Elk Island National Park National Park

Address: Elk Island National Park, Alberta (east of Edmonton, near Fort Saskatchewan)

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland

Hours: Park open year-round; Visitor Centre hours vary seasonally (check website).

Admission: Day-use vehicle permit or Parks Canada Discovery Pass required (fees vary by vehicle; see website).

Elk Island National Park is a Canadian national park in Alberta that protects native parkland and boreal habitats and is best known for its bison conservation programs. The park preserves populations of both plains and wood bison and supports ecological research and reintroductions.

Visitors encounter open parkland, mixed forests, lakes and trail networks suited to hiking, wildlife viewing and camping; the park is particularly popular for its bison herds and birdlife. Facilities include campgrounds, interpretive trails and visitor programming in the warmer months.

The area was protected early in the 20th century to conserve wildlife and later developed into a national park focused on species protection and ecosystem management. The park has been used as a source population for reintroducing bison to other parts of North America.

Located in central Alberta about 35 km east of Edmonton, within driving distance from the provincial capital and surrounded by agricultural and mixed-wood landscapes.

• Bison conservation: Home to both free-roaming plains bison and wood bison herds and a center for bison conservation and reintroduction programs.
• Close to Edmonton: Located roughly 35 km east of Edmonton, making it a common day-trip destination from the city for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.

Elk Island is reached by Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) east from Edmonton; follow signs for Elk Island/Beaumont and take Secondary Hwy 830 north toward the park. The main entrance near Astotin Lake is approximately a 30-40 minute drive (35 km) from downtown Edmonton. There are also regional buses and guided tours from Edmonton seasonally; check Parks Canada for current transit options.

• Drive slowly at dawn and dusk - bison and moose use the roads and can appear without warning.
• Take the Astotin Lake boardwalk for easy wildlife viewing; binoculars make a big difference.
• Avoid the main park loop on long weekends - try the Lesser Slave Lake or Beaver Hills trails for quieter walks.