People are exploring their own backyard by using the services and facilities in their local area. Sask Parks has shown a significant increase this year with about 400,000 in overnight stays and with over a million in visits to the provincial parks.
“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. “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.”
Buffalo Pound has seen a steady visitor occupancy increase. In 2019 they had 42% occupancy, 48% in 2020 and this year it was up to 60% occupancy. “The last two years have been incredibly over the top,” said Buffalo Pound Park Manager, Dave Bjarnason.
With the upcoming fall and winter seasons, the gates at Buffalo Pound remain open all year round. Sask Parks would like to stress for you to hang on to your Provincial Park Pass as they are good until April 30th, 2022, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the park during the cool season. If you are planning trips to the park and are in need of a pass, the cost is now $40 per car down from $70.
The main walking trails will be maintained during the winter for fat tire biking, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. The office will offer snowshoe rentals for your convenience. Have a round of disk-golf during the cooler months and along the way stop in at one of the two gazebos that offer a place to relax, build a fire and enjoy the scenery. There is no snowmobiling in the park but ask at the office where you can follow the trails outside the park.
Camping rough with minimal services during the late fall and winter is open for reservations in early November at https://parks.saskatchewan.ca/
Online gift certificates are a great way to share Sask Parks experience with friends and family. The certificates can be redeemed online for camp stays, bookings and services through the Sask Parks website and for entry and services at the park. https://parks.saskatchewan.ca/giftCards.do?contractCode=SKPP&tti=GiftCards
For more information on what is available at your local park for fall and winter activities, visit Sask Parks’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saskparks or check out the website: https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/places-to-go/provincial-parks for more information.
