Saskatoon 
At 3874 square kilometers in size, there’s a ton of adventure to be had in Prince Albert National Park. The Saskatchewan town of Waskesiu, located in the park, is a hotspot tourist destination and features many wonderful opportunities for family activities, fishing, camping, cabin rentals, golf, shopping, hitting the beach, swimming, hiking, and more. The park features many more fun activities including amazing canoe and kayak routes, ziplining, horseback riding, fishing, beautiful campgrounds, sandy beaches, scenic hiking and biking trails, and more.
1. Go on the journey of a lifetime
There are several ways to reach Grey Owl’s cabin. The iconic cabin can be reached by hiking trails or by water. The hiking trail by land is just about 33km long one way, leaving from the Waskesiu on the Kingsmere Road, but if you’re into adventure and back country camping, it’s definitely the journey of a lifetime. The journey by water is also just under 33km one way, leaving from Waskesiu.
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2. See the buffalo
Credit: Parks Canada
The Sturgeon River plains bison herd, a herd which has been reintroduced, can often be seen by hiking along the Amyot Trail. The trail is just 4km round trip, but it is rated as difficult. If you’re up for the challenge, the trail runs past Amyot Lake, where these free ranging bison can often be spotted.
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3. Spot the carnivorous plants
The Prince Albert National Park is just full of exciting, interesting, and unique things to see. The Boundary Bog Trail in the park is a looped trail that is 2km long. It is rated as easy, so people of all ages can come and see the diverse terrain that the trail meanders through. Come and see the fen that the trail cuts through, the boreal forest bog, and all the unique plant life that grows in the area, including the carnivorous plants that eat insects.
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4. Treat yourself
If you’re craving a sweet treat, Waskesiu has two amazing ice cream shops. The Scoop Ice Cream Parlour and Big Olaf Sundaes are two perfect spots to get a sweet treat. Both places are located on Waskesiu Drive and are excellent! Whether it’s a hot or cold day, you can bring the whole family and enjoy a delicious creation.
5. Play the day away
The Bears on the Beach Playground is the perfect spot to bring the kiddies for a day of action-packed fun. The playground is packed with lots of fun equipment. Slides, swings, sand, and more, the playground truly has it all. The playground is located right near all the shopping and dining options in Waskesiu, so it’s not out of the way at all.
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6. Sandy fun
Main Beach on Waskesiu Lake features a wooden boardwalk that gives way to a massive stretch of sand and some cool, sparkling waters just beyond that. The beach is the best spot to be on a hot day. People of all ages flock to the sandy shores to relax in the sun, for sandy fun, and epic swimming and splashing adventures.
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7. Camp out
There are over 500 campsites available at the park over several campgrounds. Bring a tent, bring the camper, or experience the unique oTENTiks. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try backcountry camping at one of the fifteen backcountry sites as well. The park is truly gorgeous and camping out is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature and have an authentic summer getaway.
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8. Catch of the day
At nearly four thousand square kilometers in size, the Prince Albert National Park boasts a ton of lakes and rivers that are teeming with fish. Anglers will love exploring the clear waters. Even if the fish are elusive, the beauty of the unspoiled wilderness is sure to be memorable. Lake trout, northern pike, and walleye are the main species of fish to angle for. The park does have some rules and regulations that need to be followed for fishing, so be sure to check them out ahead of time.
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9. For the birds
Prince Albert National Park is a haven for all the bird lover’s out there. The park has recorded over two hundred different species of birds. The park’s diverse landscape, as well as marshes, wetlands, lakes, and rivers, provide the perfect habitat for many different birds. In the spring The Narrows on Waskesiu Lake are the place to be to see a ton of different birds.
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10. A different kind of drive-through
A great way to see a lot of the park if you don’t have a ton of time for exploring is to take a scenic drive down one of the three routes that meander through the park. Scenic drives are a great way to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the area, and also provide great opportunities for photos. You might even get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the diverse wildlife in the area. The Narrows Road is 24km long and travels along the southern shore of Waskesiu Lake, while the Kingsmere Road follows the northern shore of the lake for nearly 33km. Highway #263 runs from Waskesiu all the way to the far south end of the park.
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11. A new vantage point
There are two lookout towers in the park. They might be a bit of a hike, but the views are absolutely stunning. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque views of the forests, rolling hills, creeks, lakes, islands and more. Height-of-Land Lookout Tower is 15 meters tall, but stands 100 meters above Waskesiu. The trailhead to see the tower is located 8.5km from the visitor centre on highway #263. The Spruce River Highlands Trail is an 8.5km loop trail that is rated as difficult because of the steep hills. The Spruce River Highlands Tower is located along the trail and is 10 meters high.
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12. The world from horseback
Credit: Sturgeon River Ranch
Seeing the world from horseback can be quite a unique experience. The park has several different trails that can be experienced from horseback. Elk Trail, Hunters Lake Trail, and the Valley View Trail Network can all be accessed for equestrian use. You might even get a chance to see the Plains bison in the park. Don’t have your own horse? No problem. Just book with the Sturgeon River Ranch.
