If you’re brave enough to endure the frigid Saskatchewan winter, online camping reservations are now open at several provincial parks, a report said.
The winter camping options are available at Buffalo Pound, Cypress Hills, Duck Mountain, Echo Valley, Great Blue Heron, Moose Mountain, and Pike Lake Provincial Parks.
Nightly camping costs are reduced from November 1 through March 31 because of decreased services during the winter.
Electrical sites cost $29 per night, while non-electrical sites cost $16 per night.
If you’re a camper and need a little more comfort and warmth, three Camp-Easy yurts are offered at Echo Lake while two Camp-Easy tents are available at Cypress Hills.
The Camp-Easy campsites cost $65 per night and can be reserved in advance online. The campsites include cots, camp chairs, a gas camp stove, a wash bin, and an ax.
To make winter camping more enjoyable, various programs and events are offered in the parks, like Trim Your Tree at Cypress Hills.
Beginning November 27, guests can cut Christmas trees from a designated area in the park.
“We know many families will be staying close to home again this season, so we want to ensure there will be a variety of nearby winter experiences and overnight opportunities available for everyone to enjoy,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said.
The lights festival will also return at Pike Lake and Candle Lake Provincial Parks this winter. It will feature light shows supported by local organizations and families.
Candle Lake’s celebration will run on Wednesdays and Sundays from December 17 and end on New Year’s Eve. It will include snow castles building, campfires, and hot chocolate.
Valid permits for entry into parks are required throughout the year for provincial parks. 2021 permits expire on March 31, 2022 and can be bought at $40.
Camping reservations can be made through the Saskatchewan Parks website.
The following guided programs and activities are also available starting Nov. 27:
- “Marvel at the Night Sky” – Fridays at 7:30 p.m. – Around a warm campfire, discover Hollywood blockbuster films whose tales are told across the night sky.
- “Move it or Luge It” – Saturdays at 10 a.m. – Fly down the mini luge track with a saucer-style sled and take part in a series of fun winter challenges.
- “Cypress Snowshoe” – Saturdays at 2 p.m. – Join park interpreters on a guided snowshoe hike through the snow-covered Lodgepole pines.