Explore Waskesiu
WE LOVE WASKESIU BECAUSE...
Waskesiu has something for everyone all year round! The opportunities to explore and play are limitless. Visit during our winter season to experience everything the townsite has to offer, including fabulous cross country and snowshoe trails, ice fishing, wildlife, and more in Prince Albert National Park.
ENJOY THE WINTER ADVENTURE...
Know Before You Visit
Because weather and snow conditions vary from year to year, as well as the range of winter services provided in the Prince Albert National Park and the Waskesiu townsite, you are advised to check with the Park Information Office.
The Visitor Centre is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Knowledgeable Parks Canada staff can help plan visits and answer any questions: 306-663-4522 or pc.princealbertinfo.pc@canada.ca.
The Prince Albert National Park Winter Guide is available online and helpful in planning a visit to the park.
Outdoor recreation is important for mental and physical well-being! Visitors can plan their winter getaway to the park today and enjoy a range of unique winter experiences. The Christmas Tree Harvest and other outdoor recreational activities are family-friendly!
THINGS TO DO IN WASKESIU THIS WINTER
Cross-country skiing
When the snow flies, Waskesiu's trails and golf course are turned into some of the best cross-country ski runs that can be found anywhere. And you can’t beat the scenery of magical Waskesiu covered in winter's beautiful white coat. There are approximately 45 kilometers of groomed ski trails in the park which provide lots of options for visitors to enjoy snow-covered scenery and terrain. There are both skate and classic ski trails with varying degrees of difficulty. A 1km spur trail connects the Spruce River Highlands trail to 18km of ski trails in the Anglin Lake area. Current trail conditions are available on the
Prince Albert National Park trail report page. Click here for the ski trail conditions.
Snowshoeing
Inspired by nature and developed by Indigenous peoples throughout the global north, snowshoes are a way to become lighter on your feet in deep snow. Create your own trail across the snow cover! Whether you venture out for a few hours or choose to go for a back-country camping adventure, snowshoeing provides a great way to exercise and experience the boreal forest winter. The park offers a range of designated snowshoe and hiking routes close to Waskesiu or via easily accessible ploughed winter roads.
Hiking
A familiar summer hiking trail will wear a different face in the winter. Since many of the popular trailheads are accessible even during this season, you may wish to explore the winter profile of a popular trail, like the Red Deer Trail, that you walked in the summer.
Ice Fishing
Winter angling is usually a game of patience. Perhaps you will catch sight of a wandering river otter "sliding" across the lake surface. A shadow on the distant shore may focus on a bull elk. Children can also take advantage of the outdoors this winter. Families can plan a winter fishing trip to the park as it is ice fishing season on Waskesiu Lake 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 bring a toboggan to pull children around and scout the lake or shoreline for animal tracks and pinecones. Most years you are sure to find an original, handmade ice shack right out on the main beach to add to your Waskesiu ice fishing experience.
Camping
Winter camping is whole different "ball of snow". The experience has unique
challenges, that go along with special rewards of spending a night, or nights,
under a canopy of snow-covered spruce and star-spangled skies.
Several campsites in the park are designated for winter camping.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Winter is a great time to view wildlife! Check the roadsides for elk, deer, wolf and fox tracks. Scan the frozen lakes for wolves. Over 20 species of birds make Prince Albert
National Park their winter home. Winter in the park is a stunning time of year for photography and wildlife viewing. With fewer visitors around, the opportunity to see elk, wolves, deer, and foxes from the safety of your vehicle is more likely. Parks Canada encourages visitors to bring binoculars while cross-country skiing through wooded trails and listen for the hardy birds that live here year-round. Visitors can take a scenic drive to the Narrows and watch for otters fishing in patches of open water or sliding on ice.
Ice Skating at Paul G. Horne Community Arena in Waskesiu
Add some extra fun to your winter visit to Waskesiu! The Paul G. Horne Community Arena will be open again this winter in Waskesiu! No booking required, just show up and enjoy the rink. Rates for 2024-2025 are $10 for a Day Pass, $60 for a Weekly Pass, and $100 for a Season Pass. You can book directly online here. Many of Waskesiu’s hotels offer their guests free passes as well – be sure to inquire!
