Prince Albert : Gateway to the North

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan’s oldest and third largest city, sits between two worlds: rolling prairie to the south and rich boreal forest to the north. From its vantage point on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, this vibrant city of 41,700 offers visitors all the attractions of a modern city — shopping, services, recreation, historic sites and exciting cultural events. It’s also your gateway to the vacation amenities and wilderness adventures of the Northern Tourism Region.

Founded in 1866 as a mission and incorporated as a city in 1904, Prince Albert is well-known for its hometown hospitality and colourful history. Explore the city’s past at the Prince Albert Historical Museum, located in the old Fire Hall on Central Avenue. Here, the earliest days of Aboriginal peoples, fur traders and settlers come to life with fascinating displays and artifacts. Relax in the tea room and enjoy the scenic river view from the balcony. Open daily mid-May to Labour Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (9 p.m. Sundays).

On the grounds of the Visitor Information Centre on Hwy #2, you’ll find two interesting sites. The Evolution of Education Museum is an old one-room schoolhouse furnished with desks, writing tools, school room rules and lunch pails. In this room, one teacher taught as many as 75 children in Grades 1 through 8. The Rotary Museum of Police and Corrections, housed in an original 1887 North-West Mounted Police guardroom, features fascinating displays related to law enforcement, including a collection of disciplinary tools and weapons designed by prisoners intent on escape. Both sites are open daily mid-May through Labour day. Check locally for hours of operation.

Your historic tour of Prince Albert is not complete until you visit the former home of our most famous son: the Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker (1895-1979), Canada’s 13th Prime Minister. Diefenbaker House commemorates his life-long link with the city and features original furnishings, photographic displays and a grand collection of personal effects. Located at 246 - 19th Street West; open daily mid-May to Labour Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (9 p.m. Sundays).

Visitors will find the city offers a complete range of services, amenities, attractions and activities.

Try your luck at the Northern Lights Casino on Marquis Road West. Open daily 10 a.m. – 3 a.m Sunday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. – 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Explore the distinctive and creative spirit of Prince Albert in the city’s many galleries, shops and arts & crafts shows. The Grace Campbell Gallery and The Little Gallery both feature works by locally and nationally acclaimed artisans and artists. To purchase one-of-a-kind works, visit the Little Gallery Gift Shop on Central Avenue.

Enjoy more than a dozen golf courses, all within an hour’s drive. The lush fairways and greens of Cooke Municipal Golf Course on 22nd Street East has earned this 18-hole course a three star rating from Golf Digest.

For some wet & wild family fun, spend a sunny afternoon at the Kinsmen Water Park on 28th Street and 1st Avenue West. Features include two 300 ft. slides, 35 ft. vertical River Ride, tot’s slide, play area, whirlpool, swimming pool and concession. Kinsmen Park features picnic areas with wood barbecues, children’s playground, ball diamonds, soccer pitch and paved pathways for strolling or jogging.Prince Albert plays host to camping and R.V. park facilities, including the Good Sam R.V. Club, which welcomes visitors to 75 fully serviced sites at the Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds. The Mary Nisbet Campground is located 1.6 kms north on Hwy #2. For complete information on Prince Albert and area attractions and services, stop in at the Visitor Information Centre on Hwy #2 or call (306) 953-4385.