Visitors to Echo Valley Provincial Park this winter can strap on their skates and soak up nature by skating through a loop in the Aspen Campground surrounded by trees and breathing in the crisp winter air.
Starting on January 16, 2020, Echo Valley Provincial Park will open “Skate the Park,” a unique campground skating loop that will be open every Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon until mid-March.
“When we think about Saskatchewan Provincial Parks, there is more to experience than just camping,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said. “Our parks offer unique experiences for all of our Saskatchewan seasons and this opportunity to skate through a campground is one that everyone is going to want to try!”
Echo Valley Provincial Park, located approximately 40 minutes North East of Regina will offer a unique and beautiful skating experience. On Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, visitors can enjoy a skate through the campground loop, an ice sculpture perfect for a selfie photo opportunity, a food truck and activities for the whole family, including a bonfire to warm-up around.
On January 18, visitors to the park can also enjoy guided snowshoe hikes and other winter recreation demonstrations. On February 14, Valentine’s Day, “Skate the Park” will offer a truly unique evening skate with a romantic touch! While the loop will be open to the public anytime, services available, such as the food truck, washrooms and the Visitor Centre to warm up in will only be available during regular office hours and on Thursday evenings (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.), Saturday afternoons (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.) and for the special events on January 18 and February 14.
“Skate the Park” aims to remain open to the public until March 19, weather permitting. Skaters are encouraged to wear a helmet, but leave their hockey sticks at home. This is just one of the many events being offered by Sask Parks this winter; a variety of others including a Candle-lit Ski at Moose Mountain Provincial Park and several Winter Fun Day events can be found at www.saskparks.com by clicking on Activities, or by following SaskParks on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/saskparks/.
Visitors are encouraged to use #saskparks when posting photos in provincial parks this winter. A valid park vehicle entry permit is required to visit provincial parks year-round. Visitors to the skating rink can purchase a park entry permit at the Visitor Centre during the office hours mentioned above. The purchase of a Saskatchewan Provincial Parks Annual Entry Permit is a great way to enjoy park activities and events throughout the year.
