Just north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is a vast expanse of boreal forest with lakes, rolling hills and a top-notch trail system—sled heaven. But there is a problem.
Bylaws and the North Saskatchewan River that runs adjacent to Prince Albert prevent snowmobilers from riding into the city and vice versa. Not for long, however.
Members of the newly formed Prince Albert Trail Riders Inc. are working in earnest to re-establish a trail system around the city that will include at least one safe crossing over the river. For this to happen, the club will need support from the city, and according to Neil McLeod, who is the club’s vice-president, they have it.
“With the enthusiastic support of the city administration, bylaws (that prevented the operation of sleds within city limits) have been amended to allow for a trail system,” said McLeod. “This will allow snowmobilers to traverse the city and access food, gas and lodging by snowmobile.”
He also said support from local businesses has been fantastic and that the city will no doubt benefit from serving as a base camp for riders heading north of the city.
“We are just a good ride away from Candle Lake, Christopher Lake, Big River and the national park riding areas,” said McLeod. “You could be here for a week and not ride the same trails.”
When all’s said and done, no longer will riders coming from either north or south-central Saskatchewan have to trailer their sleds through Prince Albert for it is soon to be added back on the sledding map.
A family membership to the Prince Albert Trail Riders Inc. costs $25. To join and for more information, see the club’s Facebook Page.
