Hear roaring in the summer and whistling in the fall. Sound like a strange experience for a national park? It is. The lion-like roars of the bull bison in summer and the high—pitched whistling of rutting elk in the fall are sounds you’re unlikely to forget.
Elk Island provides amazing opportunities to see wildlife — just a half hour away from Edmonton. Watch for elk, white tailed deer and moose that roam freely within the park. As you explore, see plains and wood bison herds grazing in their natural habitat. Observe the antics of the many industrious beavers building lodge and dams in the ponds. See how many of the 250 bird species flying overhead you can spot.
The white backdrop of the snow makes winter a great time for viewing and watching wildlife. Elk Island is teaming with creatures who call the park home. Heart pounding with excitement, find yourself in the middle of a bison traffic jam as you tour the park. Pull over to the side, open your window and breathe in the woolly smells and listen for the soft grunting as you get up close and personal from the safety of your vehicle. Close your eyes and feel like part of the herd.
Hike the trails and discover Elk Island in all seasons: new scents, sights and sounds await you all year round. Maybe you’d prefer to glide through all that fresh powder. Clip on your cross-country skis and rediscover your favourite summer hiking spot. Strap on your snowshoes and hike the hilly 2.5 km Amisk Wuche Trail or view the starry skies and northern lights along the 3.5 km Lakeview Trail.
You Think You Know Edmonton? Elk Island National Park
Bundle up and come for a winter wonderland picnic! A peaceful lakeside setting, a crackling campfire, good food and great company…what could be better? The Astotin Lake area of Elk Island National Park has picnic shelters and tables, fire pits and wood (for s’mores of course), drinking water and washrooms to make your picnic enjoyable and comfortable.
Escape the city lights and gaze upon the splendour of the night’s stars. When was the last time you looked up at night and saw the Milky Way? At Elk Island, enjoy the beauty of an unspoiled night sky. Elk Island National Park is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve that celebrates a sky free of city ”light pollution.” Make a snow angel as you experience seasonal meteor showers, the northern lights or simply count the stars with your little ones who will be thrilled at being up past their bedtime, all while staying warm beside a cozy campfire
With 80 km of trails, camping, picnic sites, lakes to paddle, wildlife beyond measure and clear skies, there are endless ways to enjoy the magic of EIk Island National Park.
Elk Island National Park can be easily reached from Alberta’s capital Edmonton in less than an hour. For more information about Elk Island National Park, please visit the pages offered by Explore Edmonton or Parks Canada.
For general information about Edmonton and surroundings, please visit ExploreEdmonton.com
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You don´t want to get too close to the bison! That fellow in the picture is looking for trouble…