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Prince Albert National Park

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Overview

Prince Albert National Park is a national park 90 km (56 mi) north of the city of Prince Albert in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Wikivoyage guide · 20 sections

▸Introduction136 chars

Prince Albert National Park is a national park 90 km (56 mi) north of the city of Prince Albert in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

▸Understand584 chars

Prince Albert National Park covers an area or 3,874 km² (1,496 sq mi), which makes it larger than Cornwall in the UK. It is 200 km (120 mi) north of Saskatoon, and 80 km (50 mi) north of the city for which it is named, Prince Albert.

The park is open all year but the most visited period is from May to September.

The park ranges in elevation from 488 metres (1,601 ft) on the western side to 724 metres (2,375 ft) on the eastern side.

The hamlet Waskesiu Lake is the only settlement within the park. It is on the southern shore of Waskesiu Lake, and offers facilities and services.

▸History639 chars

It was created in the 1930s to represent the transition from the prairies (open grasslands) through aspen parklands (popular and other deciduous trees with open spaces between clumps) and boreal forest (coniferous trees, lakes, beaches).

The park is perhaps most famous for its association with pioneer conservationist Grey Owl (Archibald Belaney), who was British but posed as Ojibwa (this fake was exposed after his death and tarnished his reputation) and lived his final years in a cabin with a beaver lodge at Lake Ajawaan. He is buried, along with his Mohawk wife Anahareo and his daughter, beside his cabin, restored more than once.

Facts

Rank

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage

Media

From Wikipedia2,443 words

Introduction

National park in Saskatchewan, Canada Prince Albert National ParkParc national de Prince AlbertIUCN category II (national park)Lake Waskesiu in Prince Albert National ParkLocation in SaskatchewanShow map of SaskatchewanPrince Albert National Park (Canada)Show map of CanadaInteractive map of Prince Albert National ParkLocationSaskatchewan, CanadaNearest cityPrince AlbertCoordinates53°57′48″N 106°22′12″W / 53.96333°N 106.37000°W / 53.96333; -106.37000Area3,874 km2 (1,496 sq mi)EstablishedMarch 24, 1927Visitors287,372 (in 2022–23)Governing bodyParks Canada Prince Albert National Park encompasses 3,874 square kilometres (1,496 mi2) in central Saskatchewan, Canada and is about 200 kilometres (120 mi) north of Saskatoon. Though declared a national park March 24, 1927, official opening ceremonies weren't performed by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King until August 10, 1928. This park is open all year but the most visited period is from May to September. Although named for the city of Prince Albert, the park's main entrance is actually 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of that city via Highways 2 and 263, which enters the park at its southeast corner. Two additional secondary highways enter the park, Highway 264, which branches off Highway 2 just east of the Waskesiu townsite, and Highway 240, which enters the park from the south and links with 263 just outside the entry fee-collection gates. Prince Albert National Park is not located within any rural municipality, and is politically separate from the adjacent Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (NSAD). Until the establishment of Grasslands National Park in 1981, it was the province's only national park. The hamlet of Waskesiu Lake is the only community within the park and it is located on the southern shore of Waskesiu Lake. Most facilities and services one would expect to find in a multi-use park are available there, such as shopping, fuel, and lodging. About 90% of the park is in the Waskesiu Hills and elevations range from 488 metres (1,601 ft) on the western side to 724 metres (2,375 ft) on the eastern side. There are several large lakes in the park, including Waskesiu, Kingsmere, and Crean, and several notable rivers have their source there, such as Spruce, Sturgeon, and Smoothstone. The park's development as a recreation destination has led to the region immediately south-east of the park boundaries – locations such as Christopher Lake, Emma Lake, Sunnyside Beach, and Anglin Lake, themselves becoming popular recreation destinations. Additional development has taken place just beyond the park's eastern entry.

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▸Landscape748 chars

The landscape varies from open plains where buffalo (bison) roam wild to northern lakes with dense forest cover and many lakes. The main townsite is on Waskesiu Lake and is called Waskesiu. It has many fine sandy beaches accessible by automobile, with picnic grounds with public tables where a fire may be lit and food cooked. Other lakes easily accessed are Sandy Lake - which has a camping ground on the shore and a nice sand beach; Namekus Lake - same as Sandy L, but smaller; Trappers Lake - smaller still, no beach; the Hanging Heart Lakes - 3 small lakes which lead into the park's largest lake (Crean), these lakes are usually accessed for fishing only; Crean Lake - takes a boat ride to get to, it has beaches, but these are little used.

