"Far enough away to gain seclusion, yet within reach of those whose genuine interest prompts them to make the trip..." - Grey Owl

 

Parks Canada invited me to experience Prince Albert National Park in all its winter glory.

This magical place is full of opportunity for anyone who is willing to step outside and take command of winter. What I discovered shouldn’t just be my secret. I want you to discover it too. 

 

I experienced the swishing sound of boots breaking trail after a fresh snowfall, the heavy silence of a winter-slept forest and the seemingly purposeful perfection of boreal forest trees draped in snow. 

 

 

Prince Albert National Park is full of easy access cross-country skiing, hiking, fat biking and snowshoeing trails, majestic winter wildlife and beautiful wilderness surprises. 

 

 

I said hello to one of the biggest moose I have ever seen.

While relaxing on the shores of Waskesiu Lake, I heard an alluring, booming echo as a sheet of ice struggled to make more room for itself. 

 

 

I was startled by a wolf pack that darted across the road.

I became friends with a curious grey jay who sat on the roof of my vehicle, seeming to ask me where we were headed next.

I was soothed by the bubbling sounds of the Waskesiu River, fighting to continue its flow in ice-forming temperatures. 

 

 

I watched the sun fight away the clouds to create a brilliant shimmer on the snow-burdened trees all around me.

I heard the sound of my own throbbing heartbeat - the only noise in a completely silent world. 

 

 

I spent the night snuggled deep in my sleeping bag, inside a cabin on the edge of Kingsmere Lake. 

 

 

Remember, there is no such thing as “too cold outside” most of the time. I can create a lot of heat under a few small layers when I’m cross-country skiing or hiking. When I’m on the move in the snow I quickly end up shedding a layer, going barehanded and wishing I had more water in my thermos.

Saskatchewan is a place of nuanced moments that are only discovered when you go out and find them. You know when you experience something, and you just know it’s going to be a story later? Well, story-worthy moments were many during my 48 hours in Prince Albert National Park.

• Plan your visit
• Trail conditions
• Winter camping
• Grey Owl’s Cabin
• Wildlife viewing and photography
• Stargazing
• Waskesiu Wilderness Region

 

Authour & Photographer: Jay Brown 

 

Jay, an avid year-round outdoorsman and hiker, is passionate about exploring Saskatchewan in the winter with hiking, biking, trail running and cross-country skiing. He’s always looking for the next adventure. Jay’s blog site, SaskHiker.com, is dedicated to sharing information about Saskatchewan hiking trails, as well as undiscovered gems to explore.

You can also find Jay on Facebook and Instagram at @saskhiker.

 

 

 

What story-worthy surprises will you find in Prince Albert National Park? Share your experiences and photos with us using #ExploreSask on Facebook and Instagram.