Things to Do in Elk Island National Park, Must-Dos and Travel Guide

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Are you curious about Elk Island National Park and what to do there? Elk Island National Park is an easy day trip from Alberta’s capital of Edmonton, known for its abundance of elk… and bison! There are plenty of things to do for outdoor enthusiasts, with lots of fun activities from wildlife viewing to canoeing.

Beautiful and full of lush greenery, this National Park has played an important part in saving the American plains bison from extinction, and is well worth a visit for those who want to get out into nature, spot wildlife, be active, or just relax in beautiful surroundings.

Situated in the Beaver Hills area, this conservation zone has provided shelter for elk, bison, and moose for centuries. And it doesn’t stop with just wildlife; the park provides beautiful nature and fun activities like stargazing right at the doorstep of a Canadian capital city.

Read on to find out all the fun things to do in Elk Island National Park, from bison safaris to snowshoeing in winter, and everything in between. I’ll also go over the history of this special National Park, where to stay, and other useful tips for visiting. Whether you are visiting as a day trip from Edmonton, or looking for a fun overnight campsite, Elk Island is full of must-do bucketlist experiences.

Quick Look: Top Things to Do in Elk Island National Park

Located less than an hour east of downtown Edmonton, Elk Island National Park is one of Canada’s best national parks, a dark sky reserve, and a great spot for hiking, paddling, and the chance to see free-roaming bison as well as other wildlife. It offers an easy, accessible escape into nature for families, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

The Three Must-Dos in Elk Island National Park:

1. Driving the Bison Loop for a safari-like experience to see free-roaming bison. 
2. Stargazing. Don’t miss stargazing in late autumn, winter, and early spring for chances to see the Aurora and starry skies in a designated dark sky reserve.
3. Canoeing Lake Astotin. Enjoy a classic Canadian outdoor activity on a stunning lake.

But there is so much more Elk Island has to offer, which we will cover in our complete guide. 

About Elk Island National Park

History Of Elk Island

The area which now encompasses Elk Island National Park is filled with trees and water, which has provided a home for wildlife as long as humans can remember. It was mostly used for commercial hunting following European settlement, which led to the beaver almost becoming extinct in the area in the 1830s, as well as larger animals like the bison by the 1860s.

Following this period of over-hunting, it was subsequently used for timber production, but was first designated as a reserve in 1899, although this only really protected the forest. In 1906, five men from Fort Saskatchewan petitioned the government to make it an elk sanctuary. In 1913, it became a federal park, and in 1930, it was designated an official National Park.

Many animals have been reintroduced in the following years, including elk, moose, beavers, and bison, and they have all thrived once again.

Today, this park is both a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it’s a great spot to see wildlife and to observe the night sky!

Bison Conservation at Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park has been preserving plains bison since 1907, when the Canadian government brought nearly 400 bison to Elk Island on their way to Buffalo Park in Wainwright. When these bison were meant to be moved to Buffalo Park, around 40-70 escaped and became the ancestors of the herds that still roam today.

With varied changes in the ecosystem, there were migrations and transfers of bison from Elk Island to other national parks. Today, a herd of around 400 plains bison and 300 wood bison in the park are managed by Parks Canada. When the herd numbers exceed this population, the excess animals are sold, often to be reintroduced elsewhere. If the herds got too large, they would damage the ecosystem, and the proceeds from these sales are then used to support the bison program.

The park encompasses 194 km² of forest (particularly aspen), bogs, and prairie. It’s also home to dense populations of elk (of course!), moose, beavers, coyotes, lynx, deer, and porcupines. Wolves and black bears also live here, although they’re not often seen by visitors. Additionally, more than 250 bird species can be spotted throughout the year, including grebes, pelicans, herons, hawks, and swans.

Indigenous People of Elk Island

The area of Elk Island is a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. The lands and waters of Elk Island National Park have been used for millennia by Indigenous peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade, and travel.

In particular, Indigenous people hunted bison in this region, which provided a year-round supply of food and materials. After colonization, the bison herds, along with other game and fur species, were hunted to depletion, so that the Indigenous peoples were forced to leave the area.

Elk Island National Park is located within the present-day territory of Treaty 6 and the homeland of the Métis people.