The Open Saskatchewan Sky
Visitors and astronomy-lovers alike can enjoy the Milky Way, northern lights and constellations from Prince Albert National Park. Annual meteor showers in August, October and December are a thrill that can be seen from within the park. Visitors can bring their telescope to South Bay or Paignton Beach along the Narrows Road
for wide open views of the night sky.
Enclosed Kitchen Shelters
There are five enclosed kitchen shelters open throughout the park during the winter, complete with wood stoves and firewood, making them the perfect sanctuary for a winter picnic with your immediate family or household group.
Elk Ridge Resort Winter Activities
Experience more winter excitement just outside the park.
Tobogganing, skating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing,
dog sledding and even a curling rink!!
DOWNLOAD the 2024/2025 PANP Winter Activities Guide HERE!
Winter Activities
Summer in Waskesiu
So many sandy beaches and so much time
With seven sandy beaches that grace the shores of Waskesiu Lake and many more located on Crean, Kingsmere and other lakes in the park, it's hard to pick just one to spend a lazy afternoon. The park offers some of the most beautiful sandy beaches anywhere in Saskatchewan, and we're sure you will agree.
Water sports
Now that's taking in a lot. Where does one begin, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, sailing, tubing, water skiing, wake-boarding and paddle boarding. Personal watercraft (such as jet-skis) are not allowed in national parks. Bring your boat, the Waskesiu Marina is one of the finest in Saskatchewan and the largest inland marina in Western Canada!
Golfing doesn't get better than this
Imagine having two of Saskatchewan's top courses to choose from at will. Everyday. That's what awaits you at the renowned Waskesiu Golf Course, one of Canada's Top 100 premiere golf courses and the nearby Elk Ridge Resort located just outside the park main gateway.
Camping oasis With over 500 campsites in the park, there are lots to choose from! Enjoy all the amenities in the Red Deer Campground and Beaver Glen, located in the Waskesiu townsite. Please note: Parks Canada 2022 Reservations Service for booking camping spots by phone or on-line in the Red Deer Trailer Park and Beaver Glen Campground www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca.
Visit the easily accessible and peaceful campgrounds at Namekus Lake, and Sandy Lake (located off Highway 263), and the Narrows Campground (located at the end of the Narrows Road). Venture into the back-country where there are 15 designated backcountry campgrounds for more scenic and out-of-the-way camping adventures at Kingsmere Lake and Crean Lake.
Magical hiking trails
Prince Albert National Park offers a 120 km trail network made up of 17 trails varying in length and level of difficulty. Too much to choose from, but that's the great thing about coming to Waskesiu. Exploring the natural lay of the land and getting some much-need exercise is what is it all about.
Little Al's Mini Golf
Enjoy Saskatchewan’s best mini golf course - beautifully designed to reflect many of the natural, historic and cultural themes we love in Prince Albert National Park. It’s fun - and challenging - for the whole family!
Catch a Movie
The latest movie releases play all summer long! Twin Pine Cinema offers two theatres for a rainy day retreat or an evening watching your favorite movie with freshly popped popcorn topped with real butter!
Ice Cream
What makes a day at the lake complete? Ice cream of course! Waskesiu boasts several ice cream vendors throughout the townsite - try them all to discover your favorite! Check out all the flavors at The Big Olaf, The Scoop, Baker's Market and The Shack.
Disc Golf & Playgrounds
Waskesiu offers family fun for all ages! There is something for everyone.
Have a ball & more
Tennis, pickleball, lawn bowling, basketball, shuffleboard, futsal, foosball, ping pong, dodgeball, floor hockey, spike ball, bocce ball and baseball - and much more – are all available any time you have time!
Biking big time
Enough said; the roads, the trails will lead you in all directions. Everyone here seems to
own a bike. Try renting a Quadracycle from the Grey Owl Centre and cruise around town!
