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Prince Albert sits in a unique spot. The river city, on the south banks of North Saskatchewan, is also on the south edge of the boreal forest. This helps to make Prince Albert a perfect base camp for adventures in the many parks to the north, like Prince Albert National Park or Great Blue Heron and Narrow Hills Provincial Parks. Within the small northern city, however, there is enough parkland and greenspace to offer plenty of adventure close to PA’s downtown while still having those bigger parks within about 100km.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
Among the biggest of Prince Albert’s 35 different parks is Little Red River Park. Unlike many of the other local parklands, this area is cut off from the noise, hustle, or bustle of the city by the North Saskatchewan River. Little Red River Park provides a quick and simple escape into that southern edge of the forest any time of year. And during the winter months, the snowy landscape is a serene escape for several types of activities.
Kinsmen Ski & Snowboard Club
Ski, snowboard, or shred the Little Red this winter with the local Kinsmen Ski & Snowboard Club. The river valley ski hill is a perfect place to learn or sharpen different downhill skills. The smaller ski area provides numerous ways on the hill to add speed, air, or technical tricks to your run. And if the ski hill is a bit too much for your day, your kids, or your plans, Little Red River Park also has a free public toboggan hill beside the south parking lot.
Winter Trails at Little Red River Park
The entire park area is on the north side of North Saskatchewan and surrounds a small creek that runs from the river. The area is densely forested with tall, mature pines and aspens to bring you right out of the city and into nature- all within a 5-minute drive of central Prince Albert. A new park feature for winter 2025 includes public fire pit areas and warm-up shelters with free firewood.
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
- The Prince Albert Nordic Ski Club maintains and sets tracks for an expansive set of cross-country ski trails. The trails all head at the main parking area and lead either north or east into the forested river valley area. And with the several different trail options, there are different options for difficulty levels, too!
- These trails range from easy to intermediate or difficult. Even the easier of the ski loops may run for as long as 5 or 6km and can offer a full day on the trails. Altogether, this club maintains over 50km of cross-country ski trails within Little Red River Park.
- While skiing is at the centre of the club’s focus, they also provide space within the park’s forests for winter hiking. The first set of trails begins from the main south parking lot, while the second set of trails begins from the 6th Avenue NE parking lot.
- Snowshoeing is also permitted on many of the winter walking trails.
- Pups and adventure cats are welcome on the trails but must remain on a leash- pet waste disposal sites are also located throughout the trails.
Knotty Pine Bistro & More PA Dining
Grab a cozy, hearty, or warming meal right in the park with the lodge and its restaurant, the Knotty Pine Bistro. The whole lodge is available for special event or meeting rentals, while the year-round restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find more dining options across the river within Prince Albert.
- Many of Prince Albert’s local cafes are found along Central Avenue; take a walk to find homemade sweets, warm coffees or café drinks, and several options for lunch.
- Several more restaurants, both sit-down and takeout, are around the Central Avenue and River Road West areas. Choose between international cuisine, family restaurants, pizza places, buffets, and more.
- As you stroll downtown Prince Albert, be on the lookout for the many pieces of public art that decorate the streets. There are 10 noteworthy pieces to find.
More Trails & Winter Activities in Prince Albert
Explore downtown, the river valley, local arts and culture, or all of Prince Albert with the Rotary Trail.
- Follow the Rotary Trail on the opposite side of the North Saskatchewan River to get your choice of 23km of trails which wind throughout the city. Additionally, a 3km connector trail gets you direct access to Little Red River Park from the Rotary Trail. This trail is for walking only in the winter and is cleared of snow to make walking much easier. Follow the entire trail to circle all of Prince Albert!
- Prince Albert boasts nine different outdoor skating rinks, several of which are open into the evenings and lit for night skating. A few also offer space for hockey.
- The Prince Albert Winter Festival is a month-long celebration of everything winter in Saskatchewan, from snow and ice to outdoor recreation, arts, food, and culture.
Winter Trip to Little Red River Park
Credit: Tourism Saskatchewan
What: Little Red River Park is a year-round public park in Prince Albert. The park boundaries are separated from the small city by the North Saskatchewan River. The Little Red River Park area is a mature pine and aspen forest and ecologically diverse river valley location.
There are several ways to explore the park’s trails, including winter cross-country skiing, walking, or snowshoeing, and summer walking or cycling. Plus, the area offers a small downhill ski and snowboard area, local dining, a toboggan hill, ample parking, and washrooms.
The Cosmopolitan Lodge and Knotty Pine Bistro are central to the park and trailheads, with a brand new patio to consider for the summers.
Location: 690 13 Street Northeast, Spruce Home, SK S6V 0B6
Little Red River Park is located approximately 5 km from downtown Prince Albert.
Cost: park and trail access free; lift tickets $15-$20 per person
Best time to go: open year-round; December to March for winter activities
For more information:
Little Red River Park Trail Map