Tips for Visiting Elk Island National Park

• The closest airport is YEG – Edmonton International Airport.
• A rental car is recommended for enjoying Elk Island, as it’s 48 kms from Edmonton City Centre.
• Entry fees apply most of the year. Adult entry is CAD $10, valid for up to 24 hours. For more information on fees, visit the Parks Canada website here.
• Canada Strong Pass gives free entry.
• Parks Canada has partnered with MEC – Mountain Equipment Co-op – to offer equipped campsites, such as a tent, sleeping pads, dining shelter, camping chairs, a propane stove, and a lantern.
• Carry mosquito and bug repellents during your visit.
• Be mindful of wild animals and adhere to Parks Canada/ Travel Alberta Parks warnings.
• The best time to visit is July to September to experience the Bison activity.

Elk Island National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Its main entrance, the south gate, is located approximately 48km from Edmonton’s city centre, via Highway 16 East (Yellowhead). 

Elk Island National Park Top Must-Dos

There are a lot of fun outdoor things to do in Alberta, and exploring national parks like Elk Island is one of the joys when you visit this province. 

There are winter and summer activities that you can do at Elk Island National Park, such as camping, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife gazing, stargazing, kayaking/canoeing, and mountain biking.

1. Bison Loop Drive “Safari”

One of the best things to do in Elk Island National Park is to drive the Bison Loop. Here you can see bison in their natural habitat, moving across the national park in a self-guided safari-like experience. 

It’s a stunning scene in the summertime to witness such a natural activity right from your car. This is a wildlife viewing experience that allows you to enjoy and observe these re-wilded bison roaming and witness a true conservation success story. 

While crossing the loop, ensure you drive slowly. When bison cross in front of you, stop your vehicle and wait; allow the bison to pass at their own pace. Never leave your vehicle or approach the bison.

2. Stargazing and the Dark Sky Reserve

Within the boundaries of Elk Island National Park lies the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Reserve. Lake Astotin, within the Elk Island NP boundaries, is the best location for stargazing and viewing the Aurora Borealis. 

Be sure to check the season or northern lights forecast, as these are mostly early spring, late autumn, or winter activities. There are 5 dark sky preserves in Alberta, and Beaver Hills is one of them. Learn more about stargazing in Elk Island National Park, so you can safely enjoy the sights of the universe.

3. Canoeing at Lake Astotin

Canoeing was invented by Canada’s First Nations as a way to navigate Canada’s extensive lake-filled landscape. It is now an iconic Canadian summer pastime. Elk Island National Park is one of the best places in Canada to enjoy canoeing. 

Rentals are available from Ridge Wild Wilderness on Lake Astotin Beach. This is a small kiosk that operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and they often run out of equipment on popular days. 

You can also rent SUPs and kayaks here as well.  

Note: The popular sunset and blue moon tour offered by Haskin Canoe and recommended by Travel Alberta at this lake is no longer available, sadly. 

4. Camping in the park

To truly enjoy everything on offer in Elk Island National Park, you might like to stay overnight at one of the campgrounds.

The Astotin Lake Campground has 75 unserviced campsites, including 15 walk-in tent sites and five oTENTiks, which are A-frame tent/cabins that sleep up to six people. The campsite has potable water, hot showers (very clean), washrooms, firewood provided with a fire permit, picnic shelters, RV dump/fill stations, etc.

There is also an option for a “hike-in” campsite at the Oster Lake Backcountry Campground, which is only for tents. There are only five campsites here, and fewer amenities, but the site does include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and firewood. Guests need to bring their own water for drinking or washing and hike in using the Shirley Lake Trail from the Tawayik parking lot (4 km).

5. Hiking Trails

Elk Island National Park contains over 80 kilometers of trails that you can explore and hike. There are 11 official hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, short walks to half-day adventures, so there’s something for everyone.

Most trails have parking, washrooms, and garbage facilities at the trailhead, along with a sign giving information about the trail with a map. The trails are all well-marked with yellow diamonds, and some include benches or picnic tables along the way if you need a rest or just want to stop for lunch.

These hiking trails are a wonderful way to see the different types of flora in the park, and perhaps spot some wildlife. The Beaver Pond Trail, for example, is an easy hike where you will get to see the construction work of some of the park’s resident beavers.

