Trip Overview
Big and little paddlers getting ready to launch on a short canoeing jaunt (©canoeski)
A wilderness environment has such a wealth of things to inspire childrens’ interest that it is usually no challenge to keep them amused and occupied. This family canoe-camping trip is no exception. We establish our canoe camp located only a few kilometres from where our vehicles are parked, but which is in the quiet Prince Albert National Park portion of Anglin Lake, where no cottages are permitted. Occasionally fishing boats wander in from the developed end of the lake, but generally it is quiet enough to support an exceptionally healthy loon population.
Our wilderness campsite is self-sustained with no facilities, other than the camping gear we bring in our canoes, all of which is supplied by CanoeSki, other than your personal items. The campsite is used as a base to organize daily activities, which we try to arrange according to factors such as prevailing weather, time of day, and the interests and energy levels of participants. Arranging the itinerary and daily routine this way gives us the flexibility to adjust to changing conditions and personal preferences to maximize everyone’s enjoyment.
The campsite has a lakeshore swimming area and access to hiking trails in the National Park. Canoeing instruction and short exploratory paddles on the lake plus an afternoon excursion on the river that flows into one end of the lake are structured activities on the agenda. Unstructured activities have in the past included nature hikes, learning how to use a map and compass, playing nature guessing games, discovery treks around the campsite, swimming and canoe games, journaling (writing and drawing about daily discoveries) and socializing around the evening campfire.
| Trip Details | |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Scheduled Dates: | July 12 – 14, 2024 Custom departure dates for groups can be arranged. |
| Geographic Area: | Prince Albert National Park, northern Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Nearest Communities: | Anglin Lake and Prince Albert |
| Paddling Venue: | Lake & river flatwater |
| Adventure Rating: | Novice – a modest degree of fitness and agility will enhance your enjoyment of physical activities like canoeing |
| Minimum Age: | Recommend 6 (contact Cliff about younger ages) |
| Paddling Distance: | Approx 25 km (15 mi.) or less |
| Accommodation: | Wilderness camping in storm-proof nylon tents |
| Price per Person: | $635 plus 5% GST. Children under 12 get a 50% discount |
Itinerary
Nature interpreter Elizabeth, engaging kids in nature study at the campsite (©canoeski)
Day 1 involves morning departure from the CanoeSki base in Saskatoon via passenger van, heading north to Prince Albert. From there we continue north to the Anglin Lake access to the Prince Albert National Park portion of the lake. We launch our canoes and paddle to our campsite, arriving early afternoon. After setting up camp and having lunch, we’ll go swimming if weather permits, spend some time on paddling instruction, take a tour around the lake and do some wildlife watching. The evening will likely be spent socializing and relaxing around the campfire.
Day 2, the morning routine may involve some small group activities according to individual interests — canoeing, nature discovery treks, swimming, etc. After lunch we launch our canoes on an afternoon tour on the river that enters the lake. The river provides lots of paddling practice trying to steer through its myriad twists and turns and some exercise hopping over beaver dams! A bonus is the abundant wildlife to view along the way. We return via the same route to camp for supper. A stroll on the hiking trails may be an option in the early evening and later on, journaling and playing wildlife guessing games around the campfire will round out the day.
Day 3 activities may involve nature hiking, more canoeing and/or swimming. If everyone is primed for more adventurous forays and weather permits, we may make a longer day trip to explore the farther reaches of the lake, returning by late afternoon to the landing area. Then it’s loading the canoes and equipment and heading back to Saskatoon for an early evening arrival.
Package Includes:
- Canoeing and safety equipment
- Storm-proof nylon tents
- Waterproof packs for personal items & clothing
- Park entry & camping fees
- Nutritious meals prepared over an open fire
- Certified instructor/guide
- Return transportation by passenger van from Saskatoon
Prices shown in Canadian Dollars; applicable taxes extra
Advance booking required, subject to availability
To book your family space on this trip, please see Registration
Packing List, Liability Waiver and Detailed Trip Info – contact Cliff Speer 306-653-5693 or cliff@canoeski.com
Canoeing Tales of Discovery
Everyone on this family canoe trip in Prince Albert National Park, from big to small, got into the act of recording their experiences from drawing pictures to writing stories. You can join them vicariously as you share their trip memories…>>>
A family of voyageurs out exploring the lakeshore (©canoeski)
Treasured Moments of Family Canoe Camping by Jean McPherson, July 2007
Ten Times Better Than Any Swimming Pool! by Julie Maxwell, July 2007
A Guided Canoeing Adventure is the Family Way to Go! by Kelly Slough, July 2007
Slide Shows from July 2007 Family Voyageurs Trip
Family Voyageurs Canoe Trip July 2007 by Cliff
Family Voyageurs Canoe Trip July 2007 by Jean
Media Story on Family Voyageurs
Family Canoeing With Loons by Genevieve Rowles
Monterey Herald, California, U.S.A July 28, 1996
Story Line: An Oregon mother-daughter team joins a CanoeSki Family Voyageurs canoe trip in Prince Albert National Park on a lake renowned for its abundant northern loon population.
U.S. freelancer, Genevieve Rowles and her 10-year-old daughter plunge into the wilds of Canada where they pick up paddling strokes, enjoy tasty homemade campfire meals and learn about the natural world. A highlight of the trip is a leisurely paddle up a lazy meandering river complete with beaver dams, river otters and moose. “The primeval North wraps us in its seductive thrall”, Genevieve recalls. “A clutch of baby grebes trails mom like obedient bathtub toys. High in the tallest trees, nesting bald eagles resemble puffs of cotton wool.” But she wasn’t expecting to bump into a bear on a nature hike from camp! All in a fun-filled day in the Canadian wilderness!
