(Submitted photo/Prince Albert National Park)

By Ian Gustafson

Heading outdoors

Prince Albert National Park offering COVID-19 friendly activities during February break

Feb 12, 2021 | 1:00 PM

The Prince Albert National Park (PANP) are offering many COVID-19 friendly activities during Family Day weekend and into next week from Feb. 13 to 21.

The activities promoted by the park include 45 kilometres of groomed ski trails for cross country skiing, hiking routes for snowshoeing, enclosed picnic shelters, stargazing, photography, wildlife viewing, ice fishing and winter camping. Those visiting the park will need to abide by all public health guidelines ordered by the provincial government.

Prince Albert National Park communications officer Robyn Hufnagel told paNOW since they’re open year-round, they have plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration.

“We believe in a time where families and adventurers are inside due to public health measures that we are welcoming the public to visit Parks Canada places because of the diverse activities and experiences they can have to be outside, [and] enjoy nature.”

When the weather was warmer, Hufnagel said they were happy to see local communities take part in some of the activities they have to offer in the park.

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She added some of the popular activities can only be done by people of the same household, including cross-country skiing and taking part in a winter picnic in one of their five enclosed picnic shelters with wood stoves. People also have been enjoying snowshoeing and stargazing.

“If they’re staying in the park overnight, the beautiful dark skies this time of year present a beautiful view scape of the northern lights, constellations and the milky way,” Hufnagel explained.

People can also plan a fishing trip at PANP and can buy a fishing license at the Visitor Centre as part of the entry fees on arrival. The Government of Saskatchewan’s offering free fishing during Family Day weekend from Feb. 13 to 15 but Hufnagel said that does not apply in PANP.

PANP passes can be purchased at the Visitor Centre which is open daily between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Hufnagel also wants to remind people visiting the park during Family Week to dress for the weather and be mindful of the cold temperatures, wind chill, short day light hours and challenging travel conditions.

Any questions can be directed to the Visitor Centre at 306-663-4522.

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12