By Prince Albert National Park

PA National Park – Not Just a Day at the Beach … Many Learning Opportunities for the Whole Family

Jul 3, 2011 | 12:24 PM

Visit Prince Albert National Park’s West Side. Experience a unique wilderness of fescue grasslands, rolling forested hills, and the only free-roaming population of plains bison within their historic Canadian range. Ride horseback with a local ranch guide and watch for plains bison, grab your bicycle and head out along the trails, paddle the Sturgeon River, or enjoy a picnic at the Valleyview day use area. Come for a day trip, or bring a tent and stay awhile!

Celebrate the grandmothers and grandfathers who travelled the land of Prince Albert National Park and used the water, trees, plants and animals. June 21st commemorates Aboriginal Peoples all across Canada. Join us for a day full of events and activities for all ages marking the rich heritage of the First Nations and Métis, their languages, culture, and deeply rooted traditions.

Celebrate Grey Owl! The noted naturalist Grey Owl lived in the park during the 1930's. Through his writing, films and lecture tours he drew the world's attention to the need for conservation. Take the pilgrimage to his last home, “Beaver Lodge”. Head to the Nature Centre to learn more or ask an interpreter to share his history.

There are several scenic driving tours:

Scenic Driving Tours
Whether you are overnighting in the area or have driven into the park for the day, visitors to Prince Albert National Park can choose from several routes for scenic driving tours in the park. Watch for wildlife and drive safely.

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Narrows Road

This 24 kilometre stretch of road follows the southern shoreline of Waskesiu Lake. It passes through a wide variety of vegetation types. Opportunities exist to see many species of wildlife especially in early morning and at dusk. The road is narrow, with a gravelled surface. It is curving, gently rolling and has no shoulders. Passing is difficult. Proceed carefully, watch for oncoming traffic.

Follow Lakeview Drive (becomes Scenic Route #263) past the golf course and Prospect Point until you come to the Narrows junction. Turn right onto the Narrows Road.
 

The Kingsmere Road (a continuation of. Highway # 264) follows the northern shore of Waskesiu Lake for 32.5 km. This roadway passes through mixed forest dominated by tall spruces broken up by sandy embankments. For the first 15 km, the road is paved with narrow shoulders. At the Heart Lakes marina entrance, the road surface becomes gravel. At this point, the remainder of the road is commonly referred to as the Kingsmere Road.

Highway #263

Prince Albert National Park is an area of national significance because it preserves for all time an area of transition between the boreal forest and the aspen parkland. Explore the length of the Park's transition zone by travelling Scenic route – highway #263 from Waskesiu to the park's southern boundary.

Cycling
Cycling is another wonderful way to explore the national park, whether it's a relaxed pedal with family on the streets and paved cycling paths in and around Waskesiu, an energetic spin up and down the hills of the Freight Trail or anything in between.

Various types of cycles can be rented in the townsite of Waskesiu. Check at the Visitor Centre for rental locations.

We hope this information will help you plan a cycling experience that is both rewarding and has the least impact possible on the park's natural environment and wildlife.

Check at the Visitor Centre or Warden Office for current information on trail conditions, weather forecasts, and hazards. If you're planning on staying overnight in the backcountry, a Park Use Permit is required.

Be alert for wildlife. Stop and wait for any animals to move off the trail. All animals in the park are wild and can behave unpredictably. Be especially wary of elk in spring when they are calving and in fall when they are mating.

Cyclists are more susceptible to sudden bear encounters because of the speed of travel. Use bear bells on your bike and make noise when biking through shrubby areas or approaching corners. Read the park publication 'You are in Bear Country' before your trip.

Trail Cycling Code of Ethics

• Cycle only on designated trails. Stay on the trail. Riding around mud holes damages trailside vegetation.
• Treat other trail users with courtesy, especially on downhill stretches. Slow down when approaching blind spots.
• Use a bell or call out to alert other users and wildlife to your presence.
• Choose a trail that matches your abilities. Park staff or staff at bike shops can help you choose a trail within your abilities.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. This is often awkward and uncomfortable for both the rider and animal. Consider leaving your pet at home or with friends.
• Horses have the right of way. In encounters with horse parties, dismount and stand a few feet off the trail (preferably on the downhill side) until the party has passed. When approaching from behind, stay a few metres back to avoid being kicked. Let horse riders know of your presence and wait for their instructions before you pass.
• Bicycles can take you further into the backcountry than you can walk in a day. You are responsible for your own safety and be prepared to make your own repairs.
• Don't litter! If you pack it in please pack it out.

Recommended Backcountry Trails

• Anglin Lake Trail – 12 km return
• Freight Trail – 27 km one way
• Elk Trail – 39 km one way
• Fish Lake Trail – 12 km one way
• Hunters Lake Trail – 12 km one way
• Westside Boundary Trail – 37 km one way
• Red Deer Trail – three loops totalling 17 km
• Kinowa Trail – 5 km one way
• Amyot Lake Trail – 15.5 km loop