Visitor guidelines

There are a number of outdoor activities that require a permit. Check with the Visitor Centre prior to engaging in non-traditional, unusual or commercial activities.

There are a number of outdoor activities that are not permited, including the use of drones. Review the Prince Albert National Park Important Bulletins for more information.

You cannot take-off or land an aircraft in a national park without a Restricted Activity Permit from Parks Canada, with some exceptions as listed in the National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations. All aircraft must comply with the Canadian Aviation Regulations and National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations.

Consuming alcohol is only allowed at registered campsites, private residences or on licensed premises. Alcohol is not allowed at beaches, recreation areas, cook shelters or on trails. During certain periods of the year, specific campgrounds may have temporary alcohol bans in effect. These will be identified through notices posted online and at the campgrounds.

There are alcohol and cannabis restrictions in effect in front country campgrounds on all long weekends. Review the Important Bulletins page for details.

Area closures and restrictions are sometimes needed to protect natural or cultural resources or for visitor safety reasons. Closures are enforceable by law. Closure notices will be posted at the trailheads, access points, park offices, and information centres. Information on closures is also available on our Important Bulletins page.

Motorised pleasure craft are only permitted on Waskesiu, Crean, Kingsmere, Sandy and the Hanging Heart lakes. Boats with motors over 40 horsepower are prohibited on Kinsmere Lake.

Non-motorised activities such as sail boating and paddling are permitted on all park waters.

Personal watercraft such as Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or Sea-Doo are not permitted on park waters

Be safe on water. Any type of inflatable is considered a vessel when it is used for navigating and each occupant/passenger requires a life vest and safety equipment.

Drinking alcohol and boating is illegal, similar to drinking and driving.

The permit holder for the campsite is responsible for the site, including cleanliness, noise levels, and actions of visitors. Camping (including sleeping in a vehicle) is not allowed in roadside pullouts, trailheads and day-use areas.

Be a good neighbour by reviewing all camping safety, regulations and etiquette before departure.

Noise and park enjoyment
Do not interfere with others’ quiet enjoyment of the park during any part of the day or night. This includes loud music and shouting in campgrounds or in recreation areas.

Quiet hours
Quiet hours are enforced in all campgrounds from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. No excessive noise at any time.

Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is each visitor’s responsibility to understand federal, provincial and municipal regulations for cannabis use.

In Prince Albert National Park cannabis consumption is only permitted on a visitor’s campsite* or on private leasehold property in accordance with provincial legislation.

*With the exception of long weekend alcohol/cannabis bans in frontcountry campgrounds.

Commercial filming activities have special considerations. All commercial activity is subject to business licencing and permits. Contact the Visitor Centre for details on whether your activity requires a permit.

Most of the day use areas offer picnic tables, fire pits, outdoor washrooms and many have sandy beaches. Fires are only allowed where designated. Alcohol use, cannabis use and camping are not allowed.

All Parks Canada places are ‘no drone zones’ for recreational use.

If you do not possess a permit or special permission to fly your drone in a Parks Canada place, please leave your drone at home. Learn more about our drone usage rules.

Pedal assist electric bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed on designated bike trails at Prince Albert National Park.

What does pedal assist mean?

• Power assistance is only provided when the bicycle is being pedalled.
• When pedalling stops, the power assistance also stops.

What other specifications does the bike need?

• The motor can generate a maximum of 500W.
• Power assistance stops when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 km/h on level ground.

Fires are only allowed in designated fire boxes. Random fires are not allowed in National Parks.

Please keep campfires safe for both visitors and the environment by following these rules:

• Keep fires small – To reduce their impact on the environment, fires must be contained within the designated metal fire boxes provided and be kept to a reasonable size.
• Use firewood provided – Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive insects and disease. Do not burn garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning.
• Never leave a fire unattended – Fires must be attended at all times.
• BBQs – Charcoal barbeques are permitted. Please dump cold ashes into a fire pit.

Backcountry camping – Fires are allowed in areas with designated metal fire boxes only.

In general, firearms and hunting are not allowed in National Parks. Firearms may be transported through National Parks in accordance with the National Parks Wildlife Regulations and the Firearms Act.

