Prince Albert National Park of Canada

We Canadians are blessed to live in one of the greatest nations on earth -- an immense country with a nearly unimaginable diversity of landscapes and of people. From Haida Gwaii's sea-scented cedar groves to Hudson's Bay's pack ice and polar bears; from the cactus badlands of Saskatchewan's Frenchman's River and the humid woodlands of Point Pelee to Newfoundland's rocky coastal headlands -- Canada is not just one kind of place; it is a diverse mosaic of living landscapes.

The stories of Canada's peoples are no less diverse. The First Nations whose ancestors roamed here at the same time as the mastodons. The waves of European colonists who cultivated the plains. The dreamers, refugees, displaced people and others who continue to come to Canada from around the world to add their stories to those already lived. We aren't one people; we are many.Though we differ in many ways, we are united by a common pride. We are proud of Canada -- its nature; its stories; its future. And that's why Canadians have chosen to set aside places like Prince Albert National Park for all time.

Canada's 42 national parks, 33 heritage rivers and more than 153 national historic sites represent, protect and celebrate all the rich diversity that is Canada -- our lands, our waters, and our stories.

Future generations of Canadians will be able to visit Prince Albert National Park and find a part of their identity here, just as we do today. Wolves on winter ice, lake trout cruising the spring shallows, tiny warblers hunting insects amid summer spruce boughs, the eery bugling of elk amid the autumn gold of aspen thickets, the big lakes and the far forests -- all the things that make up this part of our home and native land will add meaning to the lives of future Canadians. They'll know who they are when they come here; just as we do.Why? Because here in the heart of Saskatchewan, those who came before us saw the wisdom of setting aside a national park for us, our children, and all the children who will come after them.

Prince Albert National Park was established in 1927 as a grateful Prime Minister's gift to the young province of Saskatchewan. But it has become much more than that. As part of a system of national parks it is Canada's gift -- all our gift -- to the future. We are truly delighted to welcome you to one of our country's great places. May your visit be full of wonder, peace and inspiration.

Alan Fehr

Field Unit Superintendent, Northern Prairies