WASKESIU – Parks Canada is offering top 10 ways to enjoy the Victoria Day long weekend and the rest of the spring and summer at Prince Albert National Park
Enjoy being in nature. Visit the Narrows on Waskesiu Lake to see and hear a variety of migrating birds. While on the Waskesiu River Trail, look out for fish spawning, great blue herons and other waterfowl. While wandering trails, keep an eye out for lichen and bird nests throughout trees and bushes.
Visit Waskesiu Recreation Association facilities for family fun. Located at 1500 Montreal Drive, there are opportunities for enjoyment including Little Al's Mini Golf, tennis courts, ping pong, foosball, giant chess, adult fit park, and the sports court. For more information, please refer to the webpage, or contact 306-663-0601 or [email protected].
Beat lineups. Follow these tips:
• Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon lineups, both at park gates and at Beaver Glen and Red Deer Campground entrances;
• Make the most of possible wait time by bringing plenty of food and water, a game and your favourite sing-along music;
• Have a plan for your visit that gives you some time off of the beaten track;
• Bring a picnic lunch at one of our day use areas.
Enjoy a camping experience. All front country campgrounds open Friday, May 20. Visitors can still make reservations for Beaver Glen and Red Deer campgrounds at www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-737-3783. There are also several backcountry campgrounds to explore; permits are required for all backcountry overnight stays and registration is done at the Visitor Centre or South Gate on the day of departure.
Immerse yourself in an interpretive program. The Early Riser Bird Walk is available Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, starting at 7 a.m. at Fisher Trailhead. Be an early bird. Join a park interpreter to experience the joy of birding. On this two-kilometre walk, discover the four keys to identifying birds. Keep an ear out for bird song and keep your eyes peeled for the many species of birds that make the park their home in spring. Bring your own binoculars and a field guide if you have them, or borrow one of ours.
Make safety a priority.
• Check the Important Bulletins page on the park website before travelling to Prince Albert National Park. Critical safety messages and notifications about projects that may affect visitation at during spring are located here.
• Check the weather forecast before heading into the park and be prepared for weather changes;
• Consult adventuresmart.ca and follow tips and tricks to having a safe and enjoyable journey;
• Do not rely on your cellphone as there are areas in the park that do not have service.
The park is abundant with wildlife. Please follow these guidelines:
• Don’t feed wildlife.
• Wildlife are grazing along roadsides where grass is exposed. Please stay in your vehicle and obey speed limits – wildlife can dart out in front of vehicles with little warning;
• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. If you are affecting their behaviour – if wildlife stop what they are doing and move or change their behavior – you are too close and should give them more space;
• Bears may be present with cubs. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep your distance;
• Elk are calving at this time of year. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep your distance;
• The presence of domestic animals can trigger a defensive or protective response in wildlife. Ensure that your pets are always under physical control. When out and about with pets, maintain awareness of your surroundings and give wildlife extra space.
Play and learn at the Nature Centre. The Nature Centre is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21 to Monday, May 23, and weekends until June 27, when it is open every day for the summer.
Hike or bike a park trail. Trails are in great shape and are ready for your visit.
Cast a line into cool waters. The fishing season in Prince Albert National Park opens Saturday, May 21. Fishing is fun for both the new and experienced visitor and park fishing licences are available at the Visitor Centre, entry gates, campground kiosks and marinas.
Include star and moon gazing in your visits. The best stargazing opportunities are when the moon is in dark phase, which next occurs May 30. Upcoming full moons are May 15 and June 14.
Until May 12, the Visitor Centre is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. After May 13 and into the summer, the Visitor Centre is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Knowledgeable Parks Canada staff can answer any questions you have: 306-663-4522 or [email protected].
Heated washrooms with running water are available in the Visitor Centre and Main Beachhouse Washrooms 24 hours a day. The Main Beachhouse Washrooms also offer showers.
