Wind powered water sports

Prince Albert National Park

Water Safety is a shared responsibility.

Please review the following water safety information to ensure each adventure near or on the lake is a safe one.

Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park is a terrific place for sail sport activities. The lake’s wide open spaces provide plenty of room for you to run with the wind and tack your way back.

  • Always wear a certified life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when recreating on any water body.
  • Stay close to shore and use pleasure crafts at own risk as beaches and open water are not patrolled.
  • Be self-reliant and prepare to self-rescue should any boat, canoe or kayak capsize as help may not be immediately available. This includes wearing an approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD).
  • Cellphone coverage varies by carrier and may not be available in remote areas of Prince Albert National Park. It is important that you and your companions are prepared for any emergency or delay that may arise.
  • Prepare for potentially strong winds and waves on lakes as weather can change quickly. Check forecasted weather conditions before departure.

Windsurfing and sailboarding

With a number of beaches and picnic areas around Waskesiu Lake, you’ll find an ideal location to enjoy your favourite sail sport any time the wind blows. With sail or kite, you’ll breeze across the waters of Prince Albert National Park thanks to Saskatchewan’s reliable winds.

When engaging in your favourite sail sport, please watch for swimmers and keep out of designated swimming areas. Waskesiu Lake is also popular with other boaters; watch for paddling craft and motorized vessels when enjoying your time on the water.

Traction kiting

During the winter months Waskesiu Lake is a wide open and windswept vista of ice and snow. This makes it a great place to strap on a board and fly a kite. With the picnic and day use areas and covered warm-up shelters around Waskesiu Lake, Prince Albert National Park becomes the ideal location for traction kiting enthusiasts.

Sail boating

Not too big and not too small, Waskesiu Lake offers a great destination for small sailing vessels. Including the Narrows, Waskesiu Lake from east to west is almost 25 km in length offering sailors plenty of lake to enjoy on breezy summer days. More experienced sailors may also choose to navigate through the Hanging Heart Lakes into the wide open waters of Crean Lake. At over 100 square kilometers, Crean Lake is the largest lake within Prince Albert National Park and offers terrific backcountry camping.

Water levels can fluctuate from year to year and throughout the season. Boat launch facilities in Prince Albert National Park are suitable for sail boats with a flat bottom or drop keel.

Aquatic Invasive Species

A man drains his boat at the Waskesiu Marina beside Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park 

In collaboration with partners, park management is working hard to keep aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels out of the park’s lakes and rivers. Learn more about how you can help!

Date modified :