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Waskesiu Update

Aug 10, 2018 | 11:14 AM

West Side Tour of Prince Albert National Park
Saturday, August 12
The public is invited to get to know the west side of Prince Albert National Park with a group tour. The trails provide access to fescue grasslands where a herd of free-roaming plains bison are sometimes spotted. Hikers can enjoy high vantage points with many great photo opportunities in the area. The Valleyview Lookout Trail is wheelchair accessible and leads to the Valleyview picnic site.

The West Side Tour takes place Saturday, August 12 and is supported by west side residents. The trails chosen for the event are easy to walk; and are suitable for children and people of all ages. The west side of the park is accessible by Hwy 55 in the west and the Cookson Road in the east. Participants meet at the parking lot near Valleyview trail. The first hike is to the Stoney Plain Meadow lookout. The group then drives to the Amyot Lake Trail Spur for a hike to Amyot Lake. The Amyot Trail has many water fowl viewing opportunities. It takes hikers to sedge covered meadows and scenic Amyot Lake. This is the only group hiking event of the season that encompasses both the Stoney Plains and Amyot Lake trails in a single afternoon.

After the hikes, there is a gathering at the Sturgeon Crossing Station. The public is invited to bring along their own food to barbecue or roast over a fire. Barbecues are supplied. Afterwards, particpants can gather around the campfire to tell stories and share music.

West Side Tour
Meet at Valleyview Trailhead located on the west side of Prince Albert National Park.
• Hiking tour commences at 1:00 p.m.
• Barbecue at 4:00 p.m.
• Campfire to follow.
For more information, please contact the Visitor’s Centre at 306-665-4522, panp.info@pc.gc.ca

37th Annual Frank Dunn Toyota Triathlon
August 11 & 12
Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants in the Frank Dunn Triathlon, as they swim, bike and run though Prince Albert National Park! This year marks the 37th annual race. It started in 1982 and is the oldest triathlon in Western Canada. Frank Dunn Toyota has been the main sponsor of the event since its inception and continues to support the race. The weekend includes an open water swim clinic, a Carbo Supper on Saturday at the Community Hall, and the triathlon takes place on Sunday, August 12. There’s a Kids Swim / Run for ages 6 – 12 years-old on Saturday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. Registration takes place at 1:00 p.m.

Race package pickup for athletes can only be picked up in the park. Package distribution is at the Community Hall in the Waskesiu townsite. Race package pickup is from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 11th. And again on race day from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.

All participants and team participants need to have a STAC membership, an equal Provincial membership or one day insurance. Registration is closed for team entries, however individual participants can still registrar on the website: http://frankdunntriathlon.ca/

Art Fest Waskesiu
August 17, 18 & 19
The Waskesiu Recreation Association hosts their third annual Art Fest Waskesiu on August 17, 18, and 19th at the Terrace Gardens on Lakeview Drive. All participants are Saskatchewan artists. The artwork on display is priced and for sale to the public. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Waskesiu Recreation Association.

Art Fest opens with a Wine and Cheese Gala on Friday, August 17 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Art Show is August 18 and 19th. Admission is free to the public. Tickets for the Wine and Cheese Gala are $25 and sold at Outter Limits and the Chamber of Commerce Office.

Lakeside Music Festival
August 24, 25 & 26
Join the party in the park on August 24 – 26 for live performances by Canadian bands, invigorating programs by Parks Canada, beach-side yoga, tasty treats, and a pancake breakfast to top it all off! It’s a family-friendly festival for people of all ages.
The Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival is held in the grassy park near the main beach at Waskesiu Lake. Bands and solo performers take to the stage Saturday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. The first act of the festival is a children’s performer, Smilin’ Rylan. The evening performers include, Bombargo, The Steadies, and The Northern Pikes.

In addition to the main stage musical acts, there are activities and events such as spray tattoos, face painting, food vendors, and beer gardens. All activities are free with a park entry permit, with the exception of the cabaret (fundraiser for Friends of the Park) and the pancake breakfast (supported by the Waskesiu Recreation Association).

Accommodations are also filling up fast at the commercial operators within Waskesiu. Call ahead to confirm availability. Campground vacancies are limited as well. There may be a few spots available in the Beaver Glen or Red Deer Campgrounds. There are a number of campsites on a first-come, first-served basis at the newly refurbished Narrows Campground. Check availability online at: reservation.pc.gc.ca/princealbert or call the Visitor Centre at 306-663-4522