The city of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, 80 mi/130 km northeast of Saskatoon, is a gateway to the recreation opportunities in the far northern part of the province. But you should stay in town long enough to see some of its attractions. Among them are the Diefenbaker House, the home of John G. Diefenbaker, Canada's 13th prime minister. The Prince Albert Historical Museum, located in one of the city's earliest fire halls, has artifacts related to the area's history and a tea room that overlooks the Saskatchewan River.
If the kids get restless, hose them down at the Kinsmen Water Park (slides and a whirlpool) or take them to the Little Red River Park just east of town (a great place for tobogganing in the winter). The annual Winter Festival features dogsled races and a King Trapper contest.
Southwest of Prince Albert, Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Site gives visitors the chance to see how life was lived in the days of the fur trade. The fort and trading post was a center of commerce in the 1800s, when trappers sailed their York boats along the North Saskatchewan River. The park staff demonstrates the various crafts and activities that were central to the fur industry.
About 40 mi/65 km north of the town of Prince Albert is Prince Albert National Park. This huge preserve is made up of aspen and spruce forests and contains many recreational possibilities. Camping is available in the park, and at the resort village of Waskesiu you can stay in a hotel or cabin. There's also an excellent golf course there and another just outside the park boundary on the east side. Take the time to explore the park as far as Ajawaan Lake, where you'll find the cabin of Grey Owl, a mysterious man who was part huckster and part inspiring naturalist.
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