▸Flora and fauna905 chars

The main trees in the park are trembling aspen, paper birch, black spruce, white spruce, jack pine and balsam fir. Most travellers to the park will see elk (wapiti - different than European elk), white-tailed deer, much water fowl (ducks and geese) and many birds. Those who hike even short distances off highways may see foxes, black bears, moose (often standing in water, eating), and more rarely wolves and bison (buffalo). The lakes have many fish, and can be caught with a rod and reel - a National Parks fishing license is required. The types of fish often caught are northern pike (locally called "jackfish"), walleye (locally called "pickeral), white perch, whitefish. The park also has a restricted zone for travel at Lake Lavalee on the northern border where white pelicans breed. Most travellers would not venture "into the bush" by canoe and wet trail to make the restrictions important.

▸Climate494 chars

Summers are generally warm but not excessively hot. Days in June and July may achieve more than 30 °C. May and August are often warm, but may also have daytime temperatures some years as low as 5-10 °C, and near freezing overnight. The townsite accommodations at Waskesiu Lake are often heavily booked from about June 15 to about August 20 because of being almost certain to have fine sunny weather. The park is open in winter for cross country skiing and other adventures, but little used.

▸Visitor information94 chars

Park website

Park office, ☏ +1 306-663-4522, toll-free: +1 888-773-8888, panp.info@pc.gc.ca.

▸Get in848 chars

Highway 2 runs north-south through Saskatchewan, passing through Moose Jaw and Prince Albert. From Prince Albert, Highway 2 proceeds north along the eastern side of the park, with Highway 264 being the main connector.

Highway 11 starts in Regina (capital of the Province of Saskatchewan), proceeds north through Saskatoon and Prince Albert; travelers can then connect with Highway 2 in Prince Albert. Most travelers will either fly into Saskatoon and rent a car, or drive north from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) which passes through Regina, or the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16, another Trans-Canada route through Saskatoon; west to Edmonton and east to Winnipeg).

Passenger bus service is available into the townsite of Waskesiu, which may please those who are interested in a resort village and beaches and don't need to travel out far.

▸Fees and permits798 chars

Daily (2024):

Adult $9.00

Senior $7.75

Youth and children free

Family/group $17.50

Seasonal passes are available for less than the cost of 5 day passes, and less than the cost of 4 day passes if purchased before March 31.

Fishing permits (2024):

Daily $13.50

Annual $46.25

Parks Canada Passes

The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that charge a daily entrance fee. It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2024 (taxes included):

Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $151.25

Children and youth (0-17): free

Adult (18-64): $75.25

Senior (65+): $64.50

The Cultural Access Pass: people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites.

▸Get around117 chars

Hiking, walking, driving, boating, canoeing will all be your travel methods. You may also rent a bicycle (expensive).

▸See1,123 chars

Most people spend at least some time lying on the sandy beaches and swimming. Often, even at busy summer weekends, it is possible to find a beach all to yourself at a picnic site or with a walk away from tourist areas.

Wildlife watching is very easy. You will have to be blind not to see elk and deer, and with a little looking will also see other animals. There are many short trails with written guides to help you understand what to look for. There is a park nature centre and park office to help you plan such adventures. There are also guided naturalist walks for small fees.

1 Grey Owl's Cabin (Beaverlodge), Ajawaan Lake. A trail, 2.75 km around the western edge of the lake, leads to the two cabins on the north shore: the principal at the water's edge, where beavers had built a lodge partly inside, and a second up the hill behind, built for his wife Anahereo, who disliked living around beavers. The graves of Grey Owl, Anahereo and daughter Shirley Dawn are west of the upper cabin. Parks Canada has several times restored both cabins; the beaver lodge in the lower cabin is a partial reconstruction.

