Waskesiu Main Beach

The Waskesiu main beach - located along the western shore of Waskesiu Lake - is one of the most popular beaches in Prince Albert National Park, and has been even before the creation of the park in 1927. The adjacent day use area, playground and spacious parking area provide for conveniently located and varied recreational activities. Close to the stores and shops of the Waskesiu townsite, tennis courts and lawn bowling greens, the Park Visitor Reception Centre and Park Nature Centre, the main beach is "close to it all".

And with a few steps into the nearby forest, one can experience the sights and sounds of nature along the newly developed Red Deer recreational trail.

The general area of the current main beach was known as Primeau's Landing in the early 1920's and was the site of a patrol cabin for the Sturgeon River Forest Reserve, which also functioned as the first summer residence of the park's first superintendent, James Wood. It was at the main beach that Prime Minister William Lyon MacKenzie King officially opened Prince Albert National Park on August 10, 1928.

Birch Bay

Located 13 km from the Waskesiu townsite along the North Shore Road, this beach and day use area offers a splendid view of Waskesiu Lake and the forested Waskesiu Hills to the southwest. This is the only easily accessible beach on the northern shores of the lake. It is also a perfect place for stargazing on cloudless, moonless nights.

When the wind is from the north or northwest, this area offers some protection from the breeze.

South Bay

The beach and day use area of South Bay are located a short 10 km from the Waskesiu townsite. Turnoff of the Narrows Road and follow a short winding road, bordered by towering aspens, to the parking area by the beach. Or, take your boat, canoe or kayak and come across the lake to this beautiful location (watch for the buoys that mark the designated swimming area).

The easy walking, 2 km long, Mud Creek self-guided nature trail is accessible from this site. And. when they are active, the northern lights as seen from this location, create a show without rival!

As you soak up the sun, or picnic in the shade, imagine being here in the late 1920's with forest patrolling float planes regularly landing in the bay. Imagine stopping in at C.M. Smith's store and residence which was located here.

Trippes Beach

Located along the Narrows Road and 12 km from the Waskesiu townsite, Trippes beach is named after Dr. Trippes, a Prince Albert dentist, who owned a hunting lodge near here before the park was established. He played a significant role in getting Prince Albert National Park established.

Trippes Beach is great spot for bird-watching. The beachside trees provide habitat for a great variety of species.

This is a perfect spot from which to launch a canoe or kayak for a trip to King Island - named after the Prime Minister of Canada who established this national park. Be careful to not unduly disturb the activities of the great blue herons who may be nesting in the tops of the trees here. You are also likely to see feeding and `loafing' pelicans and cormorants off the island's shores.

Paignton Beach

Imagine that this is the summer of 1935. You are enjoying the beach with your family - and the Governor General of Canada - Lord Tweedsmuir - arrives with his entourage for a picnic! The two stone fireplaces that you see here, commemorate this visit. It was at this time that the name `Paignton Beach' was given to this site by His Excellency. It reminded him of a favorite beach back in England.

Take some time to explore the unique color of the beach sand. This is caused by a combination of minerals: brown silica, black magnitite, and purple garnet.
Paignton Beach is located along the Narrows Road, 20 km from the Waskesiu townsite.

The Narrows

The First Narrows of Waskesiu Lake are one of the most significant cultural and historical sites in Prince Albert National Park. People have come to the Narrows for over 6,000 years! Most recently, the Woodland Cree occupied this site. The rich natural resources of the area - fish and game animals - provided for the necessities of life. In the 1880's, an independent trader, and later, the Hudson's Bay Company, established fur trading posts near here.

The Narrows is located 25 km from the Waskesiu townsite, at the end of the Narrows Road. A campground, marina, beach, playground and day use area are situated here.

The Narrows is a great place for wildlife viewing. Eagles regularly nest in the area. Loons and other aquatic birds use these habitats. Watch for fishing ospreys and playful otters!

Namekus Lake

Namekus lake is located 10 km south of the Waskesiu townsite, off Highway #263 (the scenic highway). With its campground, beach and day use area, it provides a great place to relax and experience the park.

On calm days, the water surface mirrors the changing skies and the not too distant shorelinebeckons exploration by canoe or kayak. Namekus Lake is designated for non-motorized use only and is relatively protected from strong winds. This is an ideal spot for relatively inexperienced canoers and kayakers.

Although the lake is named from the Cree word for `trout' - the fish that you can catch here are northern pike and walleye.

Sandy Lake

Sandy Lake is located 35 km south of the Waskesiu townsite, off Highway #263. Because of its proximity to the park's southern boundary, it is a great destination for visitors driving up from the south who wish to get to a great recreation spot, but do not want to travel the distance to Waskesiu.

Motorized watercraft are allowed on this lake - and the large lake surface area provides a great venue for recreational water-skiing. You can come for the day or stay longer at the nearby campground.

Sandy Lake, also known as Halkett Lake, has the greatest maximum depth of any lake in Prince Albert National Park - 54.9 metres.