Prince Albert National Park, about 2 ½ hours' drive north of Saskatoon, is a true natural gem and gateway to the wild and forested north of Saskatchewan. Covering an area of almost 4,000 square kilometers, at the southern tip of Canada's largest forest area, you will find a mosaic of forests, tundra moss and lakes that make up the boreal pine forest and can hardly be beaten for beauty! The charming vacation village of Waskesiu on the shores of Waskesiu Lake is the ideal starting point for excursions. The park's 17 hiking trails are easily accessible from here. With a total length of over 150 kilometers, the trail network offers paths of varying lengths and levels of difficulty - from short walks and day hikes to multi-day tours in the hinterland.
All you need to do is put on your hiking boots and hit the trails! The following five hiking trails lead you on discovery paths through moors and forests, along the banks of lakes and rivers and offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife. If you would like to find out about the condition of the trails in advance, you can get an overview on the Parks Canada website or obtain an up-to-date situation report at the visitor centre in Waskesiu.
Mud Creek Trail
Length: 2 km loop trail
Duration: 45 – 60 minutes
Level of difficulty: easy
Starting point: South Bay Day-use area, access after 4.5 km on Narrows Road
The Mud Creek Trail follows part of the south shore of Waskesiu Lake, then heads along Mud Creek through spruce and aspen forests. An active beaver lodge and dam can be seen on the creek. Pack a picnic, bring your bathing suit and spend the rest of the day at the beach. Picnic tables, fire pits and a picnic shelter are available for public use.
Boundary Bog Trail
Length: 2 km loop trail
Duration: 45 – 60 minutes
Level of difficulty: easy
Starting point: on Highway # 264, just past the east entrance gate of the park
Head through the boreal forest along theBoundary Bog Trail to a black spruce bog. As you approach the kettle lake through the golden tamaracks and dwarf birches, keep an eye out for the red-green cup-shaped leaves of the pitcher plant. This carnivorous plant lures, traps and digests insects and is just a small part of the amazingly diverse bog ecosystem.
Narrows Peninsula Trail
Length: 3 km loop trail
Duration: 60 minutes
Level of difficulty: moderate
Starting point: after 22 km on Kingsmere Road
The rolling Narrow Peninsula Trail follows the peninsula that makes up the narrowest part of Waskesiu Lake. The trail has a few steep sections and moves through a variety of habitats, including a forest of balsam fir, jack pine and a large fern bed that peaks in the
Spruce River Highlands Trail
Length: 8.5 km loop trail
Duration: 3-4 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult, steep hills with some exposed root and rocks
Starting point: on Highway # 263, 29 km from visitor centre
Trek though aspen-covered hill tops that overlook the Spruce River in the southern part of the park. These hills were left behind by retreating glaciers and afford amazing panoramic views of the south end of the park, including Anglin Lake in neighbouring Great Blue Heron Provincial Park. A 10 m viewing tower offers an even more expansive view. The many slopes, exposed tree roots and rocks, along with the distance, make this trail one of the more difficult ones in the park. Expect to spend 3 – 4 hours hiking.
Grey Owl Trail
Length: 19.9 km one-way
Duration: 10-12 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult, some steep sections
Starting point: after 32.5 km on Kingsmere Road
Make your way along the eastern shore of Kingsmere Lake where the noteworthy naturalist, Grey Owl, paddled his canoe to his home on the shores of Ajaawan Lake. In 1931, Grey Owl was appointed “caretaker of the animals” for the park. He and his wife, Anahareo, lived in a log cabin with their two pet beavers Rawhide and Jellyroll. Tourists flocked to the cabin then to see the famous pair and that tradition continues today. Expect to spend at least one night on the Grey Owl Trail at one of the designated backcountry campgrounds. All campers must register at the Visitor Centre before heading out.
Further information can be found at www.tourismsaskatchewan.com.
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