▸Do3,432 chars

Swim in the lake, sun on the beach, shop in town, drive the roads to remote beaches, walk trails. There is movie theatre with 2 screens. In cold and rainy weather, they will put on extra shows for the wet and cold tourists.

1 Waskesiu Golf Course (The Lobstick), 500 Kingsmere Dr, Waskesiu, ☏ +1 306-663-5300. A highly rated golf course, with club and cart rental, in the bush among many animals.

2 Nature Centre, Lakeview Drive, Waskesiu.

Hiking - day hikes: These trails are less than 2 kilometres in length. They each have descriptive guided brochures which help to identify the natural sights along the way.

Boundary Bog Trail, Mud Creek Trail, Treebeard Trail, Waskesiu River Trail, Kingsmere River Trail, Amiskowan Trail, Ice-Push Ridge Trail, Narrows Peninsula Trail, Spruce River Highlands Tower Trail

Hiking - longer hikes: There are longer trails for the backpacker and hiker which vary from 13 km in length and to 54 km (return).

Kingfisher Trail, Grey Owl Trail, Freight Trail, Kinowa Trail, Elk Trail, Fish Trail, Hunters Trail, Spruce River Highlands Trail

Swimming: Surrounding Waskesiu Lake there are several beaches to take in swimming during the hot summer months. There are also good beaches at the south end of Kingsmere Lake (boat or trail access), Namekus Lake, and Sandy Lake.

Canoeing: Bagwa Canoe Route and Bladebone Canoe Route are two canoe routes of varying lengths. The park offers a multitude of lakes which are amenable to the canoe enthusiast, including Amiskowan, Shady, Heart, Kingsmere and Waskesiu lakes.

Boating: Power boats are only permitted on some Prince Albert National Park lakes. Motor boats are allowed on Waskesiu, Crean, Kingsmere, Sandy and the Hanging Heart Lakes. There is a limit of 40 horse power motors on Kingsmere. The Waskesiu Marina, Heart Lakes Marina and the Narrows have boat launches (permit and fee required) and docks. Boat, canoe and kayak rentals are available at all three, by the hour or by the day. The Waskesiu Marina has a concrete breakwater. A permit is required to use boat launch facilities. Personal watercraft are not allowed on any lakes. Canoes, kayaks and sail boats are allowed on all waters.

Fishing: for northern pike, walleye, lake trout, whitefish, or yellow perch. The park requires purchase of its own licences to fish in the park. Limits and seasons are different from those of the province of Saskatchewan. Some areas, e.g., spawning grounds, are closed to fishing.

Bird watching: Flycatchers, Tennessee warblers, red-necked grebe, brown creepers, nuthatches, three-toed woodpeckers, bald eagle, osprey, great blue herons, common loon are just a few of the many bird species to be seen in the park.

Wildlife watching: Elk, black bear, fox, moose, beaver, deer, otter are a sampling of wild life of the park area. Although most people visit the park in summer, the best wildlife watching is often in the winter. Wolves often travel on the frozen lakes and along the ploughed roads, and elk and deer are common right in the town of Waskesiu. Open water at the Narrows on Waskesiu Lake and where the Waskesiu River exits from the lake makes otter sightings very reliable. Foxes, including the red, cross and silver colour phases, are frequent sightings in winter too.

Aurora watching: Due to the park's northern latitude, Auroras are very common on dark nights even with low solar activity. There is usually a display once every three nights.

▸Buy423 chars

The town of Waskesiu has the only stores. There are two small grocery stores (supermarkets), 4 or 5 clothes stores (mostly beach wear and women's clothes), dry goods (camping equipment and basic necessities), government liquor store (well stocked). This is not a shopping destination, but most necessary things are available, and the prices may be better than the cities to the south especially late in the summer season.

▸Eat242 chars

There are maybe 8 places to eat where you sit down at a table with waiters. There are 3 fast food outlets, one of which is the Mr. Submarine sandwich chain store.

1 Mackenzie's Dining Room (The Hawood Inn), Waskesiu Lake, ☏ +1 306-663-5911.

▸Drink200 chars

The sit down restaurants all serve alcohol drinks. The age to drink is 19 in Saskatchewan, but this is not enforced except in the restaurants or if you are making a noisy party in the campground etc.

