Head north of Saskatoon 2.5 hours and a completely different scenery unfolds. Waskesiu Lake is located within the Prince Albert National Park area (entry fee, $7.80 CDN) of Saskatchewan and buzzes to life in the summer. Canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking and cycling all take top priority when the warm weather hits and vacations begin.
Prince Albert National Park
Gorgeous wilderness filled with lush forests and seasonal workers, Prince Albert National Park expands over Kingsmere, Crean, Waskesiu and Sandy Lakes, to name a few. Sunrise and sunsets are glorious over the glistening water and vast skies.
Overall, there’s over one million acres of protected wilderness to explore. Within that are numerous trails, camping sites and outdoor activities to do in this unspoiled park.
Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan
The small town of Waskesiu Lake is a good vacation spot for travellers. It has full amenities like a grocery store, bakery, gas station, dining and plenty of accommodation options. Locals, whether from Waskesiu Lake or from other parts of Saskatchewan, are laid back and friendly- it’s hard not to be in this spectacular setting.
Outdoor Activities
Beginners and enthusiasts alike should drive the 10 minutes to Waskesiu Marina Adventure Centre (306-663-1999, off season: 306-763-1278), where the fun really starts.
Set up a guided canoe through Waskesiu or Hanging Heart Lakes (starting at $17.50 per hour); kayak in groups or solo ($15.00 per hour); canoe and hike to Grey Owl’s Cabin, where one of Canada’s Federal Heritage Buildings, Beaver Lodge, is located (starting at $90 per person); or hire a boat all to yourself and explore the large lake (power boats starting at $35.00 per hour; peddle boats $10.00 per hour).
Where to Eat
The main waterfront drag, Waskesiu Street, has a few spots like Hawood Inn’s dining room (1-877-441-5544) and Beach House (306-663-4085). Most notable is Pete’s Terrace Restaurant (306-663-5530), a casual eatery with local spirit and pub-style food. Surprisingly, they serve one of the best veggie burgers this writer has ever eaten.
Where to Stay
The summer season fills up the town, so be sure to check into accommodations sooner rather than later. Waskesiu Street, along the water, has a few options, all of which are comfortable, clean and spacious.
Waskesiu Lake Lodge (306-663-6161, off season: 306-373-8796) is an unassuming hotel with large, clean rooms. Patios with BBQ’s overlook Waskesiu Lake; full kitchens and bedrooms on the quiet side of the building make this an ideal spot for resting your head. You can, of course, camp at many of the lakes within the park.
How To Get To Prince Albert Park
There’s the scenic drive and the highway drive. It’s recommended to take highways 11 and 2 up to Waskesiu Lake, to get you started on your vacation, and take the scenic route on your way back. Either way is easy and well marked, so take your pick.
The scenic route is off of highway 2 onto road 263, with signs leading you past various lakes until you hit Waskesiu. Otherwise, take highway 11 from Saskatoon, go north on highway 2, and you’ll be there in about 2.5 hours.
For more travel ideas and assistance getting around the province, contact Tourism Saskatchewan (1-877-237-2273).
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