Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park is located within the Beaver Hills, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Edmonton Capital Region of Alberta, Canada. The park is less than an hour's drive east of Edmonton on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and half an hour's drive west of Vegreville in East Central Alberta. Established in 1913, Elk Island is a fully fenced national park protecting a large area of natural aspen parkland — one of the most endangered habitats in Canada — that is undisturbed by agriculture.

The park is famous as a refuge for grazing animals and has a high density of hoofed mammals per square area, making wildlife viewing relatively easy with no safari required. Visitors can see over 40 species of free-roaming mammals including plains bison, wood bison, elk (wapiti), moose, white-tail and mule deer, beaver, and muskrat. Over 250 species of birds live in the park, making it excellent for birdwatching. The Beaver Hills became a UNESCO Biosphere in 2016, recognizing the region as a cohesive whole where land use decision-making is integrated to preserve the local landscape and wildlife. The park is open year-round, with visitors enjoying wildlife viewing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, golfing, picnicking, and overnight camping. Summers are warm with long daylight hours; winters are cold but offer excellent snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

By Plane

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is approximately 65 km southwest of the park. Edmonton City Centre Airport no longer exists as a commercial airport. From Edmonton International Airport, rent a car and drive north on Highway 2 to Highway 16 east, then east to the park — approximately 45 minutes. There is no public transit to the park.

By Car / Road

From Edmonton, drive east on Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) for approximately 50 km (about 45 minutes). The park's main entrance (south gate) is on Highway 16, clearly signed. The north entrance is accessible via Highway 16 and Range Road 210. A Parks Canada pass is required (daily pass approximately CAD 10.50/adult, or annual Discovery Pass for approximately CAD 72.25/adult). From Vegreville, drive west on Highway 16 for approximately 30 km. The park is fully fenced, so all entry is through the gates.

There is no public transit or bus service to the park. A car is essential.

A car is the primary way to get around Elk Island National Park. The park has a network of paved and gravel roads connecting campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic areas. Driving slowly through the park is part of the experience — bison frequently cross or stand on the road. The park is compact enough to explore in a day, but overnight stays allow for more wildlife viewing opportunities. There is no public transit within the park. Bicycles are permitted on park roads.

• Bison Paddock Loop — A driving loop through a large enclosed paddock where plains bison roam freely. This is the best place to see bison up close from the safety of your vehicle.

• Astotin Lake — A large lake in the heart of the park with a beach, picnic areas, and excellent birdwatching. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in summer.

• Livingstone Boardwalk — A raised boardwalk through a wetland area, excellent for birdwatching and viewing aquatic habitats.

• Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village — Located just outside the park boundary on Highway 16, this outdoor living-history museum details the lives of Ukrainian immigrants to Alberta in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Operated by the provincial government. Admission approximately CAD 10–15.

• Tawayik Lake — A quieter area of the park with trails, picnic sites, and opportunities to see elk and deer.

• Miquelon Lake Provincial Park — Located adjacent to Elk Island, this provincial park offers additional hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities.

• Wildlife Viewing — The park's main attraction. Drive slowly through the park, especially at dawn and dusk, for chances to see bison, elk, moose, deer, and other wildlife. Bison jams (when bison block the road) are common and part of the experience.

• Hiking — Several trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to longer forested loops. Popular trails include the Tawayik Lake Trail (5.5 km loop), Shoreline Trail (3 km), and Wood Bison Trail (16 km loop for experienced hikers).

• Canoeing and Kayaking — Astotin Lake and other water bodies offer flatwater paddling. Canoe rentals available in summer at Astotin Lake.

• Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing — In winter, the park offers groomed and ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

• Birdwatching — Over 250 species recorded, including pelicans, grebes, loons, and songbirds. Astotin Lake and the Livingstone Boardwalk are prime spots.

• Camping — Astotin Lake Campground and Oster Lake Backcountry Campground offer overnight stays in the park.

• Golf — Elk Island Golf Course is located near the park entrance.

• Dark Sky Viewing — The park has minimal light pollution, making it good for stargazing.

There are no restaurants within Elk Island National Park. The park has picnic areas at Astotin Lake, Tawayik Lake, and other day-use areas — bring your own food and drinks. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village has a small food stand offering Ukrainian-inspired fare (perogies, cabbage rolls) during operating season. For restaurants, Sherwood Park (30 km west) and Edmonton (50 km west) have extensive dining options.

• Bring your own beverages. There are no bars, cafés, or restaurants within the park.
• Water from taps at campgrounds and the visitor centre is safe to drink.
• The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village may serve coffee and non-alcoholic beverages during operating season.

• Budget: Astotin Lake Campground offers frontcountry sites from approximately CAD 28–39/night. Oster Lake Backcountry Campground is also available.
• Mid-range: There are no hotels within the park. The nearest mid-range hotels are in Sherwood Park (30 km west) and Fort Saskatchewan (25 km northwest), with rooms from approximately CAD 100–160/night.
• Upscale: For upscale accommodation, Edmonton (50 km west) offers a full range of options from approximately CAD 150–300+/night. Unique options include cabin or teepee rentals in the Beaver Hills area (search for local vacation rental listings).

The park has limited shopping. The visitor centre at the south entrance sells Parks Canada merchandise, books, maps, and basic supplies. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village gift shop sells Ukrainian-themed souvenirs, books, and crafts. For groceries and supplies, the town of Sherwood Park (30 km west) has full retail services.

• Edmonton — 50 km west. Alberta's capital city with the West Edmonton Mall, Royal Alberta Museum, and extensive dining and entertainment.
• Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village — Immediately adjacent to the park on Highway 16. A living-history museum of Ukrainian immigrant life.
• Miquelon Lake Provincial Park — Adjacent to Elk Island. Additional hiking, birdwatching, and camping.
• Vegreville — 30 km east. Home to the world's largest pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg), a large roadside attraction.
• Strathcona Wilderness Centre — 40 km southwest. Hiking, cross-country skiing, and nature programs.
• Elk Island Golf Course — Adjacent to the park. A scenic course surrounded by nature.