▸Sleep663 chars

There are cabins for rent from ~$85-200, and rooms in a hotel may be about the same. Many of these are good value if you have a larger group and share the costs. Campground fees may be $15 for a campsite (up to 6 people) with no electric or water hookups, to may be $40 for a caravan (trailer) with all hook-ups (electric, water, sewer). You may camp at sites with outhouses (drop septic latrines), toilets with cold water, and others with hot and cold water shower and toilet houses. You may also hike to wilderness camp grounds which have no services, no lights except for stars and moon and animals for neighbours! You must pay a small fee for these also.

▸Lodging216 chars

Hotels, drive up motels, cabins, camping grounds. Book ahead for all is possible and recommended to avoid having no place to sleep in June, July and August.

1 Elk Ridge Resort, Hwy 264, Waskesiu, ☏ +1 800-510-1824.

▸Camping1,254 chars

2 Beaver Glen. The major camp ground at Waskesiu, which is good for tents, trailers which want electricity (only service there). It has hot and cold showers and flush toilets. You must walk to the lake and to the town or drive. You may have campfires if you buy a fire permit for $1 per day.

There is a trailer park for caravans and motor homes and RVs with hook-ups next to the Beaver Glen campground. No fires are allowed there

The Narrows is 30 minutes drive from Waskesiu and it is on the lakeshore. It was flush toilets, cold water there and no showers. No services for the trailers. Fires with fire permit.

Two self-register campgrounds are at two lakes south of Waskesiu. These are at Sandy and Namekus lakes. Many boaters and fishers like to camp here. There is one other small camp ground at Trapper's Lake which has 5 or 6 sites only.

Camping per night mid-June to early September/shoulder season (2024):

Red Deer Campground - Water, sewer, and electrical $39.50/$33.00

Beaver Glen - Electrical, toilets and showers $33.00/$26.50

Sandy Lake, Namekus Lake - Primitive $17.50/$14.50

Narrows Campground, unserviced, toilets only:

per night $24.00

weekly $141.75

monthly $522.50

oTENTik (tent with beds on a platform), per night $133.00

▸Backcountry877 chars

Accessible by hiking, bicycle, and canoe. You may camp after registering and getting a permit. A particularly popular trip to from Waskesiu to the Kingsmere River Portage which has a railcar you can put a small boat or canoe on and take to Kingsmere Lake (free). Then you can canoe 12 km to the north end and walk to Ajawaan Lake where Grey Owl's cabins still stand. If you prefer to hike to the cabin, a trail is on the eastern side. You will need to get an early start to hike almost 30 km and spend time at the cabins also. Grey Owl has one cabin half in the water with a beaver lodge (house) taking up half the cabin. His wife lived in the cabin up the hill!

There are many good bicycle trails and hiking trails. The terrain is mostly through bush country and to see lakes.

Backcountry use and camping permit per person (2024):

Overnight: Adult $13.50, youth $6.75

▸Stay safe662 chars

It is quite safe from people. Leaving automobiles locked will be safe everywhere. Putting things out of sight of others will help ensure this. It is normal to ask others to watch your things even if you just met them, e.g. in a campground or on the beach.

The most risky thing is to leave any food or scraps, even garbage out. The bears will smell it and then tear up your campsite to find more. It is illegal to feed any animals at all, even if they are cute, for this reason. Also, never get too close to a deer or elk, which may run at you. Bear and other animal attacks are rare, and will not happen if you follow the instructions you will be given.

Biology

[edit] Mixed forest alongside roadway Prince Albert National Park represents the southern boreal forest region of Canada. It is a rolling, mostly forested landscape that takes in the drainage divide between the North Saskatchewan and Churchill Rivers. The boreal forest extends northerly into the Canadian Shield area from the agricultural zones of southern Canada. Prince Albert National Park lies south of the Shield in landscapes that were shaped by Pleistocene glaciers that deposited glacial till, sand and other materials that were later colonized by trees and shrubs. Most of the park is dominated by coniferous forests, with the cover of jack pine and white spruce becoming more prevalent the farther north one goes. The very southern part of the park is predominantly aspen forest with an understorey of elderberry, honeysuckle, rose, and other shrubs and openings and meadows of fescue grassland. The fescue grasslands are considered ecologically important because of their rarity; outside the park, most of the native fescue grasslands have been lost to the plough or to urban development. Wildlife[edit] Some of the many animals are elk, moose, red foxes, beavers, white-tailed deer, badgers, river otters, red squirrels, black bears, coyotes, and timber wolves. The aspen forest/meadow mosaic in the south-west corner of the park is particularly unique as it sustains a growing herd of more than 400 plains bison, the only free-ranging herd in its original range in Canada that has a full array of native predators, including timber wolves. Boreal woodland caribou from a regional population that is declining due to loss of habitat to forest logging range sometimes into the park, but their core habitat lies outside the park to the north. White-tailed deer, elk, and moose are the common ungulates. Flycatchers, Tennessee warblers, double-crested cormorants, red-necked grebes, brown creepers, nuthatches, three-toed woodpeckers, bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, many species of ducks, and the common loon are just a few of the water fowl and birds which make their home in the park. There are 21 species of fish recorded in the park, including Iowa darter, yellow perch, brook stickleback, spottail shiner, cisco, northern pike (locally called "jack fish"), walleye (locally called "pickerel"), and lake trout. Although most people visit the park in summer, the best wildlife watching is often in the winter. The park is noted for its numerous lakes including three very large lakes — Waskesiu, Kingsmere, and Crean. The water quality is high and fish populations robust, except for lake trout that were commercially fished to near-extinction in Crean Lake in the early 20th century and, in spite of protection, have yet to recover their former numbers. Northern pike, walleye, suckers, and lake whitefish are among the most common larger fish. One of Canada's largest white pelican colonies nests in an area closed to public use on Lavallée Lake in the north-west corner of the park, and pelicans, loons, mergansers, ospreys, and bald eagles are common in summer. Otters are seen regularly, year round. Winter is an especially good time to find otters as they spend considerable time around patches of open water on the Waskesiu Lake Narrows and the Kingsmere and Waskesiu Rivers.

History

[edit] Grey Owl's cabin "Beaverlodge", Ajawaan Lake Graves of Grey Owl, Anahareo and Shirley Dawn at Ajawaan Lake The beaver lodge inside Grey Owl's cabin There are archeological traces of pre-history in the park reserve in the form of tools which have been located. Early Pre-contact (11,000 to 7500 BP) Middle Pre-contact (7500 to 2000 BP) Late Pre-contact (2000 to 200 BP) Post Contact or Historic (200 BP to Present) At Waskesiu Lake, there was an early Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post between 1886 and 1893. In 1908–1909 the New Northwest expeditions led by Frank Crean were the first to document the region, with the extensive use of photography and the mapping of lakes. Crean Lake was named in honour of Frank. In the early 20th century the industries of fishing and logging were carried out in this boreal forested area. The large 1919 forest fire eliminated the logging industry. Indigenous peoples who traditionally lived on the lands were forcibly removed from the land by federal officials and the RCMP upon creation of the park in 1927, with their possessions and cabins destroyed. The park was the subject of a short film in 2011's National Parks Project, directed by Stéphane Lafleur and scored by Andre Ethier, Mathieu Charbonneau, and Rebecca Foon. Grey Owl[edit] The Dominion Parks Service hired Grey Owl, Archibald Stanfield Belaney (September 18, 1888 – April 13, 1938), as the first naturalist. He lived on Ajawaan Lake in Prince Albert National Park and wrote of wilderness protection: Pilgrims of the Wild (1935), Sajo and the Beaver People (1935), and Empty Cabin (1936). He was played by Pierce Brosnan in the 1999 feature film, Grey Owl.

