May Long Weekend will see two season openers at Prince Albert National Park. (copyright/Parks Canada/Prince Albert National Park )

By Rob Mahon

National Park Long Weekend

Fishing, camping season opening with long weekend at Prince Albert National Park

May 19, 2023 | 9:00 AM

As smoke clears out of the sky and the May Long Weekend approaches, you might be getting ready to pack up and head for a campground in Prince Albert National Park. The park is eagerly awaiting people coming up to start camping again.

Starting on May 19, all campgrounds will officially open for the season. A fire ban is still in effect for the park, and all open fires are prohibited, but the start of the season is an exciting time for them nonetheless.

“We’re very excited to welcome campers and seasonal visitors back to the park,” said Kaylene Amundson, promotions and non-personal media officer at Prince Albert National Park. “All camp sites will be open for this first weekend. We’re also going to have a lot of activities happening.”

This will also be opening weekend for most of the businesses in the Waskesiu area. Fishing season will open up on May 20, and the nature centre will open on that day as well.

“There are a lot of hiking trails that are ready for people to explore,” said Amundson. “Although the ice is melted on the lake, we still ask that visitors are cautious as the water is still quite cold.”

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The water may be cold, but according to the forecast, the weather won’t be. With the smoke starting to clear out of the skies, it’s shaping up to be a warm long weekend, with highs in the mid-20s and sunny skies for at least Saturday.

“It is such a relief,” Amundson said. “The warm weather, it makes everyone happy to be there. Everyone is excited to go out on the trails and just be within nature. We’re really excited that the weather is going to be so nice for people coming out.”

There are a couple of things Amundson wanted campers to know before the big weekend. They’re anticipating a busy weekend at the campground so she’s asking campers to prepare to arrive early, and be prepared for a bit longer of a wait at the gates.

“Whether that’s bringing an extra snack or music to listen to, make sure everyone is prepared for a bit of a longer time at the gate,” Amundson said. “On wildlife, we do remind people that this time of year is calving season with elk and bears are also out and about, so we do want to remind people to give wildlife their space, make lots of noise, and pack away their attractants.”

According to a release from park management, a liquor and cannabis restriction will be in effect in all campgrounds over the long weekend.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP