Less than 35 minutes east of Edmonton lies a year-round oasis where bison roam freely, sun glistens off lakes and ponds, and stars light-up the night sky; Elk Island National Park. This gentle wilderness of aspen woodlands, prairie meadows and pockets of wetland is a wildlife-watchers paradise; free roaming bison, elk, deer, moose, and more than 250 bird species call this place home.
A short drive to Elk Island National Park rewards visitors with countless recreation opportunities; hike or bike over 80 km of trails, rent canoes and paddle around the islands on Astotin Lake, take in a free program, or borrow a geocaching kit and enjoy a nearly 200 square kilometre scavenger hunt. Fun doesn’t end as the sun begins to set; stay warm by a fire and look into a sky filled with stars and dancing Northern Lights. Without the glow of city lights around you’ll see more than you knew existed!
With so much to do why not stay the night? Book a campsite and bring your tent or RV to the Astotin Lake Campground, or pack a backpack and make the 4 km hike into Oster Lake Backcountry Campground. If you want the experience of camping but need a few more creature comforts, oTENTik’s are available at Elk Island! oTENTik’s are a cross between a tent and a rustic cabin; bring a sleeping bag and discover the joys of camping without any fuss.
To reserve a campsite, please visit http://reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or call 1-877-737-3783 (1-877-RESERVE)
Fall is here at Elk Island National Park! The leaves are starting to change and the air is crisp and fresh.
Now is a great time to visit Elk Island National Park.
Fall has brought some changes to the park:
The ParkBus has returned is will be accepting passengers Saturdays beginning September 11 until October 2nd (more dates may be added). Pickups are from the downtown Edmonton MEC or the Royal Alberta Museum. Reserve your ride today at TD Elk Island Express (parkbus.ca).
It’s mating season at Elk Island – watch out for animals in the rut. If a bison displays any of the following warning signs retreat slowly:
- Snorts, shakes or tosses its head
- Raises its tail
- Turns its back, raises its tail and defecates
- Paws the ground
- False charges
- If bison stop grazing to stare, back away immediately until the animal returns to grazing
Be bison wise – Elk Island National Park (pc.gc.ca)
Notice: Area closure – North section of Elk Island Parkway
See also Elk Island National Park – for COVID updates.
WINTER AT ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK: Select Saturdays December through March - Snowshoe & Stargaze Program - Check out the events section. For Details on Winter Camping Click Here!
