Often overlooked as a winter getaway, Prince Albert National Park (PANP) is the ideal escape from day-to-day life. The snow-draped boreal forest sparkles, cosy lodges and hotels promote relaxation, and there are ample activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

The park is only a two-hour drive from Saskatoon, or five hours from Regina. A weekend visit is easily possible and well worth the trip.

Follow this three-day itinerary to maximize your time exploring PANP:  

 

Day 1: Skate, cross-country ski and curl at Elk Ridge Resort

Ever wonder if you could pack three winter activities into one day? You can at Elk Ridge Resort, located just outside of the park. Tucked behind the resort is a beautiful frozen pond with a skating loop and two hockey rinks with nets. At night, the loop is lit by various tree sculptures covered in lights. Circling the pond is a cross-country ski loop that kids can complete in 10-20 minutes. In front of the pond and beside the strategically placed warm-up hut is a small curling rink with rocks and brooms available to use.

Skating, cross-country skiing and curling are accessible to the public, in addition to resort guests. After a day of activities, enjoy dinner at The Wyld at Elk Ridge. Try the elk burger, which features Swiss cheese and herb aioli on a toasted brioche, or the porchetta roll – herb-roasted shaved pork and arugula walnut pesto on a toasted crusty roll.

 

Day 2: Cross-country ski, participate in a Parks Canada program and dine at The Hawood Inn

Enjoy PANP’s longer cross-country ski trails on your second day. Winding through the trees, the well-tracked trails span distances starting from five kilometres. The shortest loop can be completed by connecting parts of Fisher and Red Deer Red trails. It is a 60-90-minute trip, kids in tow.

After your ski, check out the Parks Canada winter programs. Sparks in the Park, Snowshoe Stomp and Gateway to the Stars are some of the offerings.

End Day 2 with dinner at The Hawood Inn, famous for its fish and chips entrée that features fresh lightly seasoned pickerel. Its kid’s menu boasts a variety of options, including pasta with fresh veggies, chicken fingers and fries, or the pickerel. For dessert, try the mouth-watering daily cheesecake in a jar with a caramelized crust or the rhubarb apple cobbler in a jar.

 

Day 3: Relax in the morning, snowshoe in the afternoon

This is a vacation, right? Spend the final morning relaxing, drinking your morning coffee and soaking up the winter views. Before leaving the park, explore one of the snowshoe trails. Consider the two-km Mud Creek Trail that starts from the South Bay day-use area. The trail winds along Waskesiu Lake and weaves in and out of the trees before the view opens up to Mud Creek.

 

Gear Rentals

Don’t have your own gear? Skis, skates and snowshoes are available to rent at Elk Ridge Resort for guests of the property. Visitors can also borrow cross-country skis and snowshoes from The Hawood Inn. There is also a small selection of snowshoes, available on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors staying at Lost Creek Resort.

 

Where to stay

Lost Creek Resort is located on the edge of the townsite and provides access to cross-country ski trails right from the one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins. The property is dog-friendly, for those travelling with their fur babies. The Hawood Inn offers rooftop hot tubs and has affordable room options. There are also deluxe condos within the Waskesiu townsite. Outside of the park, Elk Ridge Resort boasts luxurious lodge rooms and comfortable cabins and cottages. 

 

Author and Photographer: Annika Mang

Annika Mang is a writer and photographer based in Regina, Saskatchewan with a focus on family adventure.

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