Top 5 things to do

1) Become part of the herd! View wildlife from every vantage point.

Explore the park by foot, bike or car and be on the lookout for wildlife! Bison and other mammals are most active at dawn and dusk when females travel with their young. Beyond bison be ready to glimpse deer, elk, coyotes and the countless birds that call Elk Island National Park home. 

What’s a safe distance? Hold your fist straight out in front of you and extend your thumb. Cover the animal (who is standing sideways) with your thumb. If the animal is totally covered, you are about 100 metres away, which is a safe distance. If your thumb does not cover the animal, retreat slowly.

Hike tip: take Hayburger Trail to see plains bison or Wood Bison Trail to see wood bison.

Cycle tip: pair up with a motor vehicle to navigate through a bison herd gathered on the road or roadside.

Drive tip: when driving by wildlife stay in the vehicle. Watch for a few moments, take a quick photo, and move on.

2) Explore the many islands of Astotin Lake.

Astotin Lake has something to offer all year round! Watch the sun sparkle off each cascading paddle stroke while paddling along secluded bays and protected shorelines, listening to the echo of waterfowl hunting down lunch. Once the lake freezes, lace up and glide around Archer Island or play a game of hockey while breathing in the crisp winter air. There is no better way to spend a day!

3) Share a picnic with family and friends.

Don’t forget the marshmallows! Nestle into a peaceful lakeside picnic spot with a crackling campfire, good food and great company. The Astotin Lake Recreation Area offers picnic shelters and tables, fire pits and wood, drinking water and washrooms to make each picnic enjoyable and comfortable. Take time to visit the Living Waters Boardwalk, interpretive theatre, hiking trails and then complete a memorable day spent in nature with a breathtaking sunset.

4) Get inspired! Discovery nature, history, and culture.

Join a park program or borrow a discovery kit to learn more about the history of bison conservation, how to identify animal tracks or study a beginner’s guide to the solar system. Take the adventure a step further by tracking down one of the eight geocaches hidden throughout the park. Drop-in programs and discovery kits are free with paid entry.

5) Capture the beauty of every season.

Elk Island National Park offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the landscape year-round. Photograph summer sunsets across the grasslands, reflections along the shoreline of Astotin Lake, fall colours along the trails, or the quiet beauty of a snow-covered winter day. Keep your camera ready as you explore. The park's landscapes are home to bison, elk, deer, and countless bird species, making every visit a unique photographic experience.