Prince Albert National Park, in the middle of Saskatchewan, was created to preserve the boreal forest in the area. If you're a fitness-minded visitor, you'll find numerous activities, including hiking, wildlife and bird watching and water sports to keep you busy. Camping in the park can give you quick access to trails and other outdoor activities and help you reconnect to this peaceful setting.
About the Park
Prince Albert National Park is just over a three-hour drive from Saskatoon, making it a popular getaway for residents of the city and beyond. Along with preserving the boreal forest, the park is also a haven for birds and wildlife, as it is home to a free-ranging bison herd and the nation's only fully protected nesting colony of white pelicans. Thus, bird and wildlife watching are a great way to experience nature and stretch your legs along the trails. Guided tours and interpretive centers give you an understanding of the park's natural history and its former indigenous inhabitants.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of outdoor activities in the park. Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are popular summer activities, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available in winter. You can hike, bike, horseback ride and golf as well. With so much to do, it's best to plan your time before you go. This will help you choose a campground as well, as it is best to stay in one closest to particular sights you want to see or hiking trails you'd like to try.
Frontcountry Camping
Frontcountry camping is best if you want to stay close to main roads easily do a variety of activities; for example, as a frontcountry camper, you can do a nature trail near your camp in the morning and then drive to water access in the afternoon for canoeing or swimming. Red Deer and Beaver Glen Campgrounds are the two fully serviced campgrounds, with electrical hookups, showers and washrooms, among other amenities. Unserviced Narrows campground, as well as those at Sandy, Namekus and Trappers lakes are more rustic but do have outdoor toilets.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is a good option for those that want to escape the crowds and do long, overnight hiking, biking or boating trips. These can be physically taxing, so you should know your limits before setting out. There are primitive campsites in various locations on the majority of backcountry canoe and hiking routes, as well as on Crean and Kingsmere lakes' shorelines. There are camping fees to use these facilities. All backcountry campers, no matter where you stay, have to get a permit before setting out.
Winter Camping
Winter camping is an option if you want to cross-country ski or snowshoe into the peace of the silent, snow-covered wilderness. There are winter campsites at Trappers, Fish, Crean, Waskesiu and Kingsmere lakes, many of which have enclosed cooking shelters. As a camper, you have to register with the park to camp overnight and must be prepared to deal with emergencies, because trails are not patrolled every day.
Member Comments