Prince Albert National Park

Prince Albert National Park protects a beautiful cross-section of the Canadian wilderness where the aspen parkland gives way to the great boreal forest of the North. A land of clear lakes, spruce forest and open meadow in central Saskatchewan, it shelters free-ranging bison, a rare colony of white pelicans, and the remote cabin of Grey Owl, the famous conservationist, reachable only by paddle or long hike.

Fast facts

• Established: 1927
• Size: about 1,496 square miles (3,874 km²) in central Saskatchewan
• Landscapes: a transition from aspen parkland to boreal forest
• Notable: a free-ranging plains bison herd and Grey Owl’s cabin at Ajawaan Lake
• Townsite: Waskesiu, Saskatchewan
• Managed by: Parks Canada

The landscape

The park spans a natural boundary: rolling aspen parkland and fescue grassland in the south, giving way to dense boreal forest of spruce, pine and fir in the north, all dotted with lakes, rivers and bogs. This variety supports an unusual range of wildlife, boreal woodland caribou, wolves and black bears, a lowland bison herd, moose, and the pelicans of Lavallée Lake.

Best time to go

Summer is the heart of the season, when Waskesiu buzzes and the lakes are open for paddling and swimming; early fall brings color and quiet. Winter turns the park into a snowshoeing, skiing and skating destination, with the townsite’s services reduced but the boreal forest at its serene, snowy best.

Getting there and around

The park lies north of the city of Prince Albert via Highways 2 and 264, with the resort townsite of Waskesiu on the shore of Waskesiu Lake as the hub for lodging, services and rentals. A vehicle gets you there and to the trailheads and lake accesses; the backcountry is reached by canoe or on foot.

Things to do

Canoe the lakes and rivers, a paddle to Grey Owl’s cabin at Ajawaan Lake is a classic pilgrimage, and hike trails from easy lakeshore loops to longer backcountry routes. Swim and boat at Waskesiu, watch for bison on the Sturgeon River plains and pelicans on the lakes, and camp from the townsite to remote wilderness sites.

Staying safe

Lake water is cold and storms can rise quickly, so wear a life jacket and carry a map and compass to navigate the shorelines and portages. Black bears are present, so store food properly, and ticks and mosquitoes are common in the warm months. Use repellent, check yourself, and carry water.

Know before you go

A Parks Canada pass is required, and camping, especially canoe-in backcountry sites, should be reserved ahead. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report; always confirm current conditions, reservations and closures with Parks Canada before your trip.

Coordinates

53.9471, -106.3895

Magnetic declination

9.7° E (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

Best seasons

Summer, Early fall

Difficulty

Easy to strenuous

Access / trailheads

In central Saskatchewan north of the city of Prince Albert via Highways 2 and 264; the resort townsite of Waskesiu is the main hub.

Water

Lakes and streams throughout; treat all drinking water.

Cell / satellite coverage

Patchy cell service away from Waskesiu. Carry a map and compass.

Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency

Parks Canada dispatch: 1-877-852-3100; life-threatening emergencies: 911.

Permits & regulations

A Parks Canada pass is required; front and backcountry (canoe-in) camping need reservations.

Leave No Trace

Store food from bears, camp only at designated sites, pack out all waste, and follow Leave No Trace.