– Frequently Asked Questions –

Program-Related Questions:

What is it? A Saskatchewan regional park pass lending program offered through participating libraries in Saskatchewan.

Who are the partners? The Saskatchewan Recreation and Parks Association (SPRA), Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA) and the Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA)

How does it work? Between June 1 and September 15, 2022, Saskatchewan residents will have access to free park passes (a value of $50) by visiting a participating library and signing out a physical pass for a seven-day loan period. Residents must have a valid Saskatchewan library card or sign up for one prior to borrow a pass.

What do I get access to? With the pass, you get unlimited regional park access for one vehicle and its occupants to all regional parks in Saskatchewan throughout the loan period. The pass does not include the following:

• Camping, backcountry and other accommodations
• Activity fees (swimming, golfing, etc.)
• Reservation fees
• Guided tours and hikes and programs not usually included with admission
• Special event fees
• Firewood
• Renting equipment
• Souvenirs
• Mooring

How many passes are there? 800 passes will be distributed to 143 branch libraries. To see a complete list, click here.

How many passes are at each branch? Passes have been distributed based on demand and the number of branches in a given region. If you are unsure if the library you would like to visit has a pass available, call in advance to confirm.

Who are the participating libraries? There are 143 branch libraries participating in the program. Click here to view a complete list. We recommend calling ahead to the participating library of your choice to ensure they have passes available.

Why is the program only available at participating libraries? This is a pilot project and we have a limited number of passes to distribute. If the program is successful, we will explore expanding it in the future.

Borrowing Guidelines

How do I know if my branch has a pass available? Call the branch library you wish to borrow a pass from in advance to confirm they have stock. Passes are first come, first served.

What is the loan period? The loan period is seven days.

Can I place a hold on a pass? No, passes cannot be held. They are first come, first served.

Can I get two passes? No, there is a limit of one pass per household.

Can I renew my pass? No, passes cannot be renewed.

Why can’t I book a pass online? As this is a pilot program, the decision was made to require borrowers to physically go to their library to borrow passes. If the program is successful, we may explore an online option in future years.

What if I lose my pass? There is a replacement charge of $50 for a lost pass.

Is there a late fee if I return my pass late? If you are late returning your pass, the $50 replacement fee will be placed on your library account and will remain until the pass is returned or replaced.

Can I return my pass to a different library? No, passes must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed.

What do the passes look like? Passes are in the form of custom yellow rear-view mirror hang tags that will be branded on one side with the Saskatchewan Regional Parks pass and the other with Sask Lotteries, SPRA, SRPA and SLA branding. Be sure to hang the tag from your rear-view mirror with the park pass sticker facing out.

What parks do I get access to? Parks passes provide access to all regional parks in Saskatchewan where admission fees are charged. There are nearly 100 regional parks in our province!

Does the program include provincial parks? No, the program is lending out regional parks passes, not provincial parks passes.

How will the program be evaluated? Pass use will be tracked through participating libraries and individual regional parks.

Will the program be back next year? The program will be reviewed in the fall to determine its success and if it should be a recurring initiative.

Regional Parks-Related Questions

What are regional parks? The regional park system is unique to Saskatchewan. These parks were developed by volunteers surrounding each park’s location. Today, there are regional parks across the province – some next to a village or town, some in the furthest reaches of rural areas and many are located in the forested areas waiting for you to choose your summer home. Each regional park is a different size and each offers differing choices of activities for you and your family. Amenities include camping, swimming, fishing, sports grounds, golf courses, all levels of food services and more.

How many regional parks are there in Saskatchewan? There are nearly 100 regional parks in Saskatchewan!

How do I learn more about each park? Visit the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association website to see maps, photos, and descriptions of the amenities found at each regional park.

How many parks are participating in the program? All of them! The park pass provides access to all the province’s regional parks.

When is the best time to visit a regional park? Many parks host special events throughout the summer. Call ahead or visit the park’s website (if they have one) to learn more about when they are busiest throughout the summer. Remember that parks are always busier on holidays and weekends. Be sure to plan ahead so you know what to expect.

It’s later in the year, how do I know which parks are still open? The program runs between June 1 and September 15. Each regional park closes (for the season) at a different time. Call ahead to ensure the park you want to visit is still open. Contact information for each regional park can be found on the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association website.

If I have more parks-related questions, who should I ask?

Please direct your regional parks-related questions to the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association, info@saskregionalparks.ca or (306) 975-0857.