Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park

Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park is a remote protected area on the southern shore of Lake Athabasca in northern Saskatchewan that preserves an extensive belt of active sand dunes. The park is notable for its northerly dune field and unique geomorphology within the boreal and subarctic landscape.

The dune complex consists of sandy ridges and depressions that run for many kilometres along the lake edge; beaches, dunes, and interspersed wetlands form a mosaic of habitats. Visitors to the park typically experience wide, open dunes, occasional dune blowouts, and shorelines that connect to Lake Athabasca.

The dunes and associated habitats were shaped by past glacial and lake processes and have been protected for their geological and ecological value. The area has been managed as a provincial park to preserve its landscape and biological communities.

The park lies on the south shore of Lake Athabasca in far northern Saskatchewan, in a remote region of boreal forest and lake country. There are no road connections; access is normally by floatplane or boat from lakeside communities.

• Remote access: The dune field is one of the most northerly areas of active sand dunes in the world and is remote - access is generally by floatplane or watercraft from lakeside communities.
• Minimal facilities: Weather and season affect access and conditions on the dunes; plan trips with experienced outfitters and expect minimal facilities on-site.

What to See #

• Athabasca Dunes: The Athabasca Dunes are an extensive active dune field on the southern shore of Lake Athabasca; the dunes form a belt of sandy ridges and swales that extend for many kilometres along the lake edge.
• Lake Athabasca shoreline access: Shoreline and freshwater habitats along Lake Athabasca that abut the dune system and provide access points for floatplane or boat trips into the dune area.