Activities

[edit] There are many things to do in this park: Scenic driving tours[edit] There are a few main roads through the park. The Narrows Road along Waskesiu Lake's southern shore, with many points of interest and picnic areas, ending at a 200-metre narrows, where there is a campground. Lakeview Drive or Scenic Route #263 which provides access to several other lakes: Namekus, Trappers, Sandy (also called Halkett); as well as many trails. Highway 264 to Kingsmere River, which accesses a small boat or canoe launch site midway between Kingsmere and Waskesiu lakes, and a trail through a railway portage to Kingsmere Lake. Picnicking[edit] There are many picnic sites within the park, set up with picnic tables, scenic views, campfire pits and swimming areas. Namekus Lake Sandy Lake South Gate Meridian Day South Bay Trippes Beach King Island Paignton Beach The Narrows Waskesiu River Waskesiu Landing (Main Marina) Point View Birch Bay Heart Lakes Kingsmere Hiking[edit] These trails are 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) in length or less. They each have descriptive guided brochures which help to identify the natural sights along the way. Boundary Bog Trail Mud Creek Trail Treebeard Trail Waskesiu River Trail Kingsmere River Trail Red Deer Trail (Red, Blue, and Yellow) Ice-Push Ridge Trail Narrows Peninsula Trail Spruce River Highlands Tower Trail There are longer trails for the backpacker and hiker which vary from 13 kilometres in length and to 54 kilometres (return). Kingfisher Trail Grey Owl Trail Fish Trail Hunters Trail Spruce River Highlands Trail Swimming[edit] Surrounding Waskesiu Lake there are several beaches to take in swimming during the hot summer months. There are also good beaches at the south end of Kingsmere Lake (boat or trail access), Namekus Lake, and Sandy Lake. Canoeing[edit] Bagwa Canoe Route and Bladebone Canoe Route are two canoe routes of varying lengths. As well the park offers a multitude of lakes which are amenable to the canoe enthusiast. Amiskowan, Shady, Heart, Kingsmere, and Waskesiu lakes are just a few of them. Boating[edit] Power boats are only permitted on some of Prince Albert National Park's lakes. Motor boats are allowed on Waskesiu, Crean, Kingsmere, Sandy, and the Hanging Heart Lakes. There is a limit of 40 horsepower motors on Kingsmere. The Waskesiu Marina, Heart Lakes Marina, and the Narrows have boat launches (permit and fee required) and docks. Boat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available at all three, by the hour or by the day. The Waskesiu Marina has a concrete breakwater and a permit is required to use boat launch facilities. Personal watercraft are not allowed on any lakes. Canoes, kayaks, and sail boats are allowed on all waters. Fishing[edit] Just like those who used the waters for commercial fishing in the early 20th century, campers may also find relaxation fishing for northern pike, walleye, lake trout, whitefish, or yellow perch. The park requires purchase of its own licences to fish in the park and limits and seasons are different from the province of Saskatchewan. Some areas, e.g., spawning grounds, are closed to fishing. Camping[edit] At this park one can choose from serviced or unserviced 'front country' camping or go by canoe / boat and backpacking, and choose 'back country' camping. Most back country camping occurs on Kingsmere and Crean lakes. Permits and fees are required for all camping, whether front or back country. Front country sites can be reserved by website or telephone. Open fires are allowed at campsites (Excluding Red Deer Campground), after payment for a "fire permit" (fire permits are not required in picnic areas). The following are accessible by automobile and can accommodate trailers and motorhomes: Beaver Glen Campground on the east margins of the Waskesiu town site has electricity to half of its 213 sites (no water or septic hook-ups), washrooms with hot and cold water and showers, central septic tank service, and drinking water. Sites can be booked in advance through the Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service through a toll free number or via online reservation. Details about how to reserve can be found at the Parks Canada website. Red Deer Campground, formerly "Trailer Court" is to the immediate South-West of Beaver Glen in the Waskesiu townsite. This site has power, water, and sewage hookups at each of its 161 pull through sites and is designed for large trailers and motorhomes. There are no open fires are allowed at Red Deer. Sites in Red Deer can be booked in advance in the same way as Beaver Glen. The Narrows Campground has flush toilet washrooms with cold water only, and no other services. Sites at the Narrows are first come, first served. Namekus Lake and Sandy Lake Campgrounds have septic tank toilets, water source (not drinkable without treatment). These sites are also first come, first served. There are a series of boat-accessible campsites – the level of waves that can come up with overnight weather changes on Waskesiu, Kingsmere, and Crean lakes, provide some risk for boats that cannot be completely pulled out of the water at night. Interpretive programs[edit] The nature centre in the Waskesiu townsite has information about interpretive programs Freight Trail – 27 km one way Elk Trail – 39 km one way Fish Lake Trail – 12 km one way Hunters Lake Trail – 12 km one way Westside Boundary Trail – 37 km one way Red Deer Trail – three loops totalling 17 km Kinowa Trail – 5 km one way Amyot Lake Trail – 15.5 km loop Bicycle rentals are available in Waskesiu townsite. Wildlife and bird watching[edit] Flycatchers, Tennessee warblers, red-necked grebe, brown creepers, nuthatches, three-toed woodpeckers, bald eagle, osprey, great blue herons, common loon are just a few of the many bird species to be seen in the park. Elk, black bear, fox, moose, beaver, deer, otter are a sampling of wild life of the park area. Although most people visit the park in summer, the best wildlife watching is often in the winter. Wolves often travel on the frozen lakes and along the ploughed roads, and elk and deer are common right in the town of Waskesiu. Open water at the Narrows on Waskesiu Lake and where the Waskesiu River exits from the lake makes otter sightings very reliable. Foxes, including the red, cross, and silver colour phases, are frequent sightings in winter too. Golfing[edit] Stanley Thompson designed an 18-hole golf course in the park. It was built in the early 1930s. Its official name is the Waskesiu Golf Course, but is often called "The Lobstick" after a tournament it hosts each year.

