Sask Parks filled with activity this winter

From winter camping to guided Nordic skiing to a new bakery and a sauna, Saskatchewan provincial parks are offering a beautiful winter getaway — even without the snow.

Phil Pearson, executive director of park operations for SaskParks, told guest host Taylor MacPherson on the Evan Bray Show that most parks are open throughout the winter for self-guided experiences or programming.

Winter camping is available at three provincial parks in Saskatchewan: Echo Valley, Buffalo Pound and Cypress Hills.

Events are happening at the parks throughout the winter, Pearson shared on the show Friday, like Echo Valley’s Skate the Park, which starts on Jan. 1 and runs through March 12.

A “beautiful” 800 metre outdoor skating rink complete with twinkling lights all along will make for a magical skating experience, according to Pearson.

“The team has been working extra hard to get that ice out there and making it just perfect,” Pearson said.

The skating loop at Echo Valley is free to enjoy, but any entrance to a provincial park requires purchasing a park permit for a daily price of $11 or an annual permit, valid until April 30, at $45.

While in that park, Pearson also highlighted its great hiking trails, popular ninja warrior course and zipline, as well as its wooden barrel sauna and new bakery.

Most park amenities operate through the winter Thursday through Sunday, but Pearson advised visiting SaskParks online to check hours and amenities at each provincial park.

Beginning on Jan. 6, guided winter programs will be available at parks every Saturday, fit for the whole family, Pearson said. The programs include guided snowshoe hikes and nordic skiing.

“It’s a great way to try something new in a completely safe environment,” Pearson told MacPherson.

He said Echo Valley has just created a ‘learn to Nordic ski’ trail near the visitor’s centre, perfect for the very beginner to give the activity a try, guided by a park trooper to make it more enjoyable and safe.

Amenities like businesses in the park, including a new bakery in Echo Valley, as well as saunas and hot tubs are still operating in the winter, with hours and available locations posted on the parks website.