Released on December 21, 2018
This winter, families and friends can explore the cool side of Saskatchewan’s provincial parks, with a night of enchanting holiday lights, hot cocoa around a toasty-warm campfire or snowshoeing through forests of frost-covered trees. The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport is offering a variety of winter events in provincial parks that the whole family can enjoy.“Saskatchewan Provincial Parks are beautiful destinations to visit every season of the year and winter is truly no exception,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said. “These upcoming events are a unique way to experience winter in our parks while enjoying fresh air and perhaps trying something new. I am pleased many local communities and organizations are teaming up to provide these wonderful opportunities in our parks for people of all ages.”
To kick off the series of winter events, a Festival of Lights in Sandy Bay Campground at Candle Lake Provincial Park will showcase more than 15 stunning light displays, with hot cocoa and treats. The festival will run December 22, 28, 29, 30 and 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with each night offering something a little different. The festival is mainly a drive-thru tour, with the exception of December 28, which will feature a self-guided walking/snowshoeing tour.
On Saturday, January 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Echo Valley Provincial Park will once again host a Snowshoe in the Park event, with freshly groomed trails and snowshoes provided. Guests can also enjoy a campfire cookout with hotdogs, hot cocoa, coffee and tea in the park’s brand new visitor centre. Fun and educational demonstrations on camping, winter survival and safety will be on site, as well as door prizes and other giveaways. With more than 200 visitors in attendance at last year’s snowshoeing event, this year is expected to be another success with the help and generosity of local businesses.
Families looking for a unique winter experience can visit Last Mountain House Historic Site on Saturday, January 26 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of snowshoeing, fiddlers, furs and trapping, crafts, historic characters and fun interactive demonstrations and activities. Guests can try their hand at baking bannock over an open fire.
In Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, visitors can experience Winter by the Lake on Saturday, February 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. where staff and guests will set out on a cross country skiing and/or snowshoeing adventure along the trails at Anglin Lake. The afternoon will be complete with hot beverages, a campfire and crafts available in the warm-up shelter.
A starry night candle-lit ski, perfect for couples and families, will take place in Moose Mountain Provincial Park on Friday, February 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy cross-country skiing on the 3.2 km Riding Academy Trail, lit with soft candle glow, along with hotdogs and hot cocoa around the campfire.
Additional details on these events and more are available at www.saskparks.com under Winter Fun.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Jalaine Thibault
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7828
Email: jalaine.thibault@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-4087