As we have had our cottage at Elk Ridge for several years now people often ask us what is our favourite time of the year there. To their surprise our response is, it is pretty close between summer and winter. People tend to have no idea of the many activities available just 2 hours from Saskatoon. We therefore go on to share all of the great options available at Elk Ridge & Waskesiu and how it’s a wonderful winter get away. In this post we will share some of our favourite activities with you.
Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing
One of the best ways to explore the beautiful winter landscape in the area is by snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Strap on a pair of snowshoes or skis and trek through the snow-covered forests and trails. Both Elk Ridge and Waskesiu have miles of groom trails, but if you want and are adventurous you can forge your own trail. In a future post we’ll share some of our favourite trails. Now, if you want a different experience strap on a headlamp and explore the trails at night. This will bring your snowshoeing and skiing to whole different level.
Rentals
If you need gear, you can rent skis at the Hawood in Waskesiu, but they are by first come first serve. We have found the team at Eb’s in Saskatoon wonderful to work with. Closer to Elk Ridge, in Prince Albert you can also rent gear at Fresh Air Experience.
Ice Skating
Head to the outdoor pond behind the lodge Elk Ridge and lace up your skates for a fun time of ice skating. If you do not have skates, no worries, as there are skates to use for FREE in the wam-up pavilion. The pond is great for skating as there is a huge skating oval with hockey rinks in the middle, so feel free to bring your pucks and hockey stick. The pond is also lit for nighttime skating in picturesque surroundings. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, ice skating is a timeless winter activity that is sure to create lasting memories.
Now, if the weather is too cold to be outside there is an indoor rink at Waskesiu that most people do not know about. This old curling rink allows for an indoor skate or a pickup-game of hockey, noting that the rink corners are squared. Please also bring sponge pucks.
Ice Fishing
For a truly unique winter experience, try your hand at ice fishing on one of Waskesiu’s frozen lakes or at nearby lakes like Montreal Lake. Bundle up in warm layers, grab your fishing gear, and head out onto the ice for a day of angling fun. If you are fishing in the national park your provincial fishing license will not work so you will need to head to the park office in Waskesiu to get your fishing permit.
Crokicurl
Have some competitive juices in you, then you should check out the crokicurl rink within the skating pond at Elk Ridge. It was previously by the Wyld restaurant, but had to moved to the pond after an extensive play structure for the kids was put up in the summer of 2023. If you are unfamiliar with crokicurl it is really a super sized game of crokinole on a sheet of ice. Real fun … a must do!
Snowmobiling
For the adrenaline junkies in the family, snowmobiling is a thrilling winter activity that is sure to get your heart racing. Explore the endless trails and backcountry around Elk Ridge, complete with warm-up shacks. Snowmobile rental options are also available at Elk Ridge and there is plenty of parking space for your trailers in the parking lot by the Wyld restaurant and golf clubhouse.
Note: Snowmobiling is prohibited in the Prince Albert National Park.
Accommodation
After a day of fun-filled winter activities, we invite you to stay at our 4 season cottage at Elk Ridge. You will appreciate the amenities that will allow you to relax with your loved ones.
With its picturesque setting and abundance of winter activities, Elk Ridge and nearby Waskesiu are the perfect destinations for your family winter getaway. Book your stay at our cottage today and make memories that will last a lifetime. After your stay you will understand why we love using our cottage in the winter months.
