Winter in northern Saskatchewan is a magical time, especially when exploring Prince Albert National Park and surrounding areas. As the snow blankets the landscape, this region transforms into a winter enthusiasts’ playground, offering everything from cozy family fun to thrilling backcountry adventures. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway to a resort or looking to explore the boreal forest on skis, snowshoes or snowmobile, Prince Albert National Park and surrounding area have a winter experience you don’t want to miss out on.

Waskesiu Lake Resort Village

Enjoy the comforts of the resort village of Waskesiu while experiencing northern wilderness encounters in the heart of Prince Albert National Park. From the townsite, you can explore winding scenic trails on cross-country skis or by snowshoe. Hit the ice for some indoor skating at the Paul G. Horne Memorial Arena or venture out on the frozen lake for some ice fishing. After a day of outdoor recreation, warm up by the fire in the enclosed camp kitchen near the Main Beach. 

Elk Ridge Resort

Take your family on a weekend getaway to Elk Ridge Resort, located just outside of the national park. Wake up early and breathe the fresh northern air as you head out for a cross-country ski or snowshoe with the kids. Experience the boreal forest in all its winter glory as you glide through or hike the resort’s more than 10-km groomed trail system. Then strap on some skates or grab a broom and rocks and play a few ends of curling. The lodge overlooks a frozen pond with a skating loop and hockey rinks, as well as a curling sheet. Before the day is done, hit the resort’s toboggan hill where you can jump on a tire tube and race to the bottom. Wind down in the hot tub or keep the adrenaline pumping with a rip down the waterslide into the saltwater pool. The sight of the resident elk wandering the property will make this a vacation to remember

Snowmobiling

Discover the winter landscape as you explore the boreal forest by snowmobile. Elk Ridge Resort is connected to the Lakeland snowmobile trail system that encompasses more than 350 km of groomed trails in and around Great Blue Heron Provincial Park. With local trails ranging from 7 km to 120 km in length, riders of all ages can suit up for this family-friendly winter activity. After a day of sledding through untouched powder and witnessing breathtaking scenery, nothing beats a hotdog and a mug of hot chocolate at one of the warm-up shelters along the trail.

Dog Sledding

While the Alaskan huskies bark and yelp around you, snuggle in your sled with a blanket and wait in excited anticipation as your musher readies the team for takeoff. Or experience hands-on mushing with a tailored dogsled adventure with Sundogs Excursions. Located on the southern edge of the boreal forest in Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, Sundogs Excursions has more than one million acres of wilderness in its backyard. Gain a deeper understanding of this unique eco-system while in the company of an expert, imaginative nature interpreter. Overnight excursions will take you into the backcountry by day and let you experience the stillness and tranquility of the northern forest at night. With the glow of the moon as your backdrop, cozy up and sleep in an old-time prospector’s tent warmed by a woodstove.

Cross-Country Skiing

Explore two parks this winter as you create your own snowshoeing or cross-country skiing adventure from Prince Albert National Park to Great Blue Heron Provincial Park. A 1-km spur trail connects the Spruce River Highlands Trail in the national park to 18 km of cross-country ski trails in the Anglin Lake trail system. Begin your journey at the Spruce River Highlands Trailhead, and then follow the spur trail to enter the provincial park. Plan your course through the network of Spruce River Highland, Caribou, and Tower trails. For a truly unique experience, take the Tower Trail and spend the night at the first-come, first-served Tower Cabin, equipped with four bunks, wood, a wood heater, matches, outhouse and toilet paper.

Winter Camping

Although summer campgrounds are closed, you can still register for a camping experience in Prince Albert National Park. Located along the shores of Waskesiu Lake, two front-country winter campgrounds at Birch Bay and Paignton Beach feature enclosed kitchen shelters, firewood and pit toilets. Gather around the glow of the campfire to roast marshmallows and stargaze as the sun sets over the frozen lake. The northern sky and solitude will make your winter camping experience unforgettable.

How to Get There

Prince Albert National Park is approximately 90 km north of the City of Prince Albert. The park can be accessible via Highway 2 and highway 264 (entering from the park’s west boundary) or Highway 263 (Scenic Route entering from the park’s south boundary) all of which are paved, year-round roads.

Where to Stay

Elk Ridge Resort

Located on Hwy 264, just outside of Prince Albert National Park. Elkridge Resort is a luxury lodge with casual and fine dining, spa, log cabins, cottages and townhouses. Winter equipment available for guests to use during their stay and packages including dogsledding and snowmobiling are also available.

The Hawood Inn

Located on Lakeview Drive right in the Waskesiu townsite, the Hawood Inn is a family-friendly hotel with a restaurant and lounge. Winter equipment is available for guests to use during their stay.

Lost Creek Resort

Lost Creek Resort is a four-season cottage resort with one to three bedreem cabins available. Located on Hwy 264, just on the edge of the Waskesiu townsite.