October News from Prince Albert National Park

Building Permits at Waskesiu

The business district in the Waskesiu townsite is changing as construction has begun on a new commercial building.

“The old site of the Angry Taco will become the new grocery store,” said Dave Archer, co-owner of the Waskesiu Trading Company. “We hope to move the bakery and grocery operation there in the spring of 2019.”

The Archer family began construction on the building in early September and will continue to work on the structure throughout the winter with assistance from local tradespeople. The new building is 3,200 square-feet and includes a large patio facing the main beach.

Parks Canada issued 65 building permits from April 1 to October 24, 2018. Building permits are issued to private individuals and commercial business operators for new construction as well as renovations, interior updates, and outdoor repairs to existing properties.

Horse-Use in Autumn 

Horse enthusiasts are invited to ride in one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Saskatchewan. Riding in the fall and early winter continues to be a rewarding experience with ample places to explore. The trails in the southwest region of the park offer riders easy access to breathtaking views and picturesque meadows. In the course of a day, riders can cover a variety of terrain including aspen groves, fescue grasslands, pockets of conifer forest, and pristine lakeshores.

“You can see a long way through the trees this time of year so that makes it easier to spot wildlife in the distance,” said owner and operator of Sturgeon River Ranch, John Prosak. “We’ve recently saw deer, elk, moose, and bison.” Prosak Said his favorite fall trails are the Amyot Lake trail, the Valleyview trails and Rat Lake.

Prosak has 23 horses on the ranch and offers excursion to the public for horseback riding, wagon, and sleigh rides in the winter. “Fall is one of the nicest times of year on the trails because there are no bugs and there’s a lot of wildlife grazing, storing up food for the winter. There’s also a lot of waterfowl. Seven low-flying swans flew over our riders and horses on the weekend.”

All trails in Prince Albert National Park are multiple-use trails. Riders are asked to clear-off the path and give the right of way to hikers or cyclists. Keep pack-horses and dogs under physical control at all times. Horseback riders are encouraged to pick-up a Prince Albert National Park Activity Guide and Trail Map from the Waskesiu Visitor Centre to discover the many horse-friendly trails available. Some trails are even suitable for wagon-use.

Winter Camping Offer November 1

Prince Albert National Park is open for year-round camping. Camping at Paignton Beach and Birch Bay begins November 1 at $4.90 per person, per night.

For those visitors without a seasonal pass, park entry fees can be paid during hours of operation at the Visitor Centre and the automated pass dispensers are accessible after hours. Dispensers are located at the East Gate, South Gate, and Visitor Centre.

The hours of operation for the Visitor Centre are: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

        Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm  

Those with enquires can call Visitor Services at 1-306-663-4522 or visit the Prince Albert National Park website: pc.gc.ca/princealbert