Some of the trails are paved or have boardwalks, but others can become very muddy or even washed away during wet weather, so make sure you check the trail conditions before setting off.

6. Cycling

While there aren’t specific cycling trails within Elk Island National Park, some of the hiking trails are suitable for cycling, as are the main access roads. If you look at the trail conditions page (above) and click through onto each trail, a symbol will indicate whether the trail is suitable for bikes.

Parks Canada also recommends that cyclists park at the administration building just inside the west entrance, off Township Road 544, before setting off for a road ride along Range Road 202A. The Shoreline Trail along the lake is also completely paved and good for cycling.

Just ensure you wear your helmet and be particularly careful of wildlife, as it’s a lot easier to startle animals on a quick-moving and quiet bike than if you’re stomping along while talking!

7. Learning more about the park

If you enter Elk Island National Park from the Yellowhead Highway entrance, then you will definitely want to make sure to stop and check out the Visitor Centre. Here, you can find detailed information about the park’s history and ecology, along with a life-size bison that you can actually get close to!

There’s also more information about the Indigenous connections to the area, along with a beautiful, traditional, hand-crafted Star Blanket made from bison hide on display. This piece was made by women from the Edmonton Institution for Women to showcase Indigenous heritage.

Further in at the Astotin Lake Campground is the Astotin Theatre, which is a museum and performance space that’s open during spring and summer. This would be particularly rewarding if you are visiting with children.

There’s also the Ukrainian Pioneer Home here as well, which you sadly can’t go into anymore, but is still cool to see.

8. Wildlife Spotting

Elk Island National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing in North America! Of course, you will almost definitely get to see bison and elk while enjoying the park, especially if you time your visit for dawn or dusk.

How about black bears, deer, wolves, coyotes, and beavers? You might also spot these if you’re lucky, as well as numerous bird species throughout the year, for the bird nerds!

Just remember to be very careful around any wild animals, maintain a safe distance from them at all times, and do not attempt to feed them. Even bison may seem docile, but they can charge if startled or feeling threatened. Ensure you review the wildlife safety guide before your visit.

9. Winter adventures

During winter, you can also head to Elk Island to enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, ice-skating, and more!

Astotin Lake can be skated on when it freezes, and all the hiking trails are suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when the land is covered by snow. Make sure you stop in at the visitor centre to check on the conditions or hire some snowshoes if you don’t have your own.

Snowshoeing, in particular, is SO much fun! And while you can also ski, be aware that the trails aren’t track set or groomed for skiing.

Make sure you also read our winter clothes Canada guide to ensure you are bundled up nice and warm.

10. Picnicking

Of course, don’t forget to just hang out when visiting Elk Island. Grab your picnic basket, some yummy food, and head out to enjoy some nature views, family or alone time, your style!

There are picnic tables located around the Astotin Lake recreation area, the Beaver Bay picnic area, and the Tawayik Lake recreation area. Additionally, you can find picnic shelters at Astotin Lake and Tawayik Lake, where you can even warm up by a wood stove.

And, I’m sure you know by now, but don’t forget to take any trash or food scraps with you or dispose of them properly at the campgrounds.

Where to Stay in Elk Island

If you want to stay in the National Park, you have three main options:

• Elk Island Retreat is a cute glamping site with geodomes and yurts. There are also campervan and RV sites. Reserve your spot early!
• Astotin Lake Campground is operated by Parks Canada, and like many of our federal campsites, bookings can fill up months in advance. So check availability beforehand. 
• Oster Lake Backcountry Campground, where you have to hike in and bring everything you need with you, is also operated by Parks Canada. Check availability and book here.

Otherwise, since Elk Island is so close to Edmonton, you can easily stay in Edmonton and head out to Elk Island for a day trip!

Share Things to Do in Elk Island National Park

As you can see, there are many wonderful things to enjoy on a visit to Elk Island National Park!

Whether you want to visit during the warmer months to get out on the water or enjoy snow sports in winter, this park offers fun for people of all ages. With a unique ecology and plenty of chances to spot wildlife, it’s of special significance for those who like the opportunity to see iconic animals.

Tell me, what would you be most excited to experience on a visit to Elk Island National Park? Don’t forget to pin one of these to your Alberta travel planning boards!