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We have both visited the Mountain National Parks (Banff, Jasper) many years ago, but other than that, have not visited Canadian National Parks. Prince Albert National Park is the equivalent of the American Parks, minus the shuttle busses, big gift shops, rental motorhomes, and lots of tourists. It was Amazing! It also helps we visited in the slow season.
After leaving Sandy Lake, we headed north. Just before the town site of Waskasiu, you drive beside Waskasiu Lake. Tyler could see something was on the ice, so we pulled over and pulled out the binoculars. Turned out it was two Wolves! It was interesting to sit and watch them for awhile, a Park Ranger showed up later and confirmed they were wolves. Sorry we can’t afford a $10,000 Camera lens to zoom that far to get a picture.
The Park Ranger also pointed out an Elk that has fallen thru the ice during the Winter and perished nearby. The massive sheet of ice still covering most of the Lake has about one week left. This lake will be loaded with Swimmers come July.
We then had to burn off that Baking, we chose the Waskesiu River trail as apparently bears were fishing here yesterday. Although we did not see any bears, it was a beautiful area.
But the beauty is in the walking — we are betrayed by destinations. -Gwyn Thomas
Although Prince Albert Nat. Park is visually stunning, most people only see the lake, from a boat in the Summer. The area is very popular with locals for water sports. There are two marina’s we found, each capable of holding over 100 boats.
The day was getting older, and we started our search for a place to sleep. We initially dismissed spending $30 / night for a site in the Park Campsite. But after we re assessed how far away from everything we were, we decided it was worth it. We visited the two campgrounds and found out they were both closed.
So back to the Visitor Centre to find out if we can camp anywhere. We were told that sadly all of the campsites are still closed for the season. But…… if we wanted to camp at a usually daytime only picnic area, we could. The cost was $4.90 / night, and it was right on the Lake. The unlimited free firewood was also a big plus.
The beach looked spectacular, and the thought of going for a swim was very appealing. As long as you don’t swim out to the ice, it should be fine? right? And there is a hot shower waiting.
For those that think Saskatchewan is just grass and hay, these next four photo’s might change your mind.
Saskatchewan’s Licence plate slogan is “Land of Living Skies”
Next morning, we checked out another trail- Mud Creek. Well it was too muddy for us, and we decided to leave with dry feet.