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Step into nature with the Waskesiu Wilderness Region

Dec 20, 2016 | 1:10 PM

After playing coy for some months, winter has finally arrived and brought with it the promise of exciting adventures and new experiences.

The Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region is there to guide you to every eye-opening and exhilarating event in the Big River, Elk Ridge Resort, Lakelands and Prince Albert National Park area.

“We know once people experience the area they love absolutely everything. We want everyone to visit us this winter to create their own memorable experiences,” says Terry Dow with the Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region.

December alone is full of fun events for the whole family.

As a fun Christmas gift for everyone, book a room at Elk Ridge Resort and take advantage of their numerous packages. You can settle into their luxurious spa, venture outside for a fun family game of curling scrimmage or bring out your inner child on the slopes with your toboggan. Be sure to end the day skating on the pond on your free skate rentals with picturesque elk roaming the property in the distance.

There’s numerous paths to spend a day exploring, happily romping through the snow with family and friends. 

If you’re looking to move faster, strap on a pair of skis and enjoy cross-country skiing across some of the most beautiful terrain you’ll ever lay eyes on in Ness Creek, Waskesiu and Great Blue Heron Provincial Park.

You can also take a trip into Big River and hit the slopes at Ski Timber Ridge. Who said there’s no skiing in Saskatchewan?

New this year there’s a connector trail between the trails at Great Blue Heron Provincial Park and the Spruce River Highlands trail, so you can venture out wherever you’d like and find the exact type of vacation you want.

If you’re looking for something even faster, hop on the back of a snowmobile rental from Lake Country Rentals and blast along the finely groomed trails from Big River to the Lakelands.

“There’s an almost overwhelming number of things to do,” Dow says. “There’s definitely something for everyone during the winter.”

Tuckered out after a long day on the trails but not quite ready to return home? Bring along a tent and camp out in Prince Albert National Park, where it’s just you, Mother Nature and the stars. 

If you’re in the market for a more relaxing time, you can head out onto the many lakes and spend a day ice fishing at one of the many lakes within the Region.

And of course let’s not forget about bird watching, a fun and accessible way to spend an afternoon as you try to spot the over 240 birds which have been recorded in P.A. National Park. Looking for something more adventurous? Take a scheduled guided “Wolf Howl Tour” with a park interpreter along the trails to find wolves at dusk.

Starting in January, you can take the ride of a lifetime on the back of a dog sled through Sundog Excursions. Feel the exhilaration and the rush of the crisp winter air on an hour, half-day or overnight trip through the pristine trails.

“If you’ve never gone dog sledding, it’s one of the most fantastic experiences you can have,” Dow says. “There’s nothing like feeling the power of the dogs and getting to handle your own sled.”

Sundog Excursions are in high-demand, so don’t hesitate a moment to book your adventure.

There’s always something to do in the Region, no matter what time of year.

In February, the Lakeland Tree Dodgers are hosting their provincial rally and families can take advantage of incredible deals and opportunities on Family Week at Great Blue Heron and Prince Albert National Park. Stop in at Lake Country Cottage Restaurant while you are in the area for some delicious home cooked meals.

March is marked with numerous ice fishing derby’s, snowmobile races and the second annual Fire and Ice Festival at Ness Creek, where you can bask in the warm glow of fireworks after a day of hitting the slopes, sleigh rides and delicious food.

All this is less than an hour north of Prince Albert, making it convenient for day trips or longer adventures.

After working with the Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region and seeing the gorgeous sights every day, Dow says she’s still filled with wonder when coming into work.

“It’s absolutely amazing when you come around a bend inside the park and everything just unfolds in front of you,” she says. “It’s incredible how pristine and welcoming everything is. There’s always something new for me to find and explore.”

With the Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region as your guide, you can be sure you’ll see every amazing sight year after year.

Formed in 2010 by local Waskesiu businesses, they have deep roots in the community and have evolved into one of the premier tourism marketing organizations in the province. Their members include Elk Ridge Resort, Sunset Bay Resort, Lakeland Tree Dodgers, Town of Big River and many others across the area.

To plan your adventure with the Waskesiu Wilderness Region, visit their website and prepare to leave your city life behind for as long as you want.

The Waskesiu and Area Wilderness Region is a proud partner of Saskatchewan Tourism.