Push your boundaries on a guided, eco-friendly zip line tour and other high flying adventures in the forest at Treeosix Adventure Parks!
The Prince Albert National Park Activity Guide & Trail Map 2024 is available for download and helpful in planning a visit to the park.
Outdoor recreation is important for mental and physical well-being! Visitors can plan their winter getaway to the park today and enjoy a range of unique all-season experiences.
The Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce Member Businesses listed below offer restaurant services:
Fresh coffee, gourmet teas, handmade artisan sandwiches, and pastries baked daily. Located in the heart of Waskesiu.
Hawood Inn MacKenzie's Dining Room & Pat's Lounge
Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering fresh homemade scratch cooking. Fully licensed. Enjoy your meals in our warm and inviting dining room, lounge, or licensed deck with a beach view.
Waskesiu Golf Course Stanley's Pub & Grill
Dishes ranging from classic homemade burgers to tender baby
back ribs. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering. Fully licensed.
The Happy Camper's Bar & Grill and The Scoop Ice Cream Parlour
The Happy Camper’s Bar & Grill is a new restaurant that just opened in Waskesiu in 2023. Our main focus is serving great food in a great atmosphere. We take pride in our dishes and use the freshest ingredients to ensure that every bite is delicious. If you're looking for a spot to grab a bite to eat, or to have a fun cocktail, come on in!!
The Scoop offers a large variety of ice cream.
Serving up a varied menu of pizza, burgers, salads, and much more. Open throughout the spring, summer and fall months offering indoor and patio seating with a view of Waskesiu Lake.
Diverse and eclectic menu. Italian influenced fresh made pasta with top tier steak cuts butchered in-house.
We are family owned and operated serving beach food consisting of the famous Shack Burger, fries, poutine, ice cream and more.
Elk Ridge Resort Dining
The Wyld - Open 11AM to 1 AM daily. We look forward to serving you.
Fredrich- Named after Elk Ridge Resort founder, Arne Fredrich Petersen, we invite you to join us for a meal inspired by his thoughtfulness and care. Open 7 AM to 11 PM daily.
Dining
Shops
Shop Local at these Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce Member Businesses:
All in the Wild Gallery and Retail
Jason Leo Bantle is the photographer and owner of All in the Wild Photography. His artwork portrays beautiful and artistic photographs of wildlife from Western Canada, Canada's arctic and Alaska.
Black Spruce Gallery represents the boreal forest through the eyes of established and emerging artists and makers.
Waskesiu bike and water sport rentals, clothing & retail. Full service bike shop. Home of the Quadracycle.
Locally owned designer dress shop with unique fashion for all occasions for women and men.
Curating fashion favourites since 1997. Men’s, Women’s & Kids clothing & beach stuff.
Family owned and operated since 1987 with locations in Saskatoon and Waskesiu featuring outdoor products for hiking, backpacking, trail running, adventure travel and many other outdoor endeavors. We also have an online store,The Waskesiu location opened it's doors in 1995.
Formerly Pine & Fancy, WaskeSweets continues to provide delicious favorites including fudge, cotton candy and candy apples, as well as the unique hard-to-find treats that the store has become known for. A healthy complement of Waskesiu-branded shirts and bunny hugs will also help keep everyone toasty warm for trips across the lake.
Waskesiu Golf Course Pro Shop
The Pro Shop mixes old-world charm with the latest technology in fashion, equipment and game-improvement aids. Our knowledgeable staff can assist in your selection of the latest equipment from brands like PUMA, FootJoy, Adidas, Levelwear, Under Armour and more.
Family owned gift shop. Everything from toys, souvenirs, jewelry, home decor, and Waskesiu themed clothing - something for everyone!
Services
Your HOME away from home...
At Waskesiu you will find all of the luxuries of home within a rugged outdoor setting. Whether your choice of vacation is to camp in an isolated setting, or to enjoy the comforts of a fully serviced townsite, your trip to Waskesiu will be a remarkable one!
Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce Member Businesses Providing Services:
Cornerstone Insurance Services Inc.
All your insurance needs for your home, boats and so much more.
A Canadian insurance brokerage, built on trust.
Fresh Hair is a full service hair salon that has called Waskesiu home for over 40 years! We are an Aveda family concept salon and we also carry a selection of local Canadian products.
Lakewood Gas Bar
Providing gas, propane and confection items all at this one stop shop. Also featuring Northern Design Apparel for the entire family.
One of the oldest golf courses in Western Canada, the Waskesiu Golf Course truly is golf at its most authentic and in its most historic setting.
A one stop shop for all of your liquor needs, including mix and snacks. Carrying a large selection of locally produced liquor and other popular products from around the world. Waskesiu Liquor Store also supplies for weddings and special events.
Catch a Movie! The latest movie releases play all summer long! Twin Pine Cinema offers two screens for a cool retreat from the heat. With daily matinees and high-season late-shows, great movies are available three times each day. And their concession is open to the public, so everyone can enjoy freshly-popped popcorn topped with real butter!
With three marina locations within PANP, the Marinas are capable of providing a variety of unique marine adventures while catering to everyone’s boating needs. They also offer a variety of interpretive tours and has an extensive fleet of boat rentals.
Baker's Market
Waskesiu Market is under new management (2023) and is now Baker’s Market. The new Market features homemade treats like: breakfast sandwiches, fresh crepes, charcuterie boxes in a variety of sizes, scooped ice cream, and fresh baked goods. The Market continues to offer hardware, RV supplies, convenience, kids toys, and everything else you’ve come to love over the years!
Baker's Laundramat
Available for use by residents and visitors to Waskesiu. Hours of operation: Open everyday from 7am - 9pm. Located behind Baker's Market, 1460 Waskesiu Drive.
One of the most well stocked grocery store you will find at any lake resort. Best cinnamon buns ever! Located across from the beach and stocked with fresh baked goods, deli, fresh meat and locally grown produce. You’ll also find a small selection of gluten free products.
Jacqueline and David Archer are licenced in residential, commercial and agriculture real estate and David has been a business owner in Waskesiu for over 30 years.
A team of knowledgeable staff is available to provide customers with high-quality cannabis products and help you find the perfect product for your needs in a safe and comfortable environment. We are a pet-friendly business, so don't forget to bring along your four-legged family members as well.
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Gas Bar and Propane
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Grocery & Bakery Stores
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Laundromat at Bakers Bungalows
Heritage
Waskesiu Heritage Museum
OUR HERITAGE MOMENTS WALKING TOUR... Take a moment to look back...
As you holiday around Waskesiu in all four seasons, you will encounter signs like this one on buildings and places of interest.
Scan the QR codes on the signs or use the links in the listing below the map to connect with our history.
See charming old photos and notice the changes over the years.
Read people's entertaining stories about holidaying or working in Waskesiu.
Hear a tune that roller skaters remember from Skatehaven.
Learn who built our iconic log buildings.
Watch a video of canoe "jousting" at the breakwater.
Marvel at what vacationers wore in the 1940s.
Listen to the Song of Waskesiu as it would have played at the bandstand.
Enjoy making your own memories with this guide at Waskesiu or from your home computer.
You can download the Heritage Moments brochure here.
Friends of the Park Bookstore
Open July and August Daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Visit our website to learn about special events for all ages which are held
throughout the summer season. https://waskesiuheritagemuseum.org
Friends of the Park, established in 1983 is a non-profit organization nestled within the historic Prince Albert National Park. The organization seeks to enhance the public experience in this environment while ensuring it is around for generations to come. They run a quaint book store in the town site of Waskesiu Lake, located inside the Waskesiu Museum, where you will find numerous local interest titles as well as crafts, art, toys and natural cosmetics. Found inside the bookstore is a Replica of Grey Owl's beaver lodge as well as a small Grey Owl and Anahareo Gallery
About Us
Get to know us!
