(Submitted photo/Waskesiu)

Waskesiu: A winter wonderland not far from home

Jan 17, 2022 | 1:56 PM

We know how great Waskesiu can be in the summer – but in the winter? Even better!

It’s a stunningly beautiful piece of paradise where you can explore and enjoy untouched nature in the boreal forest with unforgettable experiences including one-day excursions.

Imagine starting with a cross-country ski on some of the best-groomed trails the province has to offer – 42 kilometres worth to be exact. Visitors can also hike or snowshoe around the townsite with a quick stop at one of the camp kitchens or outdoor fire pits on the beach (with firewood supplied) to have a wiener roast for lunch. Keep your eyes on the lookout for numerous birds and other wildlife species. It’s not unusual to see a herd of elk bedded down in a sunny spot on the snow or a fox trotting between the Spruce trees. Chances are, if you take a drive out to the Narrow’s marina, you’ll see the otters up on the docks enjoying their lunch. When its time to warm up, you can visit the Hawood Inn for a cup of hot chocolate and a hearty bowl of soup.

(Submitted photo/Waskesiu)

You can visit and play at Waskesiu throughout the winter months, and you can stay. If you’re looking for an overnight adventure, take your pick of the luxury suites at Waskesiu Lake Lodge or head up the road for more privacy in your own private cottage at Lost Creek Resort. The Hawood Inn is open year-round and features lake front views, fireplaces and roof top hot tubs. Catching the glimmering green and blue northern lights would be the perfect way to end a day of ice-fishing for Northern Pike. A fishing license is just $9.80 per day if you don’t already carry an annual angling license. As for the National Park pass, just stop by the visitor’s centre to purchase your one-day permit once you enter the townsite.

(Submitted photo/Waskesiu)

While Prince Albert National Park covers more than 3,800 square kilometres, families don’t have to travel far to experience all that it has to offer. Waskesiu is less than an hour drive from the city of Prince Albert. Families will appreciate they don’t have to haul a bunch of toys and equipment for their adventures. The Hawood Inn has skis and snowshoes for park visitors of all ages to use. The Bears on the Beach playground is fun even in the winter. While some in your group may be ice fishing right off the main beach, you could be playing a challenging game of disc golf in the snow. Click here for a complete list of things to do at Waskesiu.

(Submitted photo/Waskesiu)

The Heritage Moments Walking Tour is a fun and free opportunity to learn all about the history of Waskesiu. Visitors can search out the locations listed on a map in a free brochure. They can then use their cell phones to scan a QR code that will take them to a page detailing that location’s unique heritage. For example, a scan of the QR code at the Grey Owl Centre will tell you the original log building was the garage for local park administration. The first wardens hired in Prince Albert National Park were local men, often veterans of World War I, known for their knowledge of the area and outdoor life. The Heritage Moments story goes on to say, “In the early years, the wardens had to patrol in the park on foot, on horseback, horse and toboggan, snowshoe, and in some cases dog sleds.” Historic photos accompany the stories to help take visitors back in time.

Come explore Waskesiu – Saskatchewan’s playground.

*This content was created by paNOW’s commercial content division.

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