13. Take to the water
The Prince Albert National Park is huge and features diverse terrain and unspoiled wilderness. The park is the perfect setting for your next paddling adventure. Whether you’re an avid canoer or kayaker looking for a backcountry trip that could take days, or just want to dip into the water to experience a tranquil getaway for a few hours, the park has a ton of routes that can be explored. For those that don’t have their own watercraft, there are rentals available in the park.
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14. Take your best swing
Credit: Elk Ridge Resort
Golf enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels will love the two amazing courses in and near the park. Visit the historic Waskesiu Lobstick Golf Course to challenge yourself or visit the spectacular Elk Ridge Resort, located just outside the East Gate of the park. You can stay, eat, and golf at the resort. The course is 27 holes that are great for all skill levels.
15. Hit the beach
There are several spectacular beaches throughout the park that make for hours of sandy fun, relaxing in the sun, floating, splashing, and swimming. Trippes Beach, Waskesiu Main Beach, Birch Bay, Paignton Beach, Beaver Glen Beach, South Bay, Point View, and Narrows Beach are the most popular beaches in the park, but there are many others that can be discovered on the lakes and rivers throughout the park as well.
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16. Support Local
Waskesiu is the only town in Prince Albert National Park and it has quite a collection of small shops, cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, and more for your shopping pleasure. Stock up on the things you need, peruse unique items, or treat yourself to a cold tasty treat or a hot beverage. Waskesiu has that lovely resort/quaint village feeling that you’ll be sure to enjoy.
17. Hike, hike, hike
The Prince Albert National Park features an extensive trail system that spans over 120km in the park. There are over fifteen different trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult. The park features some incredibly diverse terrain, which makes for the most beautiful scenery. Spot the bison in the park, watch out for carnivorous plants, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, or come for the birdwatching. Challenge yourself or enjoy a more leisurely pace. Hike for a few hours or spend days and backcountry camp along the way. There is a trail for almost everyone.
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18. Sink a putt with the whole family
Little Al’s Mini Golf in Waskesiu is a great place to take the entire family for a morning or afternoon of fun. The course features eighteen holes and draws on local history and culture as the inspiration for the course’s design and décor.
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19. Go on a tree top adventure
Credit: Treeosix Adventure Parks
No trip to Waskesiu would be complete without a visit to the Treeosix Adventure Park. Rent an electric bike and explore the area or get a bird’s eye view from above with the guided zipline tours. There are other activities to enjoy as well. It’s sure to be a highlight of any trip.
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20. Bagwa Canoe Route
The Bagwa Canoe Route is one of the most popular and accessible canoe routes of the many that exist in the park. The route is a looped route that can take up to ten hours to paddle. It’s a great route for beginner canoe or kayak enthusiasts to experience, and the best part is that it can be done over a few days if you want to extend your adventure and camp out in between. The scenery is gorgeous and you’ll get to visit a few different bodies of water.
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21. Experience oTENTik life
The Beaver Glen Campground in the park offers ten different oTENTiks that are available for rent. These unique structures are a cross between a tent and a small cabin and really take the hard work out of camping. The oTENTiks can be booked online and can accommodate up to six people. Each structure has a small site as well, which eliminates the need to buy your own camping equipment. You can literally just pull right up and start enjoying your stay without having to spend hours setting up camp.
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22. Take a step back in time
Credit: Waskesiu Heritage Museum
The Waskesiu Heritage Museum is located in a lovely log building and features much of the history of the Prince Albert National Park and Waskesiu since its creation over ninety years ago. The museum also features original and replica buildings, as well as outdoor exhibits that people of all ages can enjoying seeing and learning about.
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23. Get back to nature
The Prince Albert National Park Nature Centre features a whole host of fun activities for people of all ages. The centre is located in a gorgeous log building and features fun programs, movies, interactive activities, guided walks, children’s activities, and other special programming and events throughout the year.
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24. Meander down the boardwalk
The Waskesiu River Trail is a 2.5km loop that is rated as moderate in difficulty. The trail is made up of a boardwalk that runs past the Waskesiu River and through forested areas. The boardwalk eventually gives way to a bridge that spans the water, and continues on through rolling hills. The trail is beautiful and lets you take in some of the natural beauty of the area.
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25. Bike the trails
The Prince Albert National Park is a haven for both hikers and mountain bikers. The park features an extensive number of trails that run for over 120km throughout the park. All of the designated hiking trails in the park can actually also be used by mountain bikers as well. See the link below for a list of recommended trails that offer some stellar mountain biking opportunities.
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PLAN YOUR TRIP
When: Year Round; Activities Vary
How Much:
Adult$ 7.90; Senior:$ 6.90; Youth: free; Family/Group:$ 16.00
Where: 969 Lakeview Dr, Waskesiu Lake
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