Photo Credit: Ryan Bray / ⓒ Parks Canada / Elk Island National Park
Article submitted by: Elk Island National Park
Thinking about visiting Elk Island National Park? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this natural beauty in the heart of the Beaver Hills Biosphere offers unforgettable experiences—from a chill day at the lake, to hikes for varying skill levels, to unique wildlife encounters. But with its growing popularity, especially during the summer months, a little planning goes a long way in making your visit to Elk Island National Park smooth, safe, and spectacular.
Here are 7 of the most important things to consider before you go!
1. Time of Day: Early morning before 11 am are always a win!
Arriving before 11 am is important, and these are a few reasons why:
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First come first-serve. You can get the best parking, picnicking, and beach spots before all the crowds.
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Into hiking, biking, or paddling? Early mornings mean smaller crowds, fewer bugs and less heat.
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Wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk, which again makes early mornings one of the best times to see them.
2. Weekday vs Weekend: Psst… weekdays are always better!
Elk Island National Park has grown in popularity over the last decade and as more people come to discover its charms, weekends are VERY busy, especially during the summer. Visiting during the week allows you to avoid disappointment, lineups, crowds and the potential of getting turned away due to the park reaching its capacity.
3. Rules, Safety and Guidelines: Take a look for your safety and enjoyment.
Review the safety and guidelines page and be prepared. Remember:
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Alcohol and cannabis are only permitted in registered campsites at Astotin Lake Campground
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Personal floatation devices are required by law when on the water
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Speeding is prohibited (it puts people and wildlife at risk)
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Clean camp and picnicking sites are essential – throw your garbage into designated bins!
4. Wildlife Safety: Give them space and secure attractants.
Photo by @getoutsidewithlynda
Protect yourself and wildlife:
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Give animals space. Stay at least 100 metres away from wildlife, including bison.
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Stay in your vehicle and continue on your way. Wildlife can become comfortable around people and vehicles if they are viewed off roadsides regularly. When wildlife loses their natural fear of humans and vehicles, it puts the safety of visitors and the animal at risk. Allow wildlife to cross the road safely, enjoy the viewing opportunity quickly and continue on your way. Always remain in your motor vehicle when viewing wildlife.
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Stay alert and know what to do if you encounter wildlife. Make noise on trails, travel in groups, and keep children within arm’s reach. Wildlife can react if threatened, surprised or to protect their young. Remember to be bear aware.
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Always keep pets on a leash and under physical control. This keeps you, your pet, and wildlife safe. Off-leash pets can provoke wildlife, which could injure you, your pet, other visitors or wildlife.
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Keep campsites and picnic areas clean. Keep scented items, including food, toiletries, dirty dishes and empty coolers in a vehicle, hard-sided trailer or bear-proof food locker. Do not leave scented items alone. Dispose of garbage properly.
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It is illegal to feed or disturb wildlife in national parks. This is for your safety and theirs.
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Drive carefully and obey speed limits. Wildlife that are comfortable around people and places like roadsides are at a greater risk of being hit by vehicles. Look for wildlife on or near the road, especially around sunrise and sunset, or when it is dark.
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Never touch wildlife. Always keep your distance from all wildlife. If you find wildlife that is dead, sick, injured, or a young animal that you think may have been abandoned, report it immediately to Parks Canada Dispatch.
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Obey area closures. Area closures not only protect wildlife and important habitats, but they are in place to keep you safe from a dangerous encounter.
5. Activities: From a relaxing day at the beach to a day full of activities – there are endless options!
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Hiking Trails are shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and wildlife alike. Respect other visitors and yield the right of way to ensure safety. Pack water and any other essentials you may need, check trail conditions and important bulletins before heading out.
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Paddling: Always wear a life jacket or approved personal floatation device, watch out for signs of hypothermia, stay close to shore, and paddle at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty at Elk Island National Park. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rent from Ridge Wilderness Adventures.
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Cycling: Cyclists are encouraged to park at the administration building just inside the west entrance, off township road 544, before setting off for a road ride. Follow wildlife safety and wear protective gear.
And so many other activities, visit this page for more.
6. Programs and Tours: Expand your mind and learn more about the outdoors!
Elk Island has many programs and tours that are offered by our Learn-to Camp and Interpretation teams.
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Bison Backstage: Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 pm, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm at the Heritage Barn near the Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre. Offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at bison conservation at Elk Island.
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Beaver Town: Exploring a Beaver’s Neighbourhood is offered Saturdays from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Astotin Lake Recreation Area. Uncover the land and water that is shaped by busy beavers.
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Bones ‘n’ Stones: Offered Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Astotin Lake Recreation Area. Experience the stories and adaptations of the people who have called Amiskwaciy home across the last thousands of years, through the lens of archaeology.
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Astotin Theatre: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm located in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area. Discover artifacts, talk to a Parks Canada interpreter, and watch movies on the big screen.
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Overnight Learn-to Camp Experiences: Family-friendly weekend events designed to teach the fundamentals of camping in the great outdoors. Summer 2025 dates: August 2–3 and August 9–10.
Learning Opportunities:
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Camping 101 Workshop at the Strathcona County Library. Thursday, July 3 from 7 pm to 8 pm. Perfect for beginners!
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Camping with Babies & Toddlers at the Strathcona County Library. Friday, July 4 from 2 pm to 3 pm. This is a great workshop for adults to learn some tips and tricks for camping with young kids! Register at: Strathcona County Library Event
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Learn to Bird Drop-In at Rainbow Valley Campground. Saturday, July 5 from 8:30 am to 10 am. Binoculars are available to borrow, or bring your own! Terrain: 1 to 2 kms on foot over uneven terrain.
7. Explore other gems in the Beaver Hills Biosphere
Elk Island National Park is a gem, and it is extremely busy on weekends. If capacity is reached, to help ensure safety, the gate may be forced to close, and people are turned away. Avoid disappointment and plan ahead: Explore somewhere else and have a plan B.
Elk Island National Park is more than a day or weekend trip. It’s home to hundreds of species, a gateway to adventure, a place for relaxation, and a landscape of rich cultural significance that goes back a millennia. By planning ahead, respecting wildlife, and exploring nearby gems, you will make the most of your visit and help preserve this special place for others to continue to enjoy.
So pack your gear, set your alarm (early!), and get ready to experience the wild beauty of Elk Island National Park and beyond!
