If you’re looking for something fun and different for the whole family during your stay in Prince Albert National Park, you could do worse than the lazy river float down the Kingsmere River. The scenery is beautiful, the pace extremely slow and the water is clear and, well, not quite usually as cold as the lake. Surrounded by reeds, steep banks and tall trees, the Kingsmere River river float is a great way to get out and enjoy nature without tackling anything strenuous.
There is a long list of great things to do at Waskesiu Lake and the Kingsmere River float deserves a spot right near the top. The water level varies from year to year but usually it is high enough to avoid getting bogged down on sand bars but still shallow enough that you can stand up if you need to.
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Kingsmere Lake itself is a large, clean and quiet lake in Prince Albert National Park. While Waskesiu Lake offers a full service townsite, beach, golf and a myriad of terrific cheese sticks, Kingsmere is mainly known as the gateway to Grey Owl’s Cabin, historic home of the famous pioneer and environmentalist.
The Lazy River Float, on the other hand, is a scenic, relaxing water journey down the Kingsmere River that can be enjoyed by all ages, from grandparents lounging in comfortable dinghies to boisterous children bobbing along in nothing but a lifejacket. As a fun, free outdoor activity, the Kingsmere River is perfect for families looking for new ways to enjoy the pristine wilderness and make themselves cold despite the outstanding summer weather of northern Saskatchewan.
For another, even more scenic, lazy river float, check out the Nipekamew Sand Cliffs near La Ronge…
How do you get to the Kingsmere River?
Waskesiu Lake is located about an hour’s drive north of Prince Albert. The trailhead for the river float is located at the Kingsmere River parking lot, 32 km (a 30-minute drive) north of the Waskesiu town site on Kingsmere Road.
Kingsmere Lake has a 40hp limit for boats but is also very popular for canoeing and kayaking. The Kingsmere River flows south from Kingsmere Lake to Waskesiu Lake and about halfway between the two is a parking lot and boat launch used by fishermen and campers looking to cross between the two. The parking lot was expanded a few years back, so there is now always space to park there.
Also check out: A Complete Guide to Waskesiu Lake
Where do you start the lazy river float?
Look for the sign for the Kingsmere River Trail and Grey Owl Trail, they both follow the same path for a couple hundred meters and then you need to pick the left option at a clearly marked fork. Shortly before that there is a great overlook photo op of the river. Directly after are the metal stairs down to the bridge.
This river portage is where you will find the first of three launch points, about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. This is where watercraft headed for Kingsmere Lake are loaded on a hand trolley to portage past the slippery and shallow rapids farther up. Most people carry their various floatation devices to this spot, jump in the (admittedly frigid) water to start the 15-minute float back to the boat launch. This choice is best if you have smaller children or want a shorter walk/float. From here the river is relatively calm and there are no large rocks or submerged trees.
On this section you can use any kind of floatie from a small boogie board up to a large dinghy. Smaller children can even float down in just a lifejacket. There is a sandy bottom and most children can reach the bottom and stand up if they want.
There is another option, although not one we actually recommend. More adventurous types can continue walking past the bridge another 10 minutes or so to the other end of the trolley. From here the float takes 30 minutes and involves some wild rides through narrow channels and over shallow rapids. However, every group we know that has done this has experienced at least one injury, including one girl breaking her toe. So it’s not for the faint of heart, and probably not worth the risk. But it is an option and, presumably, you’re an adult and can make your own decisions.
Either way, you definitely shouldn’t take small children or delicate vases on this section. There are some rocks to steer around and a couple of trees partially submerged that you have to get over. You should have hardier inflatables and that keep most of your body out of the water. And boogie boards are not recommended for that section.
The third option will give you the most floating time, about 45 minutes, but requires you to continue on for another 500 meters along the Kingsmere River Trail to the Southend campground on Kingsmere Lake. From here you need paddle along the lake to the river entrance, which will take extra effort as well. There will also be slower parts of the river and more dangerous parts if you start from here. Again, not recommended for small children.
What should you take?
The beauty of the Lazy River Float is that you can do it just about anyway imaginable. Along with the previously mentioned dinghies, boogie boards and lifejackets, we have seen people using inner tubes, inflatable loungers and even just treading water as the current softly sweeps them along. We would recommend bringing at least one dry bag to hold flip flops and anything else you don’t want getting wet, although it is possible to make the walk barefoot if you watch your step.
How much time do you need?
Even though the basic float is fairly short – roughly 15 minutes – once you factor in driving, walking and repeating the process at least 3-4 times (depending on how many energetic kids are hounding you for another go), you should allow at least 3-4 hours.
Adults who have had enough of the chilly water after a couple tries can volunteer to stay back at the viewpoint along the trail to take photos. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to bring any food and water (and bug spray) you’ll need as there are no facilities out there (except a basic outhouse).
And, just a heads up, some years bears have been spotted in the area, so don’t let kids run ahead and be sure to make plenty of noise (usually not a problem).
The float ends back at the parking lot boat launch next to a set of picnic benches slash spectator seating. Keep in mind that conditions on the river can change from year to year, and even month to month. Water levels change quickly and new obstructions can pop up with little notice. And, of course, bear feces is a constant concern for those going barefoot. Always make sure an adult leads the way on the river to look for possible dangers and to make sure no kids go whizzing past the exit point. Unless you have enough to spare a few, of course.
Kingsmere River Float Map
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4 Things to Combine with Your Kingsmere River float
- The walk to Kingsmere Southend campground is less than 4 km return and it is a great place for an afternoon picnic.
2. Hardcore hikers rave about the classic 20 km one-way trek to Grey Owl’s cabin. Most people camp in one of the several sites along the way to break up the trip. It is also possible to mountain bike out and back in a single day but make sure you’ve got full suspension and prepare for your arms to take a beating on the rough, root-covered trail.
3. A 2- or 3-night canoe loop from Kingsmere to gorgeous little Bagwa Lake is a relaxing and memorable undertaking offering isolated camping, wonderful sunsets and good fishing.
4. Just before you reach the river parking lot when driving out from Waskesiu you’ll pass the Narrows Peninsula trailhead. This easy 3 km loop is our favourite short hike in the area, offering surprising diversity with dense forest, marshy boardwalks, placid ponds, narrow ridges overlooking the lake and even a few small sandy beaches.
Summary
The Kingsmere River lazy river float has become on of the most popular Waskesiu Lake summer activities, especially for families looking to spend a few hours doing something a bit unique and different. Although it fun for all ages and we’ve seen everything from loving couples having a romantic float holding hands the entire way to teenagers heading down in wetsuits and elderly groups rocking comfy dinghies. Definitely worth checking out during your stay in Prince Albert National Park.
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Other useful articles you may want to check out:
A Complete Guide to Waskesiu Lake
Grey Owl’s Cabin: A Hike with Burritos
Nistowiak Falls: A Northern Saskatchewan Tour
Nipekamew Sand Cliffs: More Lazy River Floating
The Great Sandhills: Saskatchewan’s Hidden Gem
Cypress Hills Camping: 8 Outstanding Saskatchewan Campgrounds
Grasslands National Park: Wildlife, Hiking and Camping Under Big Skies
All 10 Saskatoon Golf Courses: Ranked From Best to Worst
About the Author
Dean Johnston
Dean Johnston quit his job as a financial planner in 2008 to travel the world, and has now visited all 7 continents and more than 85 different countries. He wrote his first blog entry in a sweltering internet cafe in Bali in 2000 and has been writing about their travels ever since, including publishing 3 travel books.
As Routinely Nomadic, Dean remains focused on providing informative travel guides, entertaining stories and useful social media content to readers from all over the world.