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Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta workforce
Final up to date on August 31, 2022
Think about our shock – on our most up-to-date go to to Elk Island Nationwide Park – when what we first thought was a giant clump of dust on the aspect of the highway ended up being an precise bison, nearly as quickly as we handed the doorway! Whereas we had seen each woods bison and plains bison there earlier than (it’s among the finest parks in North America for viewing them), it was a fast reminder to us of how particular this park is.
The bison themselves include a captivating historical past, however there may be additionally much more to take pleasure in when visiting Elk Island Nationwide Park. Solely a 30-minute drive east of Edmonton, and even nearer to town of Fort Saskatchewan, Elk Island Nationwide Park is well accessible and provides quite a lot of actions for the entire household.
Cease on the Wahkotowin Customer Centre simply earlier than the south park entrance (see a map right here) to get the lay of the land, view their interpretive displays, and likewise buy some distinctive souvenirs and different helpful gadgets to your go to.
Issues to Do at Elk Island Nationwide Park
Hit the Mountain climbing Trails
For those who like climbing, you’ll completely love Elk Island Nationwide Park. With 11 climbing trails to select from, starting from family-friendly, straightforward hikes just like the Dwelling Waters Boardwalk Path (lower than half-hour) to the tough Wooden Bison Path or Tawayik Lake Path (4-5 hours), there actually is a climbing path for everybody within the park. Irrespective of which of the climbing trails you select, you’re positive to take pleasure in some wildlife viewing in addition to some spectacular surroundings of Astotin Lake, the aspen, poplar, and spruce forests, and/or the wildflower meadows inside the park.
Word that the Shoreline Path is paved, making it stroller and wheelchair accessible (though there are some steep areas to be conscious of).
Preserve an Eye Out for Wildlife Viewing
Whereas recognizing an animal is rarely assured, wildlife viewing in Elk Island Nationwide Park is certainly one in every of its hottest actions, particularly bison viewing. With persistence and somewhat luck, you possibly can anticipate to identify bison, elk, beavers, birds, white-tailed deer, and a lot extra. Whereas wildlife tends to hang around within the dense forest throughout the day, you’ve gotten probability of recognizing animals should you go to the park at daybreak or nightfall.
A enjoyable truth about Elk Island Nationwide Park? It’s Canada’s solely utterly fenced-in nationwide park, which means there’s an excellent probability you’ll see some bison. At any given time, there are about 400 plains bison and 300 wooden bison inside the park. Please do not forget that bison are wild creatures and may be very harmful to people; it’s at all times greatest to take care of a whole lot of distance and comply with these security suggestions to be bison sensible.
Get Out On The Water
Astotin Lake is one in every of Alberta’s most stunning and calm lakes, and there are various alternatives to get out out on the water. Whether or not it’s kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, or sailboating, spending time on the water is an effective way to soak up the fantastic thing about Elk Island Nationwide Park; as a result of motorized boats aren’t allowed on the lake, it appears particularly serene. With a bit of luck, you’ll even be capable of see some wildlife from the water!
You’ll discover the boat launch on the north finish of Astotin Lake, the place you possibly can lease canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the Astotin Lake Recreation Space. Make your manner across the many islands of the lake to essentially get to know the realm and see a aspect of the park you possibly can’t expertise from land.
As at all times with regards to being close to water, take as many security precautions as doable, together with sporting a private flotation gadget always. Even if you’re a assured swimmer and the water seems to be calm, circumstances can change rapidly and it’s good to be ready.
Chill out on the Seashore
Simply since you aren’t close to an ocean doesn’t imply there aren’t some nice seashores in Alberta! With a sandy lakeshore to loosen up and play on, it’s additionally launch spot to your canoe or kayak. Benefit from the picnic tables, shelters, recent water bathe, washrooms, and fireplace pits close by, too.
Some issues to notice: simply as with most nationwide parks, there are not any lifeguards on obligation, so it’s advisable to at all times put on a private flotation gadget in or close to the water and to at all times hold a detailed eye on kids. Swimmer’s itch can even typically happen after spending time in Lake Astotin, so restrict your time swimming or spending time within the water and rinse off with recent water afterwards!
Play a Spherical of Golf
Yep, that’s proper… there’s a nine-hole golf course in Elk Island Nationwide Park! Established in 1936, this golf course is likely one of the oldest in all of Alberta. Play a calming recreation of golf surrounded by the attractive panorama of the park, after which take pleasure in a meal within the air-conditioned clubhouse (the one meal service accessible in the whole park).
Whether or not you’re a seasoned professional or a newbie, the golf course in Elk Island is assured to be a enjoyable few hours out on the inexperienced. Name (780) 998-3161 for extra info or to guide a tee time.
Camp at Elk Island
Fortunately, there may be unbelievable tenting in Elk Island Nationwide Park, and it’s a wonderful solution to spend a bit extra time within the park to actually soak all of it in. As you possibly can inform from this record, there are such a lot of issues to do in Elk Island Nationwide Park that it is smart to spend at the very least a number of days tenting to be able to make the most of all there may be to do and see!
