PRINCE ALBERT NATIONAL PARK — Visiting Prince Albert National Park during February Break (Feb. 19 to 27) ensures visitors have space to have an invigorating and inspiring adventure, according to park officials.
They report the entire park is a glistening winter wonderland this time of year.
The park offers "top-seven" outdoor experiences:
· Explore the wilderness of the park and get active by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or walking a trail. There are close to 50 kilometres of trails groomed and maintained for cross-country skiing and 20 kilometres of trails dedicated for snowshoeing and walking. Check trail conditions before heading out. Prince Albert National Park gear — cross-country skis, snowshoes and child strollers with ski attachments — can be borrowed free of charge on a first-come first-served basis from the Hawood Inn.
· Head to the Paul Horne Community Arena in Waskesiu Lake for ice skating. All ages and skill levels are welcome. For more information about the rink, managed by the Waskesiu Recreation Association (WRA), and to book ice time in advance of visiting (required), please visit the Paul Horne Community Arena webpage.
· Enjoy an interpretive program with a knowledgeable and inspiring guide, available daily throughout February break.:
Perfect for young families:
· Sparks in the Park - Daily Feb. 19 to 27 2 to 4 p.m. at the Main Beach in Waskesiu.
Best for ages 12 and up:
· Gateway to the Stars - Saturday 19 Feb. 19, 20, 25 and 26, 8 to 9 p.m. at the breakwater near the Main Beach in Waskesiu.
· Snowshoe Stomp - Daily Feb. 21 to 24 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Centre in Waskesiu. This is a paid program at $15.38/person.
· Set up a family meal in one of the five enclosed shelters available in the park during winter. Located at Main Beach across from the Visitor Centre, Paignton Beach, Birch Bay, Crean Day Use Area at end of Crean ski trail and Southend Campground on Kingsmere Lake, each shelter has a wood stove for warmth and meal preparation, making them the perfect sanctuary for a winter picnic with families or household group. Firewood is provided.
· Enjoy a winter camping experience. The park has two drive-in winter campgrounds – Birch Bay and Paignton Beach – which offer firewood, pit toilets and enclosed camp kitchen shelters. There are also several designated backcountry campgrounds to explore. Visitors should register and pay their camping fees at the Visitor Centre before any overnight excursion.
· Bring fishing gear and enjoy the ice fishing season on Waskesiu Lake, which runs until March 31. Prince Albert National Park fishing licenses can be purchased at the Visitor Centre upon arrival. If it’s slow between catches, visitors can scout the lake or shoreline for animal tracks.
· Keep an eye out for wildlife and their tracks. Silent forests and shorelines offer the perfect opportunity to watch for mammals such as elk, deer, wolf and fox and listen for the hardy birds that stay in the park through the winter. Visitors can even take a scenic drive to the Narrows and watch for otters fishing in patches of open water or sliding on the ice.
Heated washrooms with running water are available in the Visitor Centre and Waskesiu Beach 24 hours a day. The Waskesiu Beach complex also offers showers.
