|
|
WASKESIU, SASKATCHEWAN
Endless sledding trails
Over 600 kilometres of trails await you in this part of Saskatchewan
by WHITNEY BLACK
 |
FOREST AND LAKES: The communities near Waskesiu, including Big River, have many excellent trails to explore.
—photo courtesy Pat Panter |
While the actual town of Waskesiu sits within the borders of Prince Albert National Park (which does not allow snowmobiling), the people of this small town have access to an extensive network of trails in the surrounding area.
The Lakeland Snowmobile Club maintains about 600 kilometres of pristine groomed trails, including 250 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail.
“The groomers are out on a 24-hour basis,” said Abbie Roth, a member of the club. “It’s very scenic and our trails are probably second to none. We’ve been told that by people who have gone from east to west or west to east.”
The importance of belonging
Roth is one of over 60 members of the Lakeland Snowmobile Club; he and the rest of the club all do their part to keep their incredible expanse of trails in top-notch shape.
As a member club of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA), the Lakeland club receives assistance from the association to keep things regulated on the trails. All the information for what signs to put up and where comes from the SSA.
“We have a trail maintenance crew, a trail signing crew and, of course, our groomer people,” Roth said. “It’s all volunteer of course. Our trails are well marked and well signed and we’re in the process now of getting You Are Here signs posted periodically.”
Another important aspect of the club is the promotion of safety.
“Our various committees are very conscientious that we do maintain the trails on a regular basis for fallen trees and trouble spots,” said Roth. “We check our ice levels so that our ice is always safe.”
Natural variety
The region is home to many different trails and lakes and offers endless hours of riding. With Emma Lake, Christopher Lake and Anglin Lake all within the trail system, sledders have a myriad of places to explore.
“It’s all pretty well forested,” Roth said. “It’s a lot of lake riding, too. We also have fairly active clubs on each side of us, so there is unlimited riding mileage that you can travel on.”
In addition to boasting wonderful scenery, the Waskesiu area is home to some magnificent wildlife including elk, moose, timber wolves and coyotes. Roth added that there are bears in the area—but, he joked, they are hibernating now.
Come one, come all
Each year the club hosts one or two rallies along with club rides—typically on Saturdays or Sundays—that everyone is welcome to join.
“We usually go out to one of the neighbouring communities and have a lunch,” said Roth, “and then turn around and come back or make a circle route. Non-members and visitors are welcome to come with us. They are a lot of fun. We do a minimum of four to six of them from January on.”
According to Roth, there is always somewhere for snowmobilers to explore and discover around Waskesiu.
“Each trail is unique,” he said. “They all offer something different; some are a little more hilly. They are all a lot of fun.”
|
|
|
|
