Hiking

Elk Island National Park

Trail Condition Report

Find current trail conditions at Elk Island National Park.

Hayburger Trail

Hayburger Trail crosses aspen forest, meadows and spruce bog. An easy hike where bison, birds and moose may be observed

Simmons Trail

The Simmons Trail makes its way through aspen forest and rolling hills. This is a short but challenging cross-country ski trail

Shirley Lake Trail

Shirley Lake Trail: moderate hike through aspen forest and meadows. Good for viewing plains bison, moose and elk

Moss Lake Trail

Moss Lake Trail has a difficult loop and a moderate loop through mixed wood forest. Great for viewing beaver, waterfowl, elk and plains bison

Amisk Wuche Trail

The diversity of the moderate Amisk Wuche trail is ideal for keeping children interested. Boardwalks through marsh and forest

Lakeview Trail

The easy Lakeview Trail offers a panoramic view of Astotin Lake and illustrates the sharp contrast between aspen forest and black spruce bog

Beaver Pond Trail

The easy Beaver Pond Trail is characterized by evidence of beaver activity along its length. Good for viewing plains bison, moose, beaver and waterfowl

Living Waters Boardwalk

A boardwalk trail that loops out onto the water of Astotin Lake giving an excellent view. This short trail is ideal for families with small children

Tawayik Lake Trail

Encircling Tawayik Lake and beyond, this trail offers a beautiful view of the landscape and the occasional herd of grazing bison

Shoreline Trail

Shoreline Trail: easy hike through mixed-wood forest, with good view of islands, beaver and waterfowl that leads to Beaver Bay picnic area

Wood Bison Trail

Wood Bison Trail: Great for viewing moose, elk and birds. The only trail on which you can see wood bison. Difficult hike through aspen forest

Stroll through a shadowed landscape of a black spruce bog; the tangy smell of spruce trees mixes with the earthy scent of moss and peat under foot. All seems quiet and still, but then the shade of the spruce trees opens up to a bright and sunny aspen forest canopy. The trail narrows as the mossy ground gives way to wild rose and beaked hazelnut shrubs. Get lost in the sound of autumn leaves crunching under foot then thrill at the haunting sound of the bugle of a bull elk in the distance. Hike at Elk Island National Park: new scents, sights and sounds await all year round. Check trail conditions and important bulletins before arrival. Plan ahead and have the Visitor Guide and Trail Map handy to help you navigate the trails and plan your hike.

Help protect the park by limiting the spread of invasive plants. Follow Play Clean Go principles: clean mud, seeds and debris from your boots, clothing and gear before and after your hike. Boot brush stations at trailheads make it easy to prevent the spread of invasive plants. Take the PlayCleanGo pledge with the Canadian Council on Invasive Species to help prevent new invasions and stop the spread of existing invasive plants.

Share the trail. Trails are shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders and wildlife alike. Respect other users and yield the right of way to ensure safety. Use extra caution when cycling. Cyclists can quickly and quietly startle wildlife.

List of trails

List of trails
Trail number	Trail	Distance	Time	Difficulty
1	Hayburger Trail Spruce bog, aspen forest and meadows. Good for viewing bison and moose.	11.6km (loop)	3 to 4 hours	Easy
2	Simmons Trail Aspen forest, meadows and beaver ponds. Good for viewing bison, moose and elk.	2.6 km	1 to 1.5 hours	Moderate
3	Shirley Lake Trail Aspen forest and meadows. Good for viewing bison, moose and elk.	11.6 km (loop)	3 to 4 hours	Moderate
4	Moss Lake Trails Two connected loops through mixed wood forest. Great for viewing beaver, waterfowl, elk and bison.	4.8 km (loop) 12.6 km (loop)	1.5 to 2.5 hours 3.5 to 4.5 hours	Moderate Difficult
5	Amisk Wuche Trail Boardwalks through marsh and forest. Rich in birds and aquatic life.	2.7km (loop)	1 to 1.5 hours	Moderate
6	Lakeview Trail Poplar and spruce forest, great views of Astotin Lake, islands, beaver and waterfowl.	3.7km (loop)	1 to 2 hours	Easy
7	Beaver Pond Trail Aspen forest and sedge meadows. Good for viewing bison, moose, beaver and waterfowl.	3.6km (loop)	1 to 2 hours	Easy
8	Living Waters Boardwalk Floating boardwalk and exhibits. Great view of Astotin Lake, islands, beaver, waterfowl, and aquatic life.	400m (loop)	15 to 30 minutes	Easy
9	Tawayik Lake Trail Aspen forest and meadows. Great for viewing elk, plains bison and waterfowl. A portion of the trail is shared with Shirley Lake Trail.	15.1km (loop)	4 to 5 hours	Difficult
10	Shoreline Trail Mixed-wood forest, good view of islands, beaver and waterfowl. Beaver Bay picnic area found on peninsula with good view of the lake.	3km (one-way) 6km (return)	2 to 3 hours	Easy
11	Wood Bison Trail Aspen forest. Great for viewing wood bison, moose, elk and birds.	15.6km (loop)	4 to 5 hours	Difficult