Elk Island National Park: A Year-Round Oasis
Just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is a paradise for wildlife watchers, home to bison, elk, deer, moose, and over 250 bird species.
Why Stay?
Experience the park beyond sunset by staying at one of the three camping sites, where you can pitch a tent, park your RV, or venture into the backcountry. At night, gather around a cozy bonfire, listen to the calls of coyotes, and marvel at the aurora borealis dancing in the starry sky. Share stories around the campfire while the stars twinkle above, making it the perfect way to enjoy the park.What’s Unique?
During summer, enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking, canoeing, and kayaking. In winter, the park transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing, and skating. Whether it’s summer or winter, there’s always something exciting to do at Elk Island National Park!Important Planning Information: To make the most of your Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Check the forecast, sunset time, and road conditions before embarking on a winter hike and plan to finish before dark. Visitors can review the Parks Canada website (including area closures, safety recommendations, and things to do) before traveling.
Winter Facility Closures:
- Astotin Lake Campground Kiosk and Astotin Theatre Interpretive Center are closed for the 2024/2025 season.
- No parking in the Astotin Day Use Area and Tawayik Day Use Area from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am.
- Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre: Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (hours subject to change). Contact: 780-922-5790Â for more information.
2025 Camping Reservations 2025 Camping reservations at Elk Island National Park start Wednesday, January 22. To reserve a campsite, visit Parks Canada Reservations or call 1-877-737-3783.
Astotin Lake Campground Located within walking distance of the beach, playground, and theatre, this campground offers:
- Drinking water
- Hot showers
- Flush toilets
- Picnic shelter
- Bundled firewood (for purchase)
- RV dump station
oTENTiks For an easy and relaxing camping experience, try an oTENTik. This A-frame tent and cabin combination can sleep up to six people. Remember to bring sleeping bags and extra blankets for colder nights.
Oster Lake Backcountry Campground This hike-in-only (4 km) campground on the west shore of Oster Lake offers a unique camping experience. Fire permits can be purchased at the Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre, and firewood is available at the campground.
Winter Camping (NOTE: Winter camping is not offered this year in EINP) Feeling adventurous? Create winter camping memories at Astotin Lake Campground or Oster Lake Backcountry Campground. For more information, contact the Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre at (780) 922-5790.
For more information, visit Go East of Edmonton.