Saskatoon

Sask. park officials worried forest fires scaring away tourists

Businesses and park officials in Waskesiu and Prince Albert National Park are worried people are cancelling their plans to visit this summer because of the forest fires.

Prince Albert National Park and Waskesiu are open for recreation

Waskesiu beach on July 3. Park officials say some days are clear and encourage tourists to visit despite the forest fires in the north. (Submitted by Robyn Hufnagel, Prince Albert National Park)

People in Waskesiu and Prince Albert National Park are worried people are cancelling their plans to visit this summer because of the forest fires and smoky skies.

Robyn Hufnagel is a media officer for Prince Albert National Park.

In a recent release she said, "there is currently no threat to visitor safety in Waskesiu and surrounding area". Aside from one back country campground north of Crean Lake the park is open for recreation.  

Hufnagel said the smoke in the air changes from day to day. Some days it's clear outside. Other days it's smoky, similar to conditions in Saskatoon and even Regina. ​

There is a ban on open fires, but people can still use propane or charcoal briquette barbecues and propane or naptha camp stoves.