There are various methods to go tenting in Elk Island Nationwide Park. You may select from the Astotin Lake Campground (75 non-serviced websites, together with 15 walk-in tent websites), a Parks Canada oTENTik (there are 5 to select from), the Astotin Lake Group Tenting Space (excellent for giant teams or firm retreats), and the Oster Lake Backcountry Campground. We advocate reserving your campsite as quickly as doable, as reservations replenish rapidly yearly.
And should you can’t discover a spot within the Nationwide Park, there are alternatives close by. Elk Island Retreat which have yurts, trapper cabins, a tipi and the new Geo Domes for guests to remain in. The domes are for a most of two individuals and make for a really romantic getaway, plus a tremendous solution to stargaze!
Spend Time on the Astotin Theatre
It’s not typically you discover a theatre inside a park, however Astotin Theatre in Elk Island Nationwide Park is certainly a treasure. Watch a film on the massive display, study concerning the park from Parks Canada interpreters or from a few of the artifacts preserved within the theatre, gown up like your favorite animal, discover the interactive studying area, and even lease a “Discovery Package” for the day. A go to to the theatre is a should if in case you have kids in tow!
Play within the Playground
It’s no secret that Elk Island Nationwide Park is the proper place to go to with kids, what with the wildlife and nature to discover. One other perk? The playground! Discovered within the Astotin Lake Space, this intensive playground is a enjoyable place to spend a while climbing, sliding, and assembly different youngsters. There are picnic tables close by if you wish to take pleasure in a meal or a snack after playtime.
Drive the Bison Loop Highway
There are a number of scenic drives to take by way of Elk Island Nationwide Park, however the Bison Loop Highway needs to be among the finest. It’s not unusual to be caught in a “bison site visitors jam” right here! One of the best time to drive the Bison Loop Highway is at daybreak or nightfall, or on cloudy days; if it’s too sunny or scorching, the bison will almost certainly be sheltering within the close by bushes and chances are you’ll not see them. Be sure that to drive slowly to be able to hold each you and the wildlife protected always, and at all times keep in your car when there are animals round.
You may also attempt driving the Yellowhead Freeway to identify each plains bison and wooden bison, whereas the Elk Island Parkway can be a route with good alternative to identify wildlife out of your automotive.
Get pleasure from a Household Picnic
As there is no such thing as a meals service in Elk Island (aside from on the golf course’s clubhouse), we extremely advocate you convey some meals with you into the park. Fortunately, there are many unbelievable spots for a picnic, together with close to the seashore, the playground, the long-lasting Crimson Chairs and even the campground. Simply bear in mind, your meals is for people solely… don’t feed the wildlife!
Be part of an Elk Island Nationwide Park Interpretive Program
Run by Parks Canada interpreters, becoming a member of an interpretive program at Elk Island Nationwide Park is a tremendous solution to study concerning the park and the vegetation and animals that decision it house. There are loads of packages to select from each on weekdays and on weekends within the hotter months, together with ones about bison conservation, archeological digs, why beavers are referred to as “ecosystem engineers”, and a lot extra.
Children will love the “every day discoveries”, as you by no means know what the afternoon’s adventures will maintain. Our favorite program in Elk Island Nationwide Park? Undoubtedly the night packages across the campfire, the place you possibly can hear tales concerning the rise and fall of bison or concerning the stars above. Be sure that to reach early to be able to safe a spot!
Seize Your Bike and Cycle the Trails
For a tremendous solution to see the park and get some train in as nicely, attempt biking in Elk Island. As there are paved roads and pace limits of 40km, it makes for an gratifying experience. You may also go off-road, with a number of trails reminiscent of Moss Lake Loop and the Shirley Lake Path being common decisions. Ensure you’re updated with bison security, and at all times attempt to keep at the very least 100m from any of the bison chances are you’ll encounter alongside your route.
Stargaze and Possibly See the Northern Lights
Elk Island Nationwide Park is a part of the Beaver Hills Darkish Sky Protect, making it an amazing place for stargazing and night time sky watching. Fortunately, the park is open all day day-after-day, which means you possibly can make the most of a transparent sky any night time of the yr. It additionally occurs to be among the finest spots for viewing the northern lights in Alberta, because it’s a straightforward and fast drive to get away from the massive metropolis lights of Edmonton that might hamper the view.
Be sure that to decorate appropriately; even on a scorching summer time’s day, the temperatures can change into fairly chilly at night time, particularly close to the lake.
Go Cross-Nation Snowboarding or Snowshoeing
Elk Island Nationwide Park isn’t only a place to go to within the hotter months… it’s a superb vacation spot within the winter months, too. With loads of cross nation snowboarding and snowshoeing trails, you possibly can discover the park within the snow for a wonderful new perspective. You may even lease snowshoes from the Astotin Lake Campground kiosk from 9:30am to 4:30pm every day. Simply bear in mind to decorate warmly!
Ice Skate on Astotin Lake
Equally, the lake isn’t only for summer time sports activities! As soon as Astotin Lake is frozen over, ice skating right here is extraordinarily common. You’ll typically see a gaggle of individuals taking part in hockey on the lake, so don’t hesitate to convey alongside your sticks. One other unimaginable solution to expertise Elk Island Nationwide Park in winter? Go ice skating at night time beneath a blanket of stars, one of the romantic evenings we are able to think about.
For those who’re planning to base your self within the capital metropolis earlier than visiting Elk Island Nationwide Park, don’t miss out on these sources:
