Winter Camping Officially Launches in Sask Parks

Released on November 5, 2021

Online reservations are now available for winter camping at Buffalo Pound, Cypress Hills, Duck Mountain, Echo Valley, Great Blue Heron, Moose Mountain and Pike Lake Provincial Parks.  

"We are pleased to offer online winter camping reservations in Sask Parks for the first time ever," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "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."

Nightly camping fees are decreased for the period of November 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 to reflect the reduced services during the winter months. Electrical sites are $29/night and non-electrical sites are $16/night.  

For those who want to enjoy the winter camping experience but prefer additional comfort, warmth and convenience, three Camp-Easy yurts are available at Echo Valley and two Camp-Easy tents at Cypress Hills. The sites are equipped with cots, camp chairs, a propane camp stove, wash bin and axe. Camp-Easy sites are $65/night and can also be booked ahead of time, online.

In addition to winter camping, a number of activities and programs will be available in the parks, including Trim Your Tree at Cypress Hills. Starting November 27, visitors can chop down their own Christmas tree from a designated area in the park and take a piece of Cypress Hills home with them for the holidays. Free tree permits and maps are available at the park administration office. Also starting November 27, visitors can take in the following guided programs and activities (pre-registration required):

• "Marvel at the Night Sky" - Fridays at 7:30 p.m. - around a warm campfire, discover the 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.

The Festival of Lights will be returning to Pike Lake and Candle Lake Provincial Parks again this winter, featuring light displays sponsored by local groups and families. Pike Lake's festival will be operating on select days between December 10 and 29 and JS Entertainment Petting Farm will also be on-site during the festival. Candle Lake's festival will run Wednesdays to Sundays from December 17 to 31, with snow castle building, campfires and hot chocolate available in the park prior to the festival. For full details including hours of operation, visit http://parks.saskatchewan.ca.

Valid park entry permits are required year-round in provincial parks. 2021 permits, valid until March 31, 2022, are available at a reduced rate of $40. Annual permits will provide access to winter camping, activities and programs at all participating parks.

To stay up-to-date on all Sask Parks winter programs and activities, follow Sask Parks on Facebook. To register for a guided program or reserve winter camping, visit http://parks.saskatchewan.ca

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