Winter get away in Waskesiu
Wildlife, ghost town, scenic winter landscapes, frozen lakes and sprawling forests. A photographers dream really. Im not a travel writer, and I generally suck at logistic details, which doesn’t bode well when recommending and promoting destinations on the old social media vortex.
So please bear with me on this blog post.
A chance to just indulge in thine own creative self and make some pictures because i want to.
Not because there is some sort of looming client dead line or pay cheque attached.
Foot prints in the snow leading down to the snow covered beach leading to a snow covered Waskesiu lake
Every couple of years my husband and I take a little winter trip up to Waskesiu.
For those not familiar, its about 2 and a half hours (238 km) North of Saskatoon.
This year, like every year mid winter, it was much needed. Kind of like hitting a mini refresh button.
Kinda.
In the deep dark chill of winter, January can often feel like it’s 62 days long, instead of the actual 31. Especially when the temperature hovers in the -27 to -35 range for days on end.
A boatless and snow covered marina
As an Entrepreneur and creator, this time of year can also feel stagnant, uninspired, anxious. In my profession this is one of the quieter months. Which can work to a photographers advantage if you can get past all the other bullshit emotions that start to creep in.
Tree shadows on a snow covered beach lakeside Waskesiu Lake, PA National Park
An Elk standing on the road, pauses for a photo shoot. Thanks Elk
The bustling summer hamlet of Waskesiu is located within Prince Albert National Park. Not so bustling in the winter months.
Surrounded by Boreal forest, lakes, and campsites.
This snow covered and seemingly abandoned community does host a few winter wonderland visitors like us. And I far as I could tell, a small number of full time residents tucked in the back end of town, some RCMP, park staff.
But truly, its emptiness is eerie yet peaceful.
The pay phone.
Thanks to cell phones, here stands an archaic form of communication
A snow covered SaskTel payphone in the seasonal town of Waskesiu
A snow covered patio at the Patio Cafe in Waskesiu
We chose to stay at the Hawood Inn , located across the street from the lake.
In the winter it hosts winter wandering adventurists like myself and my husband, looking for a quick and affordable get away.
Staying at the Hawood Inn you have access to snowshoes and cross country skis and 2 roof top hot tubs. It’s located close to some groomed ski trails.
You are almost guaranteed to see some deer, fox, and if your lucky a few Elk.
Take the scenic route 263 past Emma and Christopher lake off of highway 2, into the park if your not afraid of some snowy roads.
So beautiful, and so close. Go take a tour, you won’t regret it.
Waskesiu
Some wildlife
This big boy.
Lots of wildlife in this winter wonderland of a ghost town.
Did not care we were there one bit, as he was sniffing out Voles under the snow.
Zero “fox” given. See what I did there?..
Some scenery
Looking out over this frozen lake, was so peaceful. I swear it felt like we were the only ones around for miles. Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure we were.
A quieter version of this busy summer destination.