Water levels are high, but the forcast has celebrations ringing through the Prince Albert National Park for the 2024 Canada Day long weekend. (650 CKOM)

By CKOM

Road closures

Weather won’t stop festivities for campers at P.A. National Park

Jun 28, 2024 | 6:38 AM

Road closures and high waters due to the heavy rain is not stopping Canada Day long weekend celebrations at the Prince Albert National Park.

The national park sent an announcement out this week stating that highways in the area are closed due to the record levels of rainfall hitting Saskatchewan.

Closures will be in the following areas:

• The north Spruce River bridge on Highway 263,
• Freight Tait Springs Trailhead and parking lot,
• Spruce River Highlands Trailhead from the north
• and the Sandy (Halkett) Lake parking lot from the south.

The announcement on their Facebook page shared with visitors the safest ways to get to the park.
“All other trails, campgrounds and amenities are accessible via Highway 264 and Highway 2. Some backcountry bridges may have experienced damage from flooding and may be impassable. Be vigilant on the trail and be prepared to turn around.”

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Digit Ash Guedo, Acting Resource Conservation Manager at the park said the road closures are updated on both the park’s website and their official Facebook page so visitors can plan their route to the lake.

Guedo expressed the weather has not been impacting the number of visitors planning their trips for the long weekend,
“The weather looks great for the weekend, so I don’t see that really slowing down (visitors) at all.”

Guedo gave a glimpse into what Canada Day will be looking like for the area. “There will be the Canada Day parade throughout the Waskesiu town site… also our interpretive team puts together a really nice compliment program that can be checked out on the website.”

When it comes to the lake, Guedo shared the waters are good but the levels are extremely high.

“If folks are out and about, just be aware that we’re getting some deadfall that’s washing around too because the water is so high. Things are floating on top, so be aware of things floating in the water…,” Guedo said. “Make sure that you have all your precautionary gear with you and you’ve got a trip planned if you’re going out. If you’re going out on the water or out on the trails, make sure someone knows where you are and when you are set to arrive.”

When asked about what things Guedo wants people to know aside from the road closures, she stressed the importance of leaving the wildlife alone.

“Keep the wildlife wild, keep your distance from them and absolutely do not feed them,” said Guedo.

Guedo also wanted to remind visitors to wash and dry any items before and after they place them into the water to avoid bringing in or taking home any invasive species.

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