Northland Motel
Now called the Mackenzie Inn
Bill and Esther Kernaghan constructed the Northland Motel and operated it for the next decade. After several ownership changes and a name change, the Mackenzie Inn is part of Gary and Wanda Bender’s Waskesiu Resorts. Advertised as “A grand place to bring the family for the summer holiday,” the Northland provided affordable accommodation.
In 1957 suites rented for $10.00 to $12.00 a day. The variety of accommodation in Waskesiu was reasonably priced and affordable for families. Everything, from camping to cabins and light housekeeping suites to lodge rooms, was available at competitive prices.
Prince Albert National Park earned the nickname, “Saskatchewan’s Playground” as it was accessible to families wanting a lake vacation. Most forms of entertainment were free or low cost. In the first decade after the Park was created, the Depression severely limited family income. The National Park Service tried to provide recreation at no cost.
Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce Accommodation Rates 1976
Most establishments charged $1.00 to $2.00 more for additional children and adults. Reservations were made by telephoning each hotel or calling the Chamber of Commerce to see who had vacancies.
Northland Motel: 16 Kitchenette Suites: $14.00 – 24.00/day for 1 – 6 people
Skyline Motel: 17 Kitchenette Suites: $15.00 – 22.00 for 2 – 4 people
Red Deer Hotel: Hotel rooms $10.00 – 14.00 Rooms with kitchenettes $12.50 – 17.50 for 2 people
Pleasant Inn: Hotel suites $10.00 – 12.00 Motel suites: $15 – 20 for 1 – 4 people
Kapasiwin Bungalows: 35 cabins $9.50 – 21.00 for 2 people per day
Manville’s Bungalows: 86 cabins $12.00 – 24.00 per day for 2 or more people
Hillcrest Cabins: 44 cabins $12.00 – 25.00 for 1 – 6 people per day, $77.00 – 166.00 per week
Idalodge Motel: 17 Kitchenette suites - $10.00 – 18.00
Lakeview Hotel: Suites $15.00 – 17.00 for 1 – 2 people, $5.00 extra for kitchenette, Double Suite kitchenette $30.00, Downstairs suite kitchenette $20.00 All air conditioned and have T.V.s, licensed premises, convention facilities and dining room.
