A Taste of the Magical North
By Tourism Saskatchewan
06/19/2008
Northern Saskatchewan is a magical place. Explore Prince Albert National Park with close to one million acres of protected boreal wilderness and see view elk, deer, moose, wolves, caribou and beer in their natural habitat, as well as a herd of free ranging bison. Discover world-class fishing, canoeing and golfing. Learn about the history of the Metis people and the Northwest Resistance of 1885 at Batoche National Historic Site.
Contact Information:
t: view phone 306-787-5282
e: view email joy.turner@sasktourism.com
w: view URL http://www.sasktourism.com
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- Experience a combination of wilderness & resort amenities in Prince Albert Park
- Enjoy world-class fishing, golf, hiking and water sports.
- Visit Grey Owl’s cabin, an early conservationist
- A traditional lunch of bannock and tourtiere at Batoche National Historic Site
- Shop for locally made arts and handicrafts at Glen Scrimshaw’s Gallery.
Tour Dates:
Number of Days: 4
Day One – Saskatoon to Prince Albert
Northern Saskatchewan is a magical place of water, rock and pine and Saskatoon, located on the South Saskatchewan River, is the starting and ending point for our northern adventure.
From Saskatoon we head north on Highway #11, stopping at Seager Wheeler Farm National Historic Site, renowned for five World Wheat Championships. Following a tour, we visit the gift shop and tea room.
We continue to Prince Albert, which is considered the gateway to the North and known for its thriving arts community and scenic location on the North Saskatchewan River. Overnight and try our luck at the Northern Lights Casino.
Day Two – Prince Albert National Park
It is a one hour drive north on Highway #2 to Prince Albert National Park, which comprises nearly one million acres of protected boreal wilderness and waterways, plus the comforts of a lakeside resort. Visit the Nature Centre and join an interpreter for a scenic nature walk. Learn about one of the world’s first conservationists and history of the park at the Grey Owl Museum or take a guided tour to Grey Owl’s cabin, or go bird and wildlife watching.
There is also a diversity of recreational activities, from swimming and boating to fishing or canoeing and kayaking. There is an excellent choice of world class golf courses.
The town of Waskesiu has a range of accommodations, services, facilities, dining and shopping. Overnight in Waskesiu and enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of the park.
Day Three – Prince Albert National Park
From Waskesiu we take scenic Highway #263 south for wildlife viewing. Moose, wolves and caribou inhabit the northern forest while elk, deer and badgers inhabit the southern parkland portion. Bison roam feely in the southwest corner of the park, where pockets of original prairie (fescue) grassland are preserved.
We visit the Sturgeon River Ranch and see majestic Texas longhorn cattle, free ranging wild Plains Bison, elk, moose, deer, wolves, bear and countless species of birds and waterfowl.
Day Four – Back to Saskatoon
We head south of Prince Albert for a refreshment stop in Duck Lake at the Glen Scrimshaw Gallery, which features original and limited edition prints by the artist, and Saskatchewan-made handcrafts. We also visit the Duck Lake Interpretive Centre with artifacts from the Northwest Resistance, and an 80’ viewing tower.
We arrive for a traditional lunch of bannock and tourtiere at Batoche National Historic Site, the location of the key dramatic battle of the Northwest Resistance of 1885. Spend the afternoon learning about the history, lifestyle and traditions of the Métis community. View the multi-media presentation and exhibits, and tour the remains of the village, the battlefield, the rifle pits and cemetery to appreciate the story of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont, and the Métis people. Guides in period costume provide interpretation.
Return to Saskatoon and a wide choice of hotels and restaurants for overnight.
