Elk Island National Park Visitor Centre — Attraction in Alberta

Elk Island National Park, located just outside Edmonton, Alberta, is a stunning destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and serene landscapes. As the only fully enclosed national park in Canada, it serves as a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, moose, and over 250 bird species. This makes it an exceptional spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

One of the most remarkable features of Elk Island is its bison population. The park is home to both plains bison and wood bison, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Bison Loop Road is a must-visit for those eager to see bison up close, often wandering near the road or grazing in the open fields.

The park’s diverse ecosystem is highlighted by its mix of aspen parkland and boreal forest, offering a variety of scenic trails for hikers of all skill levels. Trails like the Beaver Pond Trail and the Wood Bison Trail provide beautiful views and the chance to see beavers, birds, and other wildlife. For a more tranquil experience, the floating boardwalk at the Amisk Wuche Trail is perfect for a peaceful stroll through wetlands.

Elk Island also caters to stargazers, as it is a designated Dark Sky Preserve. On clear nights, the sky comes alive with a dazzling display of stars, making it a perfect spot for astronomers and casual stargazers alike. The park frequently hosts events and workshops for those interested in learning more about the night sky.

For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers several camping options. Whether you prefer the comfort of a serviced campsite at Astotin Lake Campground or the seclusion of a backcountry site, there’s something for every type of camper. Astotin Lake itself is a focal point for many activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

In terms of accessibility, Elk Island National Park is conveniently located about 35 kilometers east of Edmonton, making it an easy day trip or a weekend getaway. The park is open year-round, with each season offering its own unique experiences, from summer hiking and boating to winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, Elk Island National Park is a gem that offers a peaceful retreat into nature with ample opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Its rich wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and dark skies make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Edmonton area. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Elk Island is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Canada’s natural beauty. I've been there with my family many times....

My biggest advice is, bring a camera you will see bison 🦬

Entry fees are per adult and they are not expensive.

Take your time and enjoy the area, you just never know what you will see or hear, what you dont see one day you could easily come back and try to see the next.

But be sure to bring enough water and food for each person in your party, as the only food in the information area is Bison Jerky, (it did taste good though) so keep that in mind.

They do sell firewood bags and merchandise at the centre.

Inside the centre is a water bottle refill station should you run low on the H2o.

Centre is kid friendly until you reach the merchandise for sale.

Staff are friendly and happy to talk about the park should you have any questions.

Camping is available but the season ends early October. "Winter is Coming"

If travelling with small children, be aware there are predators in the park and exercise caution ⚠️

Dog's are allowed but must remain on a leash and not left unattended.

Over all it was a great experience for the whole family, being amongst nature and wildlife and would recommend going for a hike or even just to take in the sights from the comfort of your car.

Hiking tracks are looked after and are suitable for beginners. (Maps are available)

Appropriate footwear is recommended 👌🏻 or atleast bring a spare pair, just don't know what you will step in on the trails.

Alternatively you can bring your bicycles if hiking on foot is not your preference.

Park recommends the best chance to see predators is either at dusk or dawn as this is when they are...

Saw an Elk! Saw an Island! Saw some wood for all I care, just don't do it here, this is a National Park and that's not allowed. Also, there are bison (what did the buffalo say to his child went he went off to college? Bison). If you want the pristine wilderness of a National Park but don't want to drive 3 or 4 hours, this is a good place for you. If you're from Edmonton. If you're from elsewhere I don't know how long it will take thats what Google maps is for. This Park is beautiful! It's amazing, it's super dark at night, great for telescoping, you can snowshoe or whatever, and there's a lake. You may see coyote, beaver, muskrat, birds of all kids, owls, elk, deer, moose, bison, there could be wolves and lynx even but who are we kidding you probably won't see them. There are frogs, and toads, and maybe salamnders! Insects? Got them too! AND THEN THERE'S THE FLORA! They've got trees, they've got grass, they've got lichen, there's reeds, there's aquatic plants, there's even Fungi! ( a mushroom walks into a bar, bartender says "hey we don't serve your kind around here" the mushroom says "C'mon, I'm a Fungi" There's lichen already there, he says "I'm lichen this drama"). Anyway, go to elk island, havea good time, there's a golf course, a playground, a boardwalk I think, a pavilion or a few. It's...