Prince Albert National Park

About

The Prince Albert National Park is located in central Saskatchewan, covering nearly a million acres.

Lakes in Prince Albert National Park

Prince Albert National Park is home to some gorgeous lakes that attract visitors from around the world every year. Many of these lakes, like Waskesiu, Kingsmere, Crean and Ajawaan have names that will be familiar to people across Canada and around the world.

According to the park website, there are over 1,500 lakes within Prince Albert National Park. We have only been able to find records for 83 of these lakes. The rest are most likely small and unnamed. Many of these lakes are relatively inaccessible with no road access requiring either a float plane, canoe, hiking, or some combination of these to access.

Waskesiu Lake

Waskesiu Lake is the most well know lake in the park as well has having the most services and being the easiest to access. Thousands flock to Waskesiu Lake every year. Looking to camp, hike, paddle, swim, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the townsite.

Kingsmere Lake

Kingsmere is a popular fishing, canoeing, and hiking destination in its own right. but is also used as a transit to Ajawaan Lake.

Ajawaan Lake

Although a smaller and more difficult to get to lake. Ajawaan Lake is famous as the location of Grey Owl's Cabin

Crean Lake

Crean Lake is the largest lake within Prince Albert National Park. It is only accessible by water (through the Hanging Heart Lakes) or by trail (19km out and back).

Boating and Watercraft in Prince Albert National Park

The National Park has some amazing boating, paddling, and floating opportunities, but there are a number of things to be aware of before heading out on the water.

Mandatory AIS Certification Permit

Starting April 15, 2025 all watercraft entering waters in Prince Albert National Park require a **free**, mandatory AIS watercraft certification permit. This includes motorboats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing boards and rowboats. A permit is not required for other water-related gear like inflatable beach toys.

To be issued a permit, one of the following must be true:

• The watercraft has not been used outside of Saskatchewan in the past 45 days.
• The watercraft was inspected and/or decontaminated by Parks Canada staff.

It is required to carry a copy of the permit at all times. A digital copy on a mobile device is acceptable.

2025 permits are valid for the entire 2025 season, but if at any point your watercraft no longer meets the conditions, you will need a new permit to confirm conditions are met.

Learn more about the mandatory watercraft certification permit and aquatic invasive species at the Official Parks Canada Website.

Getting your watercraft certification permit

You can pick up your permit at one of the following locations:

• East or South Entry Gates
• Visitor centre
• One of the three marinas
• Self-certification stations located at boat launches or day-use areas

Once you complete the form, keep the top section with you when using your watercraft. Drop off the bottom section at a self-certification station or with a Parks Canada staff member.

Boating Restrictions

Personal watercraft such as Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or Sea-Doo are not permitted on park waters. All watercraft must conform to federal small vessel and pleasure craft regulations.

Motorized watercraft are only allowed on Waskesiu Lake, Crean Lake, Sandy Lake, the Hanging Heart lakes, and Kingsmere Lake,. Note there is a 40 hp motor restriction on Kingsmere Lake Non-motorized watercraft are permitted on all park waters.

Learn more about boating in the national park from the Official Parks Canada website.

Fishing in Prince Albert National Park

Everyone fishing in PA National Park requires a valid Prince Albert National Park fishing permit. If you are under 16 years old, you can either purchase a permit or accompany another permit holder who is 16 or older (If you don't purchase your own permit then the fish in your possession will count toward the permit holder's limit).

Prince Albert National Park fishing permits can be purchased at the Visitor Centre, entry gates, campground kiosks, and the marinas.

I've done my best to summarize the rules/regulations for fishing in the National Park but please refer to the official Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/sk/princealbert/activ/experiences/peche-fishing

Fishing Permit Price

• Daily $12.75
• Annual $44.25

Fishing Season in Prince Albert National Park

*Open seasons scheduled to begin on Victoria Day begin on the Saturday immediately preceding Victoria Day. When the last day of an open season falls on a Friday or Saturday, the open season ends on the Sunday immediately following the Friday or Saturday.

Closed Waters

The following lakes and waters are closed to fishing in Prince Albert National Park:

• First Hanging Heart Lake (Most easterly)
• Waskesiu River
• Mud Creek
• Amiskowan Lake
• Kapasiwin Creek
• Kingsemere River between Kingsmere Lake and Waskesiu Lake
• Closed to fishing within 500 metres of the following:
  • Outlet of Mud Creek into Waskesiu Lake
  • Outlet of Kingsmere River into Waskesiu Lake
  • Outlet of Kapasiwin Creek into Sandy Lake
  • Clare Point on Kingsmere Lake
• Fishing is not permitted from boating docks at the Heart Lakes, Narrows, or the Main Marina on Waskeisu Lake
• Some closed areas are marked by buoys, but even when bouys are not present it is still illegal to fish in these areas

If the fish has been filleted, two fillets are considered one fish. Unless the body is shown, every fillet will be treated as coming from a game fish.

Additional lake trout regulations

There are additional restrictions for Lake Trout in Prince Albert National Park.

• If you are fishing for Lake Trout you need to obtain a Lake Trout tag from the Visitor Centre or at the South Gate. Make sure to follow all instructions on the catch report card.
• There is an annual catch limit of two lake trout per year/person.