Fall in love with nature on your next visit to Prince Albert National Park

3. Zoom around through town or on the trails by bike. Whether you prefer trail riding, road cycling or biking around town, Prince Albert National Park offers the perfect setting for bike riding. Before heading out, check the trail conditions throughout the park.

4. Snuggle up by the campfire and look up at the stars twinkling above. Fall is a great time of year to get into stargazing – it gets dark earlier and the weather is still relatively mild compared to the winter. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

5. Immerse yourself in nature and go camping among the falling leaves.

o Beaver Glen and Red Deer reservations are available until October 9 (weather dependent). There are also plenty of other walk-up front-country and backcountry campgrounds to choose from. Availability is first-come, first-serve.

o Campground closing dates are weather dependent. For up-to-date information on campgrounds open in the fall, please contact the Visitor Centre at 1-306-663-4522 or email princealbertinfo@pc.gc.ca.

6. Look out for wildlife in the park from your car or trails. The opportunity to watch wildlife is a privilege that comes with responsibilities, so make sure to give them space!

o It is elk rutting season – The rut is elk mating season. it is important to be cautious of elk at this time of year as they can be more aggressive during the rut.

7. Paddle along the shore and look closely for the birds flying overhead or hiding in the trees. Canoeing, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding provides a unique and serene perspective of the park from the water.

o As the temperatures cool down, make sure to pack and prepare ahead of time and be AdventureSmart. The water is cold.

8. Pack up your gear and go fishing! Waskesiu Lake is open for fishing until March 31, 2024.

o Kingsmere, Wassegam and Crean Lakes – fishing season ended on Labour Day

o For more information on fishing regulations and open seasons, visit the park website or contact the Visitor Centre at 1-306-663-4522 or email princealbertinfo@pc.gc.ca.

It is elk rutting season!

North American Elk breed in the early fall until mid-October, also known as rutting season. It is important to be extra wary of aggressive male elk during the rut in Prince Albert National Park.

Bull elk are impressive animals at this time of year. They rub their antlers on trees to remove the velvet and polish the ends for rut. To increase their attractiveness, bulls wallow in mud to coat themselves with urine and make a unique high-pitched bugling sound that can be heard echoing through the park.

Bulls gather cows and calves into groups called harems which the male will aggressively guard from danger or other potential male suitors. Occasionally, bulls will fight each other to protect their harems and assert their dominance.

To avoid an encounter, remember:

1. Give elk at least 30 metres space. If the elk stops and stares, you are too close. Back away slowly and let it return to what it was doing.

2. Make noise to signal your presence.

3. Be aware of your surroundings.

4. Travel in groups.

5. Carry a walking stick or something swishy like a coat or a plastic grocery bag that can be waved to scare an aggressive animal off (an umbrella could also be used).

6. Keep children within arm’s reach.

7. Keep pets on a leash and under control at all times.

8. Never stand or park your car between a male and females.

9. Do not entice the bull by imitating the call.

If an elk charges, get behind a solid object, like a tree or car, and report it to Parks Canada
immediately at 1-877-852-3100.

Keeping Pets Safe in Prince Albert National Park!

Make the most of the end of summer and embrace the incoming coziness of the changing leaves with a trip to Prince Albert National Park with your favourite furry sidekick. No matter what activities you and your pet like to enjoy, remember that pets must always be on their leash when visiting national parks. Staying on-leash is not only important for your dog’s safety but for the safety of the wildlife that roam freely within the park. Wildlife may see your pet as a threat, competition or prey. If wildlife feels threatened, they may attack or follow your pet back to you.

When visiting with your furry companion, remember these tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the park:

· Keep pets on a leash of 3 meters or less, or in a suitable container or enclosure at all times.

· Never leave your pet unattended anywhere in the park. Wildlife, weather, and an unfamiliar environment can be scary or dangerous for your pet.

· Select suitable activities and terrain that align with you and your pet’s abilities.

· Pets are not allowed in certain areas in the park, like buoyed swimming areas and adjacent beaches. Check trailheads and info centers for restrictions before leaving for your adventure.

For more information on the guidelines of pets in Prince Albert National Park, please visit the park website. You can also contact the Visitor Centre at (306) 663-4522 or princealbertinfo@pc.gc.ca where knowledgeable Parks Canada staff can help you plan your visit and answer any questions.

by Prince Albert National Park

Fall in love with nature on your next visit to Prince Albert National Park

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