What’s open and closed in Prince Albert National Park for the Victoria Day long weekend

The entrance to Waskesiu. (Carla Shynkaruk/CTV Saskatoon)

Visitors heading to Prince Albert National Park for the Victoria Day long weekend should be prepared for lingering snow and limited services.

In a post on Facebook, the park says more than 50 centimetres of snow is still piled up in some sites at Beaver Glen Campground. Photos taken on Wednesday of the main beach in Waskesiu reveal a landscape better suited to snow shoes than sandals.

“Every effort is being put into preparing the campground for the long weekend,” the post read.

Park officials say campgrounds at Namekus Lake and the Narrows will be open for the long weekend, though conditions will vary.

The Victoria Day long weekend, which runs May 16 to 18 this year, is traditionally the first camping weekend and the approximate start of open water fishing season in Saskatchewan, depending on what part of the province you’re in.

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But anyone heading to Waskesiu and area dreaming of getting a head-start on their summer festivities should temper their expectations, according to Parks Canada.

At Namekus Lake Campground, there is still a lots of snow in the area and on campsites and the fish shack at that site will not be open.

Narrows Campground will also be open but there will be no running water for the Victoria Day long weekend. Pit toilets will be available for campers there, the park says.

According to the post, Sandy Lake Campground will be closed for the weekend.

Parks officials say more than 50 centimetres of snow remains in parts of Beaver Glen — the largest campground in the national park, and the one closest to the Waskesiu townsite.

Water turn-on services are ongoing as conditions permit, but deep snow and freeze-thaw cycles continue to limit access to infrastructure.

Updates on water service will be shared through the park’s official Facebook page.

Potable water is available at the visitor centre and the Main Beach changeroom facility.