When I visited Edmonton in Canada, I wanted to get a general feel for the city but I also wanted to experience some things to do in Edmonton in winter specifically. So I visited the Silver Skate Festival and headed out to Elk Island National Park.
There are plenty of things to do in Elk Island National Park, some more specific to winter than others. Here are some of the things I did during my (too short) time at Elk Park Edmonton, and some other ideas for great things to do.
8 of the Best Things to do in Elk Island National Park
1. Drive the bison loop
The first thing we did, was drive around the bison loop to see if we could spot some bison.
In the beginning of the 20th century, bison were almost extinct in North America and so a bunch of them were brought to Elk Island Alberta to secure their survival and grow their numbers. The program worked and today most of the bison in Southern Canada are descendants of ancestors at Elk Island. The park is very proud of this success and so it organizes a Bison Festival every August.
It wasn't nearly August yet when I visited, though, and so we tried spotting bison in the snow – and we did! While we were driving the Bison loop road, we suddenly spotted two big brown spots against a forest backdrop. There they were.
Big, utterly relaxed-looking animals that could run you over in a heartbeat. Luckily for us, they were too busy grazing and lazing about. I didn't have a telelens with me, but still managed to capture them from afar. One guy got pretty close to them and I'm sure he managed to get some great shots, but I didn't really feel like risking it that day.
2. Spot wildlife
So we spotted bison, but the park isn't called “Bison Island”, now is it? In fact, there's a bunch of hoofed wildlife running around Elk Island which means ample wildlife spotting opportunities.
Their numbers are so big, they're only second to the hoofed wildlife living in the Serengeti. Driving around you can spot not only bison, but also deer, beavers, wolverines, fox, black bears, moose, coyotes, lynx and elk, although especially the elk are notoriously elusive.
We only spent about three hours at the park and spotted two bison and one coyote (from afar).
3. Go snowshoeing for a treat
After our little drive around the bison loop, our guide took us snowshoeing around and on the lake. This involves putting on special shoes designed for walking over snow.
There are a ton of Elk Island national park trails ranging from very short to day-long hikes. We only walked around for half an hour or so, until our guide sat down in the middle of the frozen lake to prepare us some maple syrup toffee while we admired our surroundings.
How that works? She heated up the maple syrup, then poured it onto the ice for it to harden a bit so she could roll it up onto a little stick and it became like a popsicle. So sweet. So sticky. So good.
Want to know more about Canadian things to eat? Check out my post on Canadian foods.
4. Try out some of the official Elk Island park trails
Not visiting in winter and trying out snowshoeing? Get your hiking boots and give one of the Elk Island national park hikes a go. From short, easy paths to half-day hikes, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a novice or a keen hiker, you can find a hiking trail to suit your taste.
There are 11 official Elk Island park trails which cover over 83km.
Some of these hiking trails include:
- Wood Bison Trail
- Moss Lake Trail
- Amisk Wuche Trail
- Hayburger Trial
- Astotin Lakeview Trail
- Tawayik Lake Trial
- Beaver Pond Trial
- Moss Lake Detour
- Elk Island Loop Trial
- Tawayik Lake Trail
- Shirley Lake Trail
You can check out the routes on a hiking app like All Trails or use the maps available at the Elk Island National Park visitor center.
5. Spot the red chairs
In all Canadian National Parks, you can find these beautiful red chairs facing the most amazing natural vistas. Sit down, relax and enjoy the view… or use them as photo models :-)
They're just one of the many photo-worthy sights at Edmonton Elk Island National Park, though. The silence and vastness of this place works inspirational and I'm sure outdoor photographers have the time of their life here.
6. Do some bird watching
In summer, Elk Island is also a great place for bird spotters as even the highly endangered trumpeter swam drops by here. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers because it has over 250 species who make it their home.
The park's wetlands make it the perfect place for birds to feed and breed. Viewing is best done at dawn and if you aren't sure what you're looking for, book a bird watching tour with a local expert.
The migration seasons in Spring and Fall are reported to be the best time to see the most species at once.
7. Go kayaking on Lake Astotin
In the summer months, Lake Astotin is the perfect spot for a cooling dip. The Astotin Lake Recreation area on the shores of the lake offers a convenient picnic area, showers and washroom facilities.
You can rent kayaks, canoes or paddleboards from the recreation center for a unique experience on the lake. Motor boats aren't allowed, so you can enjoy a tranquil exploration of the 7km wide lake. There are 21 islands to explore on the lake, so you're sploit for choice.
