Waskesiu Camping – Prince Albert National Park Activities
Waskesiu is a town by Lake Waskesiu, situated within the Prince Albert National Park in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It’s a great location for camping, picnic and to enjoy some fun under the sun. The park is open all year round, but May to September are the most preferred months to visit. In this post, learn all about Prince Albert National Park Activities and Waskesiu camping for the summer in Saskatchewan Canada.
Waskesiu is also a great day trip option from Saskatoon Saskatchewan.
Waskesiu Camping – Prince Albert National Park Activities
How to get to Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan?
Prince Albert National Park is located in central Saskatchewan, Canada, and is located 200 kilometers north of Saskatoon. Saskatoon has an international airport, well connected with all major cities in Canada and outside.
Waskesiu Park Amenities
Waskesiu is a town within the National Park, with all amenities including lodging, food, campsites, theatre
Facilities within the park include souvenir shops, small grocery stores, a gas station, a laundromat, restaurants, hotels and motels, rental cabins, campgrounds, three marinas, many beaches, picnic areas, tennis courts and lawn bowling greens.
Trip to Prince Albert National Park with Waskesiu Camping
Our journey started from Saskatoon to Prince Albert. Saskatoon is connected to all major cities in Canada by air as well as by road. The drive from Saskatoon to Prince Albert National Park is about 2.5 hours.
Add an extra 20-30 minutes to get to Waskesiu town. There is an entrance fee at the gate of the National Park – $8 – $19.60 for a car pass
The journey from dawn to dusk ~ We started early morning from Saskatoon. It was raining heavily as we drove to Waskesiu. The roads were paved with lush greenery all around. The prairies look heavenly when it’s pouring.
We entered the National Park and passed through cottages and cabins by the park entrance.
We parked our vehicle for a stroll by the Waskesiu Lake. We visited Waskesiu in late June and it was bustling with tourists.
At the Waskesiu Lake
At the Waskesiu lakeside, there are day areas with picnic tables and playground for kids. There are areas designated for fishing as well. If you are looking for a nice spot to relax and unwind, you will find one here by the lake.
In and around the Waskeiu Lake
There are many eating options available within the National Park, including ice cream parlors, Chinese and Mexican food.
The Prince Albert National Park also has a visitor and information learning center for guests. Sighting wildlife is also very common here at Waskesiu Park.
Waskesiu Camping and Sites
Evening came and we camped inside the park. We chose Beaver Glen Campground. Its located on the east margins of the Waskesiu townsite. It has electricity in half of its 213 sites (no water or septic hook-ups) including washrooms with hot and cold water and showers, central septic tank service, and drinking water.
Don’t make the mistakes we did in selecting a tent, read our guide to the best waterproof tents
Info on Waskesiu campsite:
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- Beaver Glen Campground located on the east margins of the Waskesiu townsite 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.
- Red Deer Campground is located to the immediate South-West of Beaver Glen in the Waskesiu town-site. This site has power, water, and sewage hookups at each of its 161 pull-through sites and is designed for large trailers and motor-homes. There are no open fires are allowed at Red Deer.
- The Narrows Campground has washrooms with cold water and no other services. Sites at The Narrows are First Come First Served.
- Open fires are allowed at campsites (Excluding Red Deer Campground), after payment for a “fire permit” (fire permits are not required in picnic areas).
Keep in mind, camping is NOT the only option for accommodation at the Prince Albert National Park. It also has cabins and motels within the national park boundaries.
More camping ideas: Camp in and around Tofino British Columbia
Tips – Waskesiu, in Prince Albert National Park Activities
There are scenic drives to the park and in and around the area. The Narrows Road along Waskesiu Lake’s southern shore, Lakeview Drive or Scenic Route #263, and Highway 264 to Kingsmere River to name a few. The drives are surrounded by forests and lakes.
The ecosystems of Prince Albert National Park are lush and productive. During the warm, humid summers there is abundant insect life and numerous fungi, sustaining a remarkable diversity of boreal birds and other wildlife. There are many lakes and rivers creating wonderful water systems for a variety of waterfowl.
- Activities to do in the Park: Boating, fishing, hiking, picnics, canoe, swimming, biking, animal and bird-watching, aurora-watching, golfing
- Check the weather forecast for rains during summer months or aurora predicts around autumn months
- Read about National Park Fees here
- Keep yourself up-to-date on What’s New in Waskesiu/Prince Albert National Park here
Packing Tips for Waskesiu National Park
A big MUST: Please carry your woollies ~ toques, sweaters, scarfs, blankets, gloves. It will be very useful! The temperature drops in the evening during the summer months at Waskesiu. On our trip, it was also raining, which made camping even more difficult.
- Carrying warm clothes are a good option.
- Don’t forget your camping gear – tent, sleeping bag, torch/light, light snacks
- Bug spray is a MUST in National Parks, especially in Saskatchewan.
- Camera
- Picnic basket with daily essentials for the lake
Additional posts from Saskatchewan Canada
- Road trip Saskatoon to Winnipeg – Driving from Saskatoon to Winnipeg Manitoba Guide
- Saskatoon – Things to do in Saskatoon
- MooseJaw – Moosejaw Travel Guide
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