Climate

[edit] Waskesiu experiences a borderline humid continental/subarctic climate (Köppen Dfb/Dfc). The highest temperature ever recorded in Waskesiu was 36.5 °C (98 °F) on June 5, 1988. The coldest temperature ever recorded was −48.3 °C (−55 °F) on January 21, 1935. Climate data for Waskesiu Lake, 1981−2010, extremes 1934–present Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 12.1(53.8) 15.0(59.0) 19.0(66.2) 27.8(82.0) 33.5(92.3) 36.5(97.7) 36.1(97.0) 35.0(95.0) 31.7(89.1) 28.3(82.9) 17.5(63.5) 10.5(50.9) 36.5(97.7) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −11.7(10.9) −6.3(20.7) −1.0(30.2) 8.8(47.8) 15.1(59.2) 19.9(67.8) 23.5(74.3) 21.7(71.1) 15.5(59.9) 7.5(45.5) −2.4(27.7) −8.0(17.6) 6.9(44.4) Daily mean °C (°F) −16.5(2.3) −11.8(10.8) −7.0(19.4) 2.7(36.9) 9.0(48.2) 14.4(57.9) 17.7(63.9) 16.2(61.2) 10.4(50.7) 2.9(37.2) −6.1(21.0) −12.3(9.9) 1.6(34.9) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −21.1(−6.0) −17.3(0.9) −12.9(8.8) −3.4(25.9) 2.8(37.0) 8.8(47.8) 12.0(53.6) 10.7(51.3) 5.2(41.4) −1.5(29.3) −9.8(14.4) −16.5(2.3) −3.6(25.5) Record low °C (°F) −48.3(−54.9) −47.0(−52.6) −40.0(−40.0) −30.0(−22.0) −13.7(7.3) −7.8(18.0) −4.4(24.1) −3.9(25.0) −10.0(14.0) −23.0(−9.4) −35.0(−31.0) −42.2(−44.0) −48.3(−54.9) Average precipitation mm (inches) 15.6(0.61) 16.0(0.63) 21.7(0.85) 27.0(1.06) 46.9(1.85) 71.3(2.81) 86.1(3.39) 64.7(2.55) 57.9(2.28) 31.3(1.23) 19.0(0.75) 22.2(0.87) 479.7(18.89) Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.02(0.00) 0.3(0.01) 5.5(0.22) 18.5(0.73) 45.6(1.80) 71.3(2.81) 86.1(3.39) 64.7(2.55) 57.5(2.26) 22.5(0.89) 3.5(0.14) 0.0(0.0) 375.4(14.78) Average snowfall cm (inches) 13.5(5.3) 17.1(6.7) 15.6(6.1) 8.5(3.3) 1.3(0.5) 0.0(0.0) 0.0(0.0) 0.0(0.0) 0.4(0.2) 8.8(3.5) 15.6(6.1) 23.5(9.3) 104.2(41.0) Source: Environment Canada