Camping in September.

You read that correctly, and it's just what Saskatchewan Provincial Parks offers this year.

For those who have been sad to see the season go, the campgrounds and ammenities at all of the provincial parks will remain open as long as possible throughout the month of September.

"We're happy to share, and it's kind of new this year, we're hoping to leave on most of our services, including our shower facilities and our plumbed washrooms and such open for the most part of, if not the entire month of September," said Dan French, Executive Director of Parks Operations.

"We had a late start, as everybody knows, in the spring, and we're happy to push through [past] the Labour Day weekend, and having tons available for folks in September."

With so much summer left to soak up, potentially, weather permitting, the extension to the season at these parks could be the silver lining of 2020 for many who love the outdoors.

 

A site located at a lushly-forested campground in Echo Valley Provincial Park (photo by Marna McManus).

"There's plenty of camping available, and of course hiking. What a perfect time to hike or bike," he noted.

A backwoods hiking trail at Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park (photo courtesy of Adam Hoffart).

"We're happy to say that there's still quite a few businesses that are committed to staying open as well, some mini putts, and some regular golf courses," French shared. "As you probably know Saskatchewan Provincial Parks host many beautiful golf courses, and some of them are staying open for the entire month. The weather's going to play a role in that."

Mini golf is a popular pastime at many provincial and regional parks (photo by Marna McManus).

He said another big draw for visitors to the parks, the boating opportunities, also remain fully accessible throughout September.

"We're just looking forward to folks coming out, and we're still going to be obviously a very clean, very safe place to be, and we're just looking forward to hosting at our stays in Saskatchewan."

Some just prefer to enjoy the beach, pictured here at Echo Lake, Echo Valley (photo by Marna McManus).

Backwoods camping with a view of Good Spirit Lake (photo courtesy of Adam Hoffart).