Waskesiu Lake, located in Prince Albert National Park, was an early Hudson's Bay Company fur trade post between 1886 and 1893. In the early 20th century the industries of fishing and logging were carried out in this boreal forested area. A large forest fire in 1919 eliminated the logging industry.
Prince Albert National Park was officially opened in 1928 and is open all year round for amazing outdoor activities for all ages. Waskesiu Lake is the most visited part of the park. The park is also home of the cabin of the naturalist and conservationist Grey Owl, on Ajawaan Lake.
Waskesiu (Cree for “red deer”) is the only town within the park, located on the eastern shore of Waskesiu Lake and is approximately 90 km north of Prince Albert, SK.
IN AND AROUND WASKESIU!
Many facilities and services are available May-September, such as souvenir shops, small grocery stores, a gas station, a laundromat, restaurants, hotels and motels, rental cabins, a movie theatre, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment, campgrounds, three marinas, many beautiful sandy beaches, picnic areas, mini golf, tennis courts, multi use sport court, shuffleboard court and lawn bowling greens and so much more! The facilities and services combine recreational and nature experiences. You will still find many historical properties in Waskesiu such as the iconic Waskesiu Community Hall.
The park also contains the Waskesiu Golf Course designed by famed golf course architect Stanley Thompson who also designed the course in
Banff National Park. It is one of Canada’s top 100 premiere golf courses,
We invite you to come, play, stay, and experience the natural treasures of Prince Albert National Park with wilderness that includes more than seven major lakes, over 120 km of hiking trails, secluded canoe routes, and unlimited wildlife viewing opportunities.
Electric vehicle charging stations!
Four electric vehicle charging stations have been installed in the Waskesiu Main Beach parking lot located within the Waskesiu townsite. The charging stations are currently operational year-round for public use on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors are responsible for monitoring their charging and find another parking spot when their vehicle is fully charged. There is no fee for visitors to charge their vehicles at the charging stations.
After taking a tour of our website, we are sure you will want to create your very own "Waskesiu Experience" soon!
Parks Canada Agency
About Prince Albert National Park
Whether your idea of adventure is portaging a canoe between remote forest lakes or a day of pulse-racing water skiing and wake-boarding, or in the winter try ice fishing or wildlife watching. Prince Albert National Park satisfies with a mix of wilderness and accessibility.
Hit the beach or get on the water in Waskesiu, the lakeside town that serves
as the park’s hub. Or leave civilization behind as you hike, explore back country
lakes and maybe even spot wild bison.
For more information about Prince Albert National Park, click here.
Park fees are reinvested in services and facilities visitors enjoy.
Revenue generated from park fees is reinvested in the parks and sites where it is
earned and is spent on visitor services and facilities. This means that the
revenue stays in Prince Albert National Park. Every time you visit a park or site
you are investing in its future and in a legacy for future generations.
Reinvestment in Prince Albert National Park over recent years includes:
boat launches, Beaver Glen campground improvements, trail improvements,
the new pedestrian bridge over the Waskesiu River and much more.
Services and facilities providing a public good are paid for through appropriations.
Services and facilities providing a personal benefit to visitors are paid for,
at least in part, through user fees.
Visitor fees support a wide variety of programs and services including search
and rescue, information and campground services, maintenance of washrooms,
roads and picnic areas. These increases are critical if Parks Canada is to continue to offer high quality services and to repair or replace aging visitor facilities.
Parks Canada's user fees are comparable to the fees charged by other providers of similar services and facilities.
Want to know more about Restoring Ecosystems in Prince Albert National Park?
Fire is a natural, essential part of the boreal forest and grassland ecosystems found in Prince Albert National Park. In the absence of fire, forests are becoming thicker and older and trees like aspen are expanding into native grassland. Parks Canada is using prescribed fire to restore park ecosystems
and create new habitat for our native species.
VISITORS CENTRE: 1-306-663-4522
TOLL FREE: 1-888-773-8888
EMAIL: pc.princealbertinfo.pc@canada.ca
Prince Albert National Park 2024 Activity Guide and Trail Map
For more information Visit Prince Albert National Park website
or Parks Canada home page.
