Horseback riding

Horseback riding through one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Saskatchewan is a rewarding experience. Ride on the trails throughout the southern region of Prince Albert National Park, meander into aspen groves, wander through blooming fescue grasslands, dip into pockets of conifer forest, follow pristine lakeshores, or even catch a glimpse of the plains bison.

Whether looking for a relaxing day trip or a rustic backcountry camping trip, Prince Albert National Park has a trail for everyone.

Choose from one of the following horse-friendly trails throughout the park:

Elk Trail – 13 to 15 km one way
Hunters Lake Trail – 7.3 km loop
Valley View Trail Network – 28.7 km network

Elk Trail and portions of the Valley View Trail network are suitable for wagon use.

Trail etiquette

All trails in Prince Albert National Park are multiple-use trails. Watch for other equestrians, hikers or cyclists while riding.

• Non-horse parties have the right-of-way; please move off to the side and let them pass.
• Please keep pack-horses under physical control rather than letting them follow off-lead.

Minimize horse impact

Protect the park’s wilderness areas by practicing low-impact travel: 

• Travel with the fewest horses possible to prevent the overuse of trails
• Stay on the trail
• If possible, ride horses without horseshoes to reduce damage to soft trails.
• Carry water to horses to reduce shoreline damage.
• Prevent tree mortality by tying horses to a trailer or a hitching post while preparing for each ride.
• During rest stops along the trail, tie to healthy, sturdy trees only and wrap the lead shank around the tree twice before tying.
• When camping overnight, use hitching posts where provided; otherwise, secure horses with another method such as a high-line with tree protectors.
• Always spread horses out to minimize soil compaction.
• Keep horses walking while defecating to disperse manure.
• Pack in cubed or pelleted, weed-free feeds to reduce the deposition of foreign seeds via manure and wash all wagons prior to entering the park.
• Pack out all garbage and food waste. 

Bison country

Horseback is an excellent way to view the Sturgeon River plains bison herd, one of Canada’s only free-ranging plains bison herds within their historic range. Remember that bison are wild animals and can be very unpredictable, especially during the calving season (late April through the end of June) and during the rut or breeding season (mid-July through late August). Always stay at least 100m from bison and give them the right-of-way.

Bear country

Black bears are common throughout the park. Refer to Bear Country: A Guide to Safety, printed copies available at all park facilities. Horse and human foods can be strong attractants for bears. Use nosebags to reduce spilling horse feed that may entice bears.

When travelling throughout the park, visitors should be prepared for all emergencies, self-reliant and fully prepared to deal with any mishaps that may arise. Contact the Visitor Centre staff for up-to-date reports or to learn more about visitor safety.