School programs

Grade: 3 and 4

Join a Parks Canada interpreter on the shore of Waskesiu Lake, within walking distance of the Prince Albert National Park Visitor Centre, for a guided dip-netting experience. Students will enjoy a shoreline walk to the breakwater and learn about the Cree origins of the name Waskesiu Lake. Upon arrival at the breakwater, each group will be equipped with dip netting kits to catch underwater creatures. This ‘hands-on’ guided activity will teach proper identification techniques, species diversity, predator-prey relationships, and food web lessons. A world of diversity awaits!
Length: 60 minutes
Program cost per group: See prices

Grade: 4 to 6

A guided scavenger hunt will entice students to use their eyes, ears, hands, and noses to investigate the forest community adjacent to the Waskesiu River. Time is given to discuss what they have found, including traditional uses for plants. To end this adventure, each student group will use dip nets and magnifying glasses to get a closer look at the many small creatures that live in the water. The outcomes of this program include cultural connections, food webs, land/water relationships, species diversity and identification.
Length: 1.5 hours
Program cost per group: See prices

Grades: 7 to 12

Students meet a river, feel the force of the water and learn the historical value of the park’s waterways to Indigenous people. Hip waders, aqua scopes and dip nets will be used to examine macroinvertebrates in their natural environment. Students will understand the force of a river, cultural connections, land/water relationships, species adaptations, identification, diversity and why these species are important to the ecosystem. Maximum group size: 20 students.
Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
Program cost per group: See prices

Grades: various

Join a Parks Canada interpreter and hit the trail! A variety of guided hikes are available depending on trail conditions and your group’s needs. These are heads down, butt-up kinds of guided hikes to reconnect your students to the land and the natural communities that live here. A guided hike in bison territory in the Valleyview trail network on the West Side of the park (closer to Big River or Debden) is available for a limited number of days.
Length: 1.5 hours
Program cost per group: See prices

Grades: All ages, but kindergarten to grade 2 are ideal.

The Nature Centre has a series of self-guided, interactive displays on the natural and cultural history of Prince Albert National Park. The building is closed to the public on weekdays during the spring but you can book to use the space especially for your group.
Length: 60 minutes
Program cost per group: See prices

School groups are also free to explore the park at their own pace! There are numerous short trails, scenic view points, and picnic areas including fire pits available to any member of the public. For recommendations of what may be a good fit for your group, contact the Visitor Centre at 306-663-4522 or princealbertinfo@pc.gc.ca.
Cost: Park entry is free to all students, teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers as long as more than half the group is 17 years of age or younger. If a post-secondary group, commercial rates or family/group rates apply.