Prince Albert National Park
National Park (Parks Canada) · Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan
Prince Albert National Park lies in central Saskatchewan, about two hours north of Saskatoon, where the aspen parkland gives way to the boreal forest. It is a park of lakes, spruce and poplar woods, trails and canoe routes, centred on the Waskesiu Lake townsite, a lake resort with a beach, shops, a marina and campgrounds. The park shelters wolves, elk, moose, black bears and, in the west, a free-ranging plains bison herd that is hard to find (confirm current access). It is also known for the Grey Owl cabin on Ajawaan Lake, home of the writer and conservationist Grey Owl, an English-born man who presented himself as Indigenous. The cabin is a long hike or a canoe trip, not a short stroll. It suits families, paddlers and hikers. Plan two to four days. Winters are very cold, and mosquitoes are heavy in early summer. Cell service is poor away from the townsite, and the Grey Owl trip is the hard part, so choose it only if you are fit and prepared.
Waskesiu Lake Visitor Centre, Lakeview Drive, Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan, S0J 2Y0, Canada
The park is open year round, but services are seasonal. The Waskesiu townsite is busiest and fully serviced from late May to early September, when the visitor centre, shops, marina, boat rentals and most campgrounds run. Outside that period many businesses close, roads may be partly unplowed and some campgrounds shut. A Parks Canada pass or day fee applies, and backcountry camping and the Grey Owl route need reservations and permits. Hours of the visitor centre and any fee booth change by year, so confirm with Parks Canada before you plan. Daylight is long in June and short by December.
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