Records set in Saskatchewan provincial parks in 2021

Saskatchewan residents have been enjoying the great outdoors in record numbers in 2021.

According to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, there have been more than one million visits to Saskatchewan provincial parks already this year, breaking the record set in 2020.

As well, there have been more than 400,000 camping nights spent in provincial parks, surpassing the previous record set in 2016.

“With residents staying close to home this past year, we’ve seen a number of new visitors exploring our parks in addition to many returning visitors,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said in a media release.

“We are pleased that more people are taking advantage of the recreational opportunities we have right here in our own province, and discovering all that our beautiful parks have to offer.”

The province expects the number of visitors in 2021 to keep rising, as many parks still have campsites available — albeit with reduced services.

As well, reservations for winter camping will be available at Echo Valley, Cypress Hills and The Resort at Cypress Hills, and the Kenosee Inn and Madge Lake Retreats will be open through the winter.

There also are events and attractions set for some provincial parks in the coming months, including Christmas tree cutting in Cypress Hills, a Festival of Lights tour in Pike Lake and Candle Lake, Skate the Park at Echo Valley, and snowshoeing, tobogganing and hiking at Buffalo Pound, Moose Mountain, Great Blue Heron and Duck Mountain provincial parks.

Campers are reminded to keep their annual park entry permits, which are valid until April 30. Park entry is required year-round in all provincial parks.

More information on upcoming activities, events and camping opportunities will be available on the Sask Parks Facebook page.