Canada 2026

Day 17 August 9, 2026 Prince Albert Saskatchewan to Prince Albert National Park Saskatchewan 113.3 miles

What an absolutely incredible day we had! The Canadians are so generous and friendly. We felt like we had known them for years rather than just met.

The day started with a nice hot breakfast. Rob loaded the car and we prepared to go. Well we were ready but the car was not. Rock the car to release the starter didn’t work. A friendly lady stopped to take a picture. She was going to visit her mother and aunt both of whom are in their nineties. She thought they would enjoy the picture. She needed to go so didn’t pull us.

Then a couple in a classic car stopped for a picture. The two guys talked about some things to try and then the driver of a nearby pickup came out and said we left the lights on all night. Well a dead battery would support the problem. Then it was find the tow rope. It sunk to the bottom and was never found. So three of us pushed and got the car started. The couple were members of the Klassic Kruizers Kar Klub. They invited us to join them in Birch Hills for the parade and other festivities.

We did go and meet the others at a designated spot. We were a hit. They treated us like royalty. When it was time to go to the parade staging area the car still wouldn’t start. Several men pushed us and we were going again. Rob left the car running from then until the end of the parade. The parade distance was much shorter than the one yesterday but the response was just as great. By then the gas tank was nearly empty. Sure wish we had candy to throw. One of the entries was a golf cart on which two girls stood on the back and were strapped in like golf bags.

After we parked we learned more about a good place to go next. Then we were presented with t-shirts from the car show they hosted yesterday. So special. We were thrilled.

Rob turned off the car and then tried starting it again. This time it did start. What a relief. The festivities for the day are in and around the museum. We got in the hamburger line and spent about 30 minutes getting to the head of the line. The burgers were about a half pound and shaped like a flower. The other options included hot dogs and taco salads. The salads were served in a Doritos bag opened down the side. They added cheese, lettuce, and other goodies. Salsa and sour cream were given in small containers. At lunch the club presented us with a metal sign for Gulf Gasoline.

We visited with some other locals during lunch. Everyone is so friendly. We were given coupons for free pie and ice cream. The pie was homemade strawberry rhubarb and delicious. A couple was playing music and singing so we enjoyed that for awhile too.

Time to hit the road. We have a new car magnet from the car show. We also have a hand drawn map to the national park. The KKKK members were all very friendly and helpful.

After filling with gas we headed for the park. The drive is beautiful. Road construction is in progress to widen the road. They are even working on Sunday. Traffic going back toward Prince Albert is bumper to bumper with small gaps now and then. Our traffic going North was very lite.

Entrance to the park was free. Near the entrance are some beautiful log homes. Don’t know if those are lived in full time. We saw the lake which is large and still. We didn’t see any watercraft on the water but there are many boats around. Then we came to a small community. Reminded us of Sun Valley. Lots of high end looking restaurants and shops. At the Visitors Center we were able to get a pull through camping spot. We were very lucky because we showed up on a Sunday. At the Visitors Center were most unusual two person bikes.