National park · Canada
Prince Albert National Park
Go for 2–3 days based in Waskesiu: drive in on Highway 264, walk the 2.75 km Grey Owl Trail to the Ajawaan Lake cabins, and swim at Waskesiu or Kingsmere; come mid-June to late August for warm water, or late September for quiet trails and elk.Go for 2–3 days based in Waskesiu: drive in on Highway 264, walk the 1.7 mi Grey Owl Trail to the Ajawaan Lake cabins, and swim at Waskesiu or Kingsmere; come mid-June to late August for warm water, or late September for quiet trails and elk.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,874 km²1,496 sq mi
approximate
Established
1927
Best months
Jun–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 3,874 km²1,496 sq mi
- 3,874 km², larger than Cornwall in the UK (check against the current Parks Canada figure).
- Established
- 1927
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Prince Albert National Park is where the open prairie turns into aspen parkland and then boreal forest, 80 km north of the city of Prince Albert in Saskatchewan. It is 3,874 km² of lakes, sand beaches and mixed woods, with one settlement inside it, Waskesiu Lake, holding the shops, restaurants, marina and most beds. Wildlife is the everyday draw: elk and deer in the townsite, moose in the shallows, bison in the southwest grasslands. The park is open all year, but almost everyone comes between May and September, and the townsite fills from about mid-June to late August.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1927.
Size and age
3,874 km²1,496 sq mi · national park since 1927
3,874 km², larger than Cornwall in the UK (check against the current Parks Canada figure).
Why go
- Three landscapes in one drive: grassland, aspen parkland and boreal forest, with the transition visible from the road.
- Grey Owl's cabin at Ajawaan Lake, reached by a 2.75 km lakeside trail or by canoe up Kingsmere Lake.Grey Owl's cabin at Ajawaan Lake, reached by a 1.7 mi lakeside trail or by canoe up Kingsmere Lake.
- Sand beaches you can drive to, plus quieter ones at Kingsmere, Sandy and Namekus lakes.
- Elk, deer, foxes and often moose within a short walk of the townsite; bison in the southwest grasslands.
- Dark northern skies: aurora displays are common here even in low solar activity.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovAvoid
- DecCaution
- JanDeep cold; skiing only, few services
- FebCold; wolves and elk often seen on frozen lakes
- MarStill winter; ice roads and ski trails
- AprThaw; muddy trails, quiet
- MayWarm spells but nights near freezing; some services still shut
- JunWarm, long days; townsite books out from about 15 June
- JulWarmest water; days can pass 30 °C; busiestWarmest water; days can pass 86 °F; busiest
- AugWarm and busy to about 20 August, then quieter
- SepClear, cool, few people; elk rut
- OctCold nights; most services closed
- NovFreeze-up; little open
- DecWinter; cross-country skiing, short days
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk and white-tailed deerAll year · Common in the townsite; September is the rut, so keep well back. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| MooseMay–Sep · Often standing in shallow water eating. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| BisonMay–Oct · Southwest grasslands; view from the vehicle, never approach. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Black bearsApr–Oct · Anywhere; food and scraps left out cause problems. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Wolves and foxesDec–Mar · Wolves travel the frozen lakes; foxes are frequent in winter. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Waterfowl and songbirdsMay–Sep · Loons, grebes, herons, osprey and bald eagles on the lakes. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| AuroraSep–Mar · Dark skies; displays are common even in low solar activity. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Prince Albert
Drive Highway 2 north, then Highway 264 west to Waskesiu; the gate is on this road.
1–1.5 h
From Saskatoon
Drive Highway 11 north to Prince Albert, then as above; most visitors fly in and rent a car.
3–3.5 h
From Regina
Highway 11 north through Saskatoon and Prince Albert.
5.5–6 h
From By bus
Passenger bus service runs into the Waskesiu townsite; you then walk, cycle or join tours.
varies
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Waskesiu townsite | The only settlement in the park: shops, restaurants, marina, nature centre, golf course, most beds. | Open; entry fee applies. |
| Waskesiu and Kingsmere lakes | The main beaches, boat launches and the portage railcar route toward Grey Owl's cabin. | Open; boat launch permit for motor boats. |
| Ajawaan Lake and Grey Owl's cabin | Two restored cabins and three graves on the north shore, reached by trail or canoe. | Open; walk or paddle in. |
| Southwest grasslands | Open plains where bison roam, away from the townsite. | Open; drive and short walks. |
| Lake Lavalee | Northern border lake with a white pelican breeding colony. | Restricted travel zone (check). |
Sketch map
- 1Waskesiu townsite · Town≈53.922, -106.082Map ↗
- 2Park gate, Highway 264 · Gate≈53.846, -106.080Approximate.Map ↗
- 3Nature Centre, Waskesiu · Headquarters≈53.909, -106.085Map ↗
- 4Beaver Glen campground · Sleep≈53.934, -106.070Map ↗
- 5Grey Owl's cabin, Ajawaan Lake · Village≈54.151, -106.463Cabins and graves on the north shore.Map ↗
- 6Kingsmere River portage · Trail≈53.956, -106.360Approximate; railcar portage into Kingsmere Lake.Map ↗
- 7Spruce River Highlands Tower · Viewpoint≈53.860, -106.200Approximate.Map ↗
- 8Sandy Lake campground · Sleep≈53.790, -106.070Approximate.Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry, adult, per day | CAD 6–12 | person | 2026 estimate; Parks Canada sets the exact rate each year — check before you go. |
| Discovery Pass (annual, all Parks Canada sites) | CAD 75–80 | adult | 2026 estimate; pays off on about 7–10 park days. |
| Camping, Beaver Glen (electrical, showers) | CAD 26.5–33 | site per night | 2024 published rates; shoulder and peak differ. |
| Camping, Red Deer (water, sewer, electrical) | CAD 33–39.5 | site per night | — |
| Camping, Sandy or Namekus Lake (primitive) | CAD 14.5–17.5 | site per night | — |
| oTENTik (tent with beds on a platform) | CAD 133 | night | — |
| Backcountry camping permit | CAD 6.75–13.5 | person per night | Youth and adult rates. |
| Fishing licence (park licence, separate from the provincial one) | CAD 10–40 | person | Day and season options; check current rates. |
| Boat launch permit | CAD 10–20 | day | Required at Waskesiu, Heart Lakes and the Narrows launches (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Fishing permit or guide
Boat launch permit or guide
Lake Lavalee pelican zone permit or guide
Park rules
- Food storage
- Never leave food, scraps or garbage out; bears will tear up a campsite for it. It is illegal to feed any animal.
- Distance from animals
- Do not approach deer or elk; they can charge. View bison and bears from inside a vehicle.
- Fires
- Campfires only with a fire permit, about $1 per day, and not in the trailer park area.
- Personal watercraft
- Not allowed on any park lake. Canoes, kayaks and sailboats are allowed on all waters.
- Motor boats
- Allowed only on Waskesiu, Crean, Kingsmere, Sandy and the Hanging Heart Lakes; 40 hp limit on Kingsmere.
- Fishing
- Park licence required; some spawning areas are closed.
Where to stay
In the park
Waskesiu townsite
Hotels, motels and rental cabins; book well ahead for mid-June to late August.
In the park
Beaver Glen and Red Deer campgrounds
The main campgrounds at Waskesiu; Beaver Glen has electrical sites and showers.
In the park
Sandy, Namekus and Trappers Lake campgrounds
Small self-register sites south of Waskesiu; primitive, popular with boaters.
In the park
The Narrows
Lakeshore campground about 30 minutes' drive from Waskesiu; unserviced, toilets only.
Near the park
Elk Ridge Resort
Resort on Highway 264 outside the townsite.
In the park
Backcountry sites
Reached by hiking, cycling or canoe; permit required, no services.
Safety
Bears around camp medium
Elk and deer in the townsite medium
Cold water and weather swings medium
Getting lost in the backcountry medium
Winter travel medium
Accessibility
- The townsite, beaches, nature centre and several short trails are reachable by car with short, level walks.
- Boundary Bog Trail uses a boardwalk; check surface conditions after rain.
- The Grey Owl Trail is flat but unpaved and can be muddy; the backcountry routes are not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Keep to trails and boardwalks; the aspen parkland understory is easily damaged.
- Pack out all rubbish and never leave food behind, for the sake of the bears and your own camp.
- Use the portage railcar and existing canoe routes rather than cutting new paths.
- Buy supplies in Waskesiu so the townsite keeps its year-round services.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Prince Albert National Park?
Park entry is charged per person per day, roughly CAD 6–12 for an adult in 2026 (about USD 5–9) — check the current Parks Canada rate before you travel. A Discovery Pass covering all Parks Canada sites for a year costs about CAD 75–80 and pays off on roughly 7–10 park days. Camping, fishing licences and boat launch permits are extra.
What are the best hikes in Prince Albert National Park?
For a short walk, the Grey Owl Trail is 2.75 km each way along Kingsmere Lake to the Ajawaan Lake cabins, and Boundary Bog is a 30–45 minute boardwalk loop on Highway 264. The Spruce River Highlands Tower Trail gives the best view for a 1–1.5 hour climb. Longer routes run 13–54 km, including the Kingfisher, Freight and Elk trails; the classic overnight is the Kingsmere portage and paddle to Ajawaan Lake.
When is the best time to visit Prince Albert National Park?
Mid-June to late August has the warmest weather and water, but the townsite is heavily booked and beaches are busy. Late August and September are the sweet spot: warm days, quiet trails and the elk rut. May and early June are quieter but nights can be near freezing, and most services close from October.
Do I need a reservation to camp?
Yes for the serviced campgrounds at Waskesiu in summer — Beaver Glen and Red Deer fill up, so book ahead. Sandy, Namekus and Trappers Lake are self-register and primitive. Backcountry camping needs a permit and registration before you set out.
Can I see bison in the park?
Yes, in the southwest grasslands away from the townsite. They are wild and heavy: stay in your vehicle and never approach on foot.
Is there a town inside the park?
Waskesiu Lake is the only settlement inside the park. It has grocery stores, a liquor store, restaurants, a marina, a golf course and most of the accommodation.
Can I swim in the lakes?
Yes. Waskesiu has drive-up sandy beaches, and there are quieter beaches at the south end of Kingsmere Lake, Sandy Lake and Namekus Lake. The water stays cold even in midsummer.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go