Prince Albert National Park

Prince Albert National Park

Province: Saskatchewan

Area: 3875 sq. km (1496 sq. mi.)

Probably Saskatchewan's most attractive park, Prince Albert National Park is on the edge of the Canadian Shield as it stretches away to the north. The gently undulating landscape is a mixture of spruce swamp, large lakes and aspen-dotted uplands, the legacy of the ice that retreated from here about 10,000 years ago, but has continued to leave its mark on the park's flora and fauna. The park is in an area of transition from aspen parkland to boreal northern forest, and this is reflected not only in the park wildlife, but also in the course of this area's history. Native Americans have lived here for thousands of years, and there is archaeological evidence that in severe winters tribes from the prairies moved north up here to its sheltered woodlands, intermingling with the people who lived here.

The park's creatures vary according to the habitat, with moose, wolf, black bear, fox, lynx, caribou and eagles in the northern forests, and elk, deer, badger, coyote and squirrel in the parkland in the south. The park has some species that are unique in their national significance. There are also unique resources of natural importance.

Grey Owl, the best-known, colorful and at the same time controversial naturalist of the 1930s, lived in this park for seven years in a small log cabin called "Beaver Lodge" on Ajawaan Lake. A trapper turned conservationist and author, his popular books, inspired by the woodland and wildlife of the park, tell of his love for the wilderness and the people and creatures who live there, threatened by the advance of civilization. He returned to the lake after his triumphant lecture tour of England and the States, and died in 1938, but his message - "remember you belong to nature, not it to you" - lives on, and has even greater significance today. His cabin can be reached by boat or canoe across Kingsmere Lake, or by a 20 km / 13 mi trail from the south end of the lake, where there is a campsite.

Several hundred miles of trails and canoe routes allow the visitor the chance to see moose, wolf, fox and black bear in their natural surroundings, and well over 200 species of bird have been recorded. With one-third of the park area taken up by water, it is also possible to observe beaver, musk rat and otter. There is canoeing and boating on the many lakes, and Kingsmere, Crean and Waskesiu Lakes are all very popular with anglers. The park also boasts picnic areas, riding stables, beaches, tennis courts, good golf courses and fully serviced campsites, not to mention 150 km / 93 mi of cross-country skiing trails.