Sask campers not deterred by province’s heat and smoke

Even in 30-plus temperatures with smoky skies, Saskatchewan’s parks remain lively as campers and outdoor enthusiasts revel in nature.

The heat isn’t stopping tenters according to Paul Johnson, assistant deputy minister of Saskatchewan’s parks division for the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.

“We have a regular base of clients that like to tent,” he said, noting parks even see visitors in the colder months such as June and November.

However, the heat has also led to the implementation of fire bans in parks north of Prince Albert, according to Saskatchewan Parks.

Johnson noted those fires are playing a role in the smoky skies Saskatchewan is seeing.

“We are monitoring conditions very closely, and if the heat and dry (weather) continues, we may be looking at campfire conditions in some of our southern parks again,” Johnson said.

A fire ban map can be found on the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agencies website that outlines which parks and municipalities have active fire bans or campfire restrictions.

“I really encourage people to keep monitoring closely because these hot dry conditions could lead to more restrictions being put in place,” Johnson said.

Algae blooms particularly in southern Saskatchewan can pose another challenge this time of year, but Johnson notes the Ministry of Health surveys water in Saskatchewan’s parks through the Healthy Beaches Program.

Johnson said visitors can check the water quality in parks on the health ministry’s website.

Johnson said the province’s parks have high occupancy rates this year despite the weather, with some of the most popular spots being Cypress Hills, Echo Valley, Pike Lake and Blackstrap.

Currently, around 90 per cent of Saskatchewan’s campground spots are occupied, but Johnson noted there is still availability left for those looking to enjoy the summer holidays.