Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Fishing · Saskatchewan
A 20 km one-way backcountry trail along Kingsmere Lake in Prince Albert National Park, ending at Grey Owl's cabin. Well maintained, fairly flat and rooty, with lakeside campsites along the way.
The Grey Owl Trail follows the east shore of Kingsmere Lake from the Kingsmere River parking lot, north of Waskesiu, to the cabin where the conservationist Grey Owl lived in the 1930s. Hikers describe a long walk through changing boreal forest, boardwalks over creeks, stretches of sandy beach and regular views out over the lake. The cabin itself is a quiet, rewarding end point.
Most people make it an overnight trip. The route passes a string of backcountry campgrounds, and campers report picnic tables, fire pits with grills, outhouses, raised bear caches and beach access at each one. Firewood is supplied but usually not split, so bring a hatchet, and one visitor found it all wet. You must register at the Waskesiu visitor centre before heading out, and backcountry camping fees apply; one parent was surprised at the total with a firewood permit added.
Mountain bikers ride it too. Several say it's doable in a long day, but roots make for a jarring ride and you may push the bike in places. Hikers suggest two nights and three days for a relaxed pace, or one night if you're comfortable with a long day. Another option is to paddle Kingsmere Lake, using the rail portage near the trailhead, though Parks Canada warns the lake can turn rough quickly.
Kingsmere Lake is open to angling with a Prince Albert National Park fishing permit, and it's one of the few park lakes where lake trout can be kept with a free endorsement and tags. Expect roots, rocks and a few muddy patches, bugs early in the season, cool nights by September, and wind off the lake at the beachside sites.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 54 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
