Elk Island National Park in Alberta, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Elk Island National Park is an Alberta park east of Edmonton, where aspen woodland, grassland, and lakes support bison and other wildlife. A drive along the parkway, a walk beside Astotin Lake, and a picnic can fit into a day visit. Wildlife encounters require room and patience, including on the roads.

Bison, lake walks, and evening skies

• Elk Island Parkway: This 20 km north–south road offers a way to explore and watch for wildlife from your vehicle.
• Astotin Lake: Walking routes, picnic areas, and seasonal camping make this a useful base for a lake-centered visit.
• Shoreline Trail: A paved route follows parts of Astotin Lake and nearby ponds.
• After-dark visits: The park permits visits throughout the year, though day-use areas and individual facilities have separate hours.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Give bison at least 100 m

Bison can charge without warning. Parks Canada instructs visitors on foot or bicycles to stay at least 100 m away. Never pass through a herd or get between animals. Wait for bison to move, turn back when needed, and stay in your vehicle when viewing them from the road. Drive slowly without honking or forcing a way through. Read the bison encounter guidance before setting out.

Follow lake and wildlife rules

Fishing is prohibited. Boats cannot use gas or electric motors on park waters. Keep dogs leashed and under physical control, and never leave them unattended. Secure food, scented items, and garbage. Camp only in designated campgrounds rather than pullouts or recreation areas. Recreational drone flights are prohibited.

Camping and program bookings

Reserve Astotin Lake campsites and roofed accommodations through Parks Canada, with the campground's season in mind. Oster Lake is a hike-in, tent-only option. Selected activities also accept reservations; confirm the arrangements for the specific program rather than assuming park admission includes it. The camping page provides booking channels and seasonal information.

Maps, location, and access

The main south gate is reached from Highway 16 east of Edmonton. Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre stands near this entrance and provides a site map. Use the official visit planner for directions and the map directory. The park's listed address is 1–54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta; choose the entrance and visitor area you actually need.

Nearby parks

• Strathcona Science Provincial Park: On the Edmonton approach, turn south from Highway 16 onto 17th Street. It is a day-use park with overnight gate closures; some trails have closure and erosion notices.
• Miquelon Lake Provincial Park: This Beaver Hills option lies southeast of Edmonton, with its park access on Secondary Highway 623.

Explore by road, foot, or paddle

Start with a parkway drive if seeing bison is your main interest. The same road also helps connect walking areas without requiring a long hike. At Astotin Lake, choose a picnic or the paved Shoreline Trail. Natural-surface trails offer other options, but wildlife may block a route.

Canoeing and other nonmotorized lake activities are possible. Check water safety guidance and current notices before launching. Wildlife and sky conditions vary; neither an animal sighting nor an aurora display is guaranteed by a visit.

Facilities and accessibility

Astotin Lake Campground has unserviced tent and RV sites, picnic tables, fire pits, potable-water taps, accessible washrooms with showers, and an RV dump/fill station. oTENTiks provide another overnight option. These are seasonal services, so confirm opening dates and vehicle fit before booking.

The visitor center has paved parking, designated accessible spaces, and a ramp. Astotin's day-use area has accessible washrooms and picnic tables. One accessible oTENTik has a ramp and parking, but its washroom approach is about 150 m uphill on gravel. The accessibility guide describes these differences. Ask staff which routes are cleared of snow outside summer.

About Elk Island

The Beaver Hills landscape

The park lies within Treaty 6 territory and the Métis homeland. Indigenous Peoples have used its lands and waters for food, ceremony, travel, and trade. Aspen thickets in the Beaver Hills historically offered shelter and forage for bison and other large animals; bison conservation remains central to the park's work.

Woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands

Bison and elk share the landscape with birds and wetland wildlife. Beavers and waterbirds may be seen along the lake routes. Stay aware even on paved trails: an easy walking surface does not separate a visitor from wildlife habitat.

Contact

Elk Island National Park official website
Telephone: 780-922-5790
Email: [email protected]
Park address: 1–54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta T8L 0V3.