Prince Albert National Park is a hiker's dream. Located in Northern Saskatchewan, the park is home to 150 kilometres of trails that meander through northern boreal forests and grasslands.
Here are 10 of the best hiking trails in Prince Albert National Park.
Kyla Duhamel Flickr cc by 2.0
Waskesiu River Trail
Length: 2.5 km loop
Time: 1 hour
This hike is one of Prince Albert National Park’s most popular trails. The word ‘Waskesiu’ is actually the Cree word for ‘red deer’ or ‘elk,' which visitors may spot while exploring. Hikers can enjoy views of the peaceful river. The trail leads to lush hills and a beautiful valley.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Elk Trail
Length: 53 km one-way
Time: 15 hours
The Elk Trail takes hikers through beautiful aspen forests with views of Sandy Lake. Thru-hikers can pitch a tent at Fish Lake Campground, Camp Lake Campground and Hunters Lake Campground. The trail ends at Sturgeon Lookout.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Spruce River Highlands
Length: 8.5 km loop
Time: 3 - 4 hours
The Spruce River Highlands trail takes visitors up big hills, through aspen forests and down sloping valleys with gorgeous views. Adventurous hikers can climb a 10-metre-tall tower that overlooks the Spruce River. Further along the trail, you can spot Anglin Lake in the distance. This is a difficult hike with steep inclines, exposed rocks and wet areas.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Mud Creek Trail
Length: 2 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Mud Creek Trail is the perfect loop for hikers of all ages. This trail starts by the lake and then follows Mud Creek into a beautiful forest. Visitors can catch views of King Island and keep an eye out for wildlife like beavers and bears, which are attracted by seasonal spawning fish.
Read more: waskesiulake.ca
Amyot Lake Trail
Length: 5.2 km one-way
Time: 2 hours
Slightly hidden within the West Side Trail is the Amyot Lake Trail, which takes hikers to the shore of Amyot Lake. This slightly more difficult hike is famous for sightings of wandering bison. Aside from the wildlife, there are also stunning views of Amyot Lake and the surrounding meadows to enjoy.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Kingsmere River Trail
Length: 1.5 km one-way
Time: 1 hour
The Kingsmere River Trail takes hikers through forests and alongside the Kingsmere River. It eventually leads to a rail portage for boaters. This will take visitors to Kingsmere Lake through a beautiful forest full of spruce trees. The trail terminates at the Southend backcountry campground.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Grey Owl Trail
Length: 19.9 km one-way
Time: 10 - 12 hours
This trail is named after Archibald Stansfeld Belaney, who took on the alias of ‘Grey Owl.’ He was a British-born conservationist and writer. At the end of the Grey Owl Trail is the cabin that he used to live in. There's also a paddling option for those who would rather get out on the water.
Read more: waskesiulake.ca
Boundary Bog Trail
Length: 2 km loop
Time: 1 hour
This trail takes visitors along a wooden boardwalk set right in the middle of a black spruce and boreal forest bog. This is a truly unique area of Prince Albert National Park as it is home to carnivorous plants such as the pitcher plant. This plant has reddish green leaves that are shaped like cups which attract insects. These insects then drown in the leaves and are digested.
Read more: tourismsaskatchewan.com
Narrows Peninsula Trail
Length: 3 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Along with balsam fir forests, the Narrows Peninsula Trail is home to sweeping views of Waskesiu Lake. The trail leads to a few lookout points where a fur trading post used to exist in the 1880s. There is also a wide variety of unique foliage, including a substantial bed of large ferns.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Red Deer Trail
Blue Loop
Length: 5.2 km
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
The Red Deer Trail is divided into three different loops. The Blue Loop takes hikers past the Beaver Glen Campground towards a section of hills. After hiking through the hills, the loop circles back to Waskesiu Lake. Hikers can choose to take in the views of the lake and continue on the trail, or branch off towards the beach between Kapasiwin Bungalows and Orchid Street.
Read more: waskesiulake.ca
Have you hiked these trails in Prince Albert National Park?
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