Use of, selling, or purchasing fireworks, or any other type of explosive, is not permitted within a National Park.

Fishing in a National Park requires a national park fishing licence. Provincial licences do not apply.

There are specific rules that every angler must adhere to, including open seasons, catch limits, and permitted equipment. Learn more about fishing in Prince Albert National Park.

Anyone under the age of 16 may fish in the national parks without a permit if accompanied by a national park permit holder 16 years of age or older. However, their catch is then included within the permit holder’s daily limit.

A national park fishing permit can be purchased at the Visitor Centre, entry gates, campground and marinas. For more information contact the Visitor Centre.

Never litter.

Good times in the great outdoors are safer and more rewarding when you Leave No Trace of your visit. A good rule is to leave “no trace on the place” and “no trace on others’ space”.

Leaving food out in a campsite can attract wildlife. Wildlife is also attracted to non-food items that smell like food including garbage, dishes, pots, coolers and even toiletries.

Promptly dispose of all garbage and/or recycling into containers provided. In the backcountry, all food and garbage must be packed out. Review all camping safety, regulations and etiquette before departure.

Vehicles must remain on hardened surfaces, paved and gravel roads. The use of ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, or other off-road vehicles is not allowed. Scooters are considered motor vehicles for these purposes and are not allowed on trails or areas closed to motor vehicle traffic. Personal watercraft such as Jet Ski, WaveRunner or Sea-Doo are not permitted on park waters.

It is illegal to collect plants, mushrooms, berries, animals, animal parts (including antlers), fossils, driftwood, rocks, signs, or any other historic or natural object. Use of metal detectors is prohibited in Prince Albert National Park.

If something significant is found, leave the item in place and report findings to the nearest Parks Canada office. Please leave these natural items for others to enjoy.

Please park only in designated areas and areas where you do not pose a risk to others. If a parking lot is full, find the next closest lot and walk to your destination.

• At all times, pets must be kept on a leash of three meters or less or in suitable confinement.
• Don’t leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, on your campsite, or anywhere else, during your visit to Prince Albert National Park. Wildlife, weather, and an unfamiliar environment can be scary or dangerous for your pet.
• Don’t allow your pet to chase any wild animal - it’s illegal and dangerous.
• Pets are not allowed in some areas. Look for notices at trailheads and info centres to find out where these restrictions are. This includes all buoyed swimming areas in the park.
• Remember to clean up after your pet.
• Service animals are welcome, in the company of their handlers. Please keep service animals on a leash or harness during each visit.
• Domestic animals must not be allowed to become a nuisance or cause unreasonable disturbance to persons, wildlife, property or facilities. This includes excessive barking.
• Be mindful that other visitors may be afraid of dogs. Do not let your dog approach other people without an invitation. On the trail, pet owners should yield to other visitors.
• Visitors remaining in the park with their dog or cat for more than 30 days must acquire permission from the park Superintendent. A permit can be obtained from Prince Albert National Park’s Waskesiu Townsite administration office.
• Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and live poultry are not allowed in Prince Albert National Park.
• Enjoy the many marked beaches in Prince Albert National Park where pets are welcome. See the visitor guide for more information.

Be aware of provincial smoking and vaping regulations regarding distances from buildings, playgrounds, and other facilities.

Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is your responsibility to understand federal, provincial, and municipal regulations for cannabis use.

In Prince Albert National Park, cannabis consumption is only permitted on a visitor’s campsite* or on private leasehold property in accordance with provincial legislation.

*With the exception of long weekend alcohol/cannabis bans in frontcountry campgrounds.

Throughout Prince Albert National Park from April to November, there is a small chance of being exposed to Lyme disease if bitten by an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. Lyme disease is a serious illness; however, it's easy to prevent and treat when caught early.

For more information on Lyme disease, blacklegged ticks, and how to protect yourself from tick bites while enjoying the outdoors, please visit the following websites:

• Public Health Agency of Canada - Facts about Lyme disease
• Government of Saskatchewan – Lyme disease

Feeding, enticing and disturbing wildlife puts visitors and wildlife at risk. Violators may be charged, be required to appear in court and could pay fines up to $25,000.

Review wildlife safety information; regularly.