Prince Albert National Park closes Cookson Road after washout

Prince Albert National Park closed Cookson Road from the park’s west boundary to the Mayview access road on May 15 after a washout linked to deteriorating conditions from recent rainfall and snow. The closure remains in effect until further notice, and Parks Canada told motorists not to use Highway 240 to enter the park.

Cookson Road and Highway 240

The closed section runs through a specific access route, leaving visitors to use the south access point on Highway 263 or the east access point on Highway 264. Parks Canada said visitor safety remains the top priority and that it only closes roads when absolutely necessary when conditions present a risk to human life.

Parks Canada also said barricades are in place to protect motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Entering closed areas is unsafe and illegal, according to the agency.

Parks Canada bulletin updates

For visitors planning a trip, the practical change is straightforward: Highway 240 is out as an access point, and the park is directing traffic to the two alternate entrances. Anyone heading toward the closed stretch must use the posted access points instead of Cookson Road’s west-side approach.

Park officials encouraged visitors to monitor the park’s important bulletins and social media channels or contact the visitor centre for updated information. The closure came as Saskatchewan was facing another round of significant rainfall, with the road damage tied to recent weather and the washout that followed.

For now, the route stays closed and the alternate entrances are the only options named by the park.