If an active adventure isn't your thing, you can simply sit back and relax with a good book at the lake's sandy beach.
Bring your own picnic, or buy some snacks from the Astotin Lake campground kiosk and set up for the day on the Astotin Lake beach or under the trees. It's highly recommended to stay to watch the sunset. There are even firepits at the lakeside which you can use if you want to stay after dusk and roast some smores.
8. Spend the night camping
If you're tired after tackling one of the park's numerous hiking trails, camping is a really nice way to spend the night in the national park.
There are two official campsites in Elk Island National Park. The camping areas are at Oster Lake Backcountry and Astotin Lake.
Between May and October, you can camp in the park either with a tent or an RV. You need to make sure you book in advance though as spots are limited and sell out quickly. You can book via the Parks Canada website.
And that's it! I hope this helps you plan things to do in Elk Island National Park. Unfortunately, we were only there for a few hours but we did manage to do some cool things in that time.
As a day trip from Edmonton at any time of year, Elk Island makes a great little getaway.
Practical information for visiting Elk Island National Park Edmonton
It takes about 40 minutes to get from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park by car and I highly recommend getting a rental car when you make the trip, as you'll be able to use the car inside the park as well to drive to different points of interest and around the bison loop.
RentalCars.com has a best-price guarantee and lets you compare tons of rental car offers.
Elk Island National Park hours
The park is open all year round, but the Elk Island hours depend on the time of year you visit.
Elk Island park hours
September 6 to October 10: Daily 9am to 6pm
October 11 to April 30: Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
Closed on December 25 and January 1
Elk Island visitor center
At the Elk Island Visitor Center you can get trail maps and other information but if you want to prepare beforehand, take a look at the Elk Island National Park website as there's plenty more to do than just snowshoeing.
You can also read up on the park's official website more on how to behave around the bison, as they can be very unpredictable animals.
We did a guided snowshoe tour to learn a bit more about the park, but you can also go hike or snowshoe by yourself. For what concerns the bison, we only did some spotting, but if you're really interested in them, you can book a “Backstage Tour” and visit the bison handling facility where you'll learn about bison conversation, among other things.
If you go in winter, like I did, make sure to wear proper snow boots. Preferably knee-high ones, as those will allow you to plow through the snow to get closer to whatever wildlife you spot. Snow boots are also best for strapping on snowshoes.
You should also dress warm as the wind can make it feel even colder than it already is, especially on open plains. I was fine with my two merino woolen base layers underneath two fleeces, merino woolen socks, a merino woolen legging underneath my jeans and snow boots. I also wore a warm hat and gloves.
If you want a full list of what I packed for Edmonton, you can find it here.
Elk Island National Park hotels
If you want to stay near Elk Island Edmonton, check out some of the best hotels here:
Budget: The Kanata Fort Saskatchewan
This is a bit of a lucky find – situated in Fort Saskatchewan, roughly between Edmonton and Elk Island National Park, it’s great value for money and has several perks. The rooms have a stylish quality, clean and modern with coffee and tea making facilities, free WiFi, a fridge and a microwave. The hotel has a restaurant, an indoor hot tub and a buffet breakfast.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Mid-range: Heartland Hotel
Heartland Hotel is located in Lamont, just to the north of Elk Island. The rooms have a classic feel and the hotel has an outdoor barbecue area, free WiFi and free parking, a shared chill-out area and a communal garden.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Chain: Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown
City and riverside views, an on-site restaurant and gym, and only a stone’s throw from Central Light Rail Station, the Courtyard Edmonton Downtown is a perfect city-centre option if you want to explore Elk Island National Park from a base within Edmonton. The hotel is bright and airy, and the rooms are equipped with free WiFi, a mini-fridge and a coffee-maker.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Luxury: Chateau Lacombe
Located in Downtown Edmonton just a few steps from the river, Chateau Lacombe is a luxurious corner of tranquility to retreat to after a heavy day exploring Elk Island. The revolving rooftop restaurant is one of its highlights, with spectacular views across the city and fine dining. If that’s not enough, there are two other eating options at the hotel, and the suites are large and chic.
View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Apartment: Modern Downtown Loft near Rogers Place
Another Downtown Edmonton option, this apartment is a great base to use for both city exploring and dipping into Elk Island National Park. At an elevated height, it’s a wonderful escape from the bustling streets and has a light, modern but cozy atmosphere that will make you feel immediately at home.
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PIN FOR LATER
What are your favorite things to do in Elk Island National Park, are there any missing from this list?
I was invited to Elk Island by Edmonton Tourism. The choice to enjoy myself was entirely mine.