sleigh rides boarding in front of the Hawood Inn in the Waskesiu town site. On Saturday, at 10:00 am, Liza Brown will host Come-and-Go Bannock and Tea at the Prince Albert National Park Visitor Centre. Brown will also lead children and teens in making an Indigenous inspired tree ornament. Sleigh rides continue in Waskesiu, commencing at 11:00 am.

Santa will be in attendance in the afternoon. Visitors can take in outdoor wood carving, snow taffy, and a children’s craft at the Hawood Inn and Elk Ridge Resort.

On Sunday, there will be free sleigh rides at Elk Ridge Resort and other self-led activities will be available.

O Christmas Tree Winter Festival Itinerary

Friday, December 13

6:00 – 10:00 pm          Horse-drawn sleigh rides boarding at the Hawood Inn

Saturday, December 14

Events at Waskesiu

• 10:00 am – 1:00 pm   Indigenous inspired tree ornament with Liza Brown & Come-and-Go Bannock and Tea at the park Visitor Centre
• 11:00 am  Wood carving demonstration in the town site
• 11:00 am until dark – Horse-drawn sleigh rides, boarding from the Hawood Inn
• 1:00 pm Snow taffy at the main beach
• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm    
• Take your own holiday photo with Santa Claus!
• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm     Children’s crafts at the Hawood Inn (crafts also at Elk Ridge Resort on Saturday)
• All day                         Campfires and outdoor fun!

Sunday, December 15

Events at Elk Ridge Resort

10:00 am – 2:00 pm    Horse drawn sleigh rides, boarding at Elk Ridge Resort Hotel

All day    Campfires and outdoor fun!

Early Bird Park Entry Discounts

There are currently two types of pass available at a discounted rate for Parks Canada patrons. The Discovery Pass and the Prince Albert National Park specific pass are a great gift idea for outdoor enthusiasts.

Prince Albert National Park specific pass

There’s a 20 percent discount on adult and senior annual Prince Albert National Park entry passes available from 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.

Discovery Pass

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 family and group Discovery Passes until December 31, 2018.

Discovery Passes can be purchased in person at the Visitor Centre or ordered online at: parkscanada.gc.ca

Discovery Passes are valid until the end of the month from the date of purchase. For example, if a Discovery Pass was bought July 1, 2019, it would be valid until July 31, 2020.