Elk Island National Park — Attraction in Alberta

Wasn't sure what to expect, it's so close to home but we've never visited in 18 years.

If you're from Edmonton and have been to Whitemud park or Hawrelak to picnic or hang out, they're pretty nice. Elk Island is an upgrade! 38 minutes drive from south side. We stopped at the visitor centre and got a free tour of the barn and the handling corral, it was a nice little presentation. A second presentation about archeology in the park was about 15 minutes and shared some things they've found from indigenous settlements going back about 10,000 years. Both are a pretty nice.

The Bison loop was not what I expected, there are fences all around the park perimeter, but the main roads are open to wander. The Bison wander on the loop, between cars etc. We turned off the engine and parked for a while. If you're there to see Bison, take the time and don't peeve them off. You really understand their size when you see them.

Driving along the road the speed limit is 20 near the Bison, 60 on the road to the lakes. Go slow.

Astotin Lake day use area was our next stop, we want to book a camp here so we came to check it out. I've been to day use sites all across the country and this is one of the best developed day sites I have seen. The lake is gorgeous and we plan to try and get out and see it on boat. Highly recommended day visit, nice grounds and better amenities. The camp area has trees around it so at least they aren't visible from the road, there are lots of trees across the camp itself but you're still within earshot of the next site, privacy is listed on the parks canada site as poor, that is accurate. Bathrooms are close by, so are safe garbage and recycling bins, firewood is no longer stored at camp entrance, you have to buy it at the information booth just across the road, you can walk there easily. Mountain pine beetles have ruined many things for camping and forestry in general, don't bring your own wood or take any home!

The cooking shelters are these giant roof areas, they have several picnic tables underneath and a very, very large wood stove right in the middle of it. We walked past all 4 of them, each the size of the giant shelter at Hawrelak oark in Edmonton. The 1st one farthest North is farthest from parking but is close to the lake, the 2nd one south is the private and well shaded but you can't see the lake as well from there, the 3rd one is right beside the parking lot, beside a washroom house with showers, a sink and wash station, the 4th abs final one is on top of the hilly knob so it's got a great view of the lake, it has a separate fit pit with a huge roasting spit (not something I will ever use) beside its wood stove, it's between the boat dock, the boat launch, both parking lots and the man-made sandy beach, the theatre and the...

We've always enjoyed a trip out to Elk Island, no matter the season. Living in Fort Saskatchewan, it's a very close drive. There's a multitude of hiking trails throughout the park, but we often end up around Astontin Lake as they have a nice playground for the kids and a beach to play at. The only thing I wish there was more of at the beach are old growth trees that provided some shade. There are lots of trees off to the sides, but nothing really close to the beach areas. I also advise not to enter the water as there's quite a few leeches near the shoreline, which isn't uncommon for lakes in Alberta, but Astontin Lake also has blooms of blue-green algae that periodically pop-up if conditions are favourable. If you're planning on entering the water, just heed any warnings regarding blue-green algae.

We ended up camping at the available oTENTik this year as we wanted our children to experience camping for their first time. The oTENTik's were a great option as I don't know how well our kids would do in a tent and on the ground, plus, it allowed us to not have to invest in all the necessary gear for camping if things didn't work out. The oTENTik's have a fairly large sleeping area (my wife and I slept on the lower level, while our kids both slept in the top bunk which was the size of a larger twin mattress I would say). There was plenty of room for an additional 2 adults or teens on the lower level). There's also a table with 4 chairs, a light above the table, along with a bench, a heater for spring/fall camping, and a USB charging port. The oTENTik's do let quite a bit of light in at the top of both ends of the A-frame though, which made it a little harder for our children to fall asleep. They also woke up quite early (5AM in late June) due to the light. One issue I really disliked about the oTENTik is that it's pretty hard to get a cross breeze through it as there's only one panel that opens at the front and two at the rear, and at night these are often closed up to keep the light out, so there's literally no breeze at all. It was 30°C during the day, and it felt warmer inside the oTENTik. It's too bad they didn't have the ability to open up near the tops on both ends of the oTENTik as any warm air would potentially escape out the top. The oTENTik also included a propane BBQ, along with a picnic table that was enclosed within a bug netted tent, a fire pit and four aridondac chairs. Firewood could be purchased and the propane tanks for the BBQ could be replaced at no charge.

All in all we had a great time camping at Elk Island. If we ended up renting the oTENTik's, it'll probably be either earlier or later in the season when it's...

Elk Island National Park is a true haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Located just outside of Edmonton, Alberta, this park offers a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

One of the highlights of Elk Island National Park is its vast and diverse landscapes. From tranquil lakes to dense forests, the park showcases the beauty of Canada's wilderness. Exploring the well-maintained trails allows visitors to immerse themselves in the park's natural wonders, providing a sense of tranquility and serenity.

The park is renowned for its thriving wildlife population, particularly its namesake: the majestic elk. Observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a truly awe-inspiring experience. However, Elk Island National Park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including bison, moose, deer, and a wide array of bird species. The park's commitment to conservation ensures that visitors can witness these animals in a natural and sustainable environment.

Another noteworthy aspect of Elk Island National Park is its commitment to education and interpretation. The park offers informative programs and exhibits that provide valuable insights into the local ecosystem and the importance of wildlife conservation. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, these resources enhance the overall experience and foster a deeper appreciation for the park's ecological significance.

Elk Island National Park also offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. From picnicking by the lake to canoeing or kayaking on the peaceful waters, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with nature. The park's campgrounds provide a chance to spend the night under the stars, allowing for a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Elk Island National Park is a hidden gem that showcases the beauty of Canada's wilderness. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, educational resources, and recreational activities, it offers something for everyone. A visit to this park is not only an opportunity to connect with nature but also to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife...