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Prince Albert National Park lies in central Saskatchewan, at the transition between aspen parkland and the boreal forest. Its landscape of lakes, rivers and spruce forest supports wolves, black bears, moose and a free-roaming herd of plains bison. The park is closely linked with Grey Owl, the writer and conservationist who lived here in the 1930s.
Waskesiu, the lakeside townsite, is the hub, with a sandy beach, a marina, cafés and shops. Waskesiu Marina is the starting point for boat tours and canoe rentals, and the narrow stretch called The Narrows offers sheltered camping and paddling. Golfers play the Waskesiu golf course, which winds through the forest. The Boundary Bog Trail is a short boardwalk through a black spruce bog. More ambitious travelers head north to Kingsmere Lake, where a small railcar portage moves canoes between waters, and continue to Grey Owl's cabin on Ajawaan Lake, reached by a long hike or paddle. Bison country in the southwest is remote, with few roads.
For families and paddlers, it offers a classic northern lake holiday without a long journey from the cities. Sandy Lake and Lakeview Drive offer quieter camping and scenic stops. Summer is warm and busy, while fall brings colors and fewer visitors.
WiserMap travel guidePrince Albert National Park Saskatchewan Waskesiu and BisonPlan Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan: Waskesiu Lake beaches, Grey Owl's cabin, Kingsmere Lake, bison, boreal trails, camping and a two day plan.Read the guide
Waskesiu is the only town inside Prince Albert National Park, on the shore of Waskesiu Lake, with a long sandy main beach, shops, cafes, cabins, a visitor center and campgrounds. It is the base for most visits. In July and August book lodging early, and stop at the visitor center for trail updates.
Waskesiu Marina on the lake east of the townsite rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and motor boats, and offers lake cruises in summer. It is the easiest way to get out onto Waskesiu Lake. Winds can rise quickly in the afternoon, so paddle in the morning and wear a life jacket.
The Narrows is the slim channel that joins the main part of Waskesiu Lake to its quieter western arm, reached by a paved road from the townsite. It has a campground, a small marina, boat launch and picnic spots in boreal forest. It is a good place to see loons and pelicans on calm evenings.
Kingsmere Lake is a large, clear backcountry lake north of Waskesiu Lake, reached by canoe via the Kingsmere River and a short portage with a rail cart, or by trail. It has backcountry campsites and sandy beaches. Reserve backcountry permits in advance and be ready for sudden wind on the open water.
Grey Owl's cabin, Beaver Lodge, stands on Ajawaan Lake, where the famous conservationist Grey Owl lived and wrote in the 1930s; his grave is nearby. Reaching it takes a 20 km hike or a canoe trip with a portage, usually done over two days. Book backcountry campsites well ahead.
The Boundary Bog Trail is a short loop of about 2 km near Waskesiu with boardwalks across a black spruce and tamarack bog. Signs explain carnivorous pitcher plants, mosses and bog wildlife, and the park's oldest tamarack trees grow here. It is easy and good for families; bring insect repellent.
The Spruce River Highlands Trail is a loop through rolling forest south of Waskesiu that leads to a fire lookout tower with wide views over the boreal forest and lakes. It takes about two hours. It is one of the best viewpoints in the park; watch your step on the tower and carry water.
The Treebeard Trail is a short, easy loop through old-growth forest of tall balsam fir and white spruce, with mosses and lichens draping the branches. It is close to Waskesiu and takes under an hour. The forest is shaded and cool on hot days, but mosquitoes can be thick in early summer.
The southwest corner of the park is home to the Sturgeon River herd, one of the few free-ranging herds of plains bison in their historic range in Canada. They are hard to find and mostly seen on long backcountry trips or guided outings. Keep at least 100 m away and never approach bison on foot.
Lakeview Drive follows the shore of Waskesiu Lake from the townsite, with pullouts, picnic sites, beaches and trailheads along the way. It is a pleasant drive or bike ride, especially in the evening light. Watch for deer, elk and black bears near the road, and do not feed any wildlife.
The Waskesiu Golf Course is a historic 18-hole course in the national park, designed by Stanley Thompson in the 1930s and laid out through boreal forest near the townsite. Deer and elk sometimes wander across the fairways. Book tee times in advance during the busy summer season.
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