Elk Island National Park is a compact, fenced park in the Beaver Hills east of Edmonton, and it is best known for its bison. Both plains bison and wood bison live here, and you can often see them from the road or from a trail, along with elk, deer, beavers and hundreds of bird species. The park is a mix of aspen forest, meadows and lakes, with Astotin Lake at its heart, where a day-use area offers walking, picnicking and paddling in the warmer months. In winter the park turns quiet and white, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and wildlife watching take over. The park is open daily all year, although some services and facilities operate only in summer, and regular park fees have applied since early September 2026. It is an easy, rewarding day out from the city.
Planning your visit
The park is a short drive east of Edmonton by Highway 16, and having a car is by far the most practical option. Check the park's conditions page before you set out, since trail status and services vary by season. Fees are charged per person per day or by an annual pass, and the park's own site lists the current rates. Stop at the visitor centre if it is open for maps and advice about where the bison have been seen recently.
Bison and safety
The animals look placid but are large and unpredictable, so keep a safe distance, stay in your vehicle on roadways if they are close, and never approach for photographs. The park's Be Bison Wise guidance is worth reading before you arrive. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see wildlife. Bring binoculars, a long lens if you have one, and a thermos in winter.
What else to do
Walk the lakeside trails near Astotin Lake, look for waterbirds in migration seasons, and in winter try skiing or snowshoeing on marked trails. Dress for prairie weather, which can change quickly, and carry water and snacks because services are limited outside summer. Elk Island pairs well with a night in Edmonton on either side, and it is one of the best choices for travellers with a rental car and a free day.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided drive and walk through a fenced national park with bison, elk, lakes and aspen woods, with winter skiing and snowshoeing.
Best time
Early morning and late afternoon for wildlife; winter for quiet snowy trails; summer for lakeside paddling and picnics.
How long
Half a day for a drive and short walks; a full day with a longer trail or ski.
Tips
Check conditions before you leave, keep well back from bison, bring layers, snacks and water, and read the park's wildlife safety guidance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers and anyone who wants nature within an easy drive of the city.
- Families
- A good family day out, with short walks and a high chance of seeing bison, as long as children stay close.
- Couples
- A peaceful winter walk or a sunset drive through the meadows is a lovely change from the city.
- Pair with
- A morning at the river valley parks, or a night at a downtown hotel on either side.
- Time needed
- Four to six hours including the drive from Edmonton.
Good questions
Is Elk Island National Park open in winter?+
Yes, it is open daily all year, though some services and facilities run only in summer. Check the park's conditions page for trail and road status before you go.
Will I see bison?+
Very likely, since the park is home to both plains bison and wood bison, though sightings are never guaranteed. The visitor centre can tell you where they have been seen recently.
Do I need to pay to enter?+
Yes, regular park fees apply, either per person per day or with an annual pass. The park's site lists the current rates.
How do I get there from Edmonton?+
Drive east on Highway 16, a short trip from the city. There is no regular public transit to the park, so a car or a guided trip is the practical choice.
Is it safe around the bison?+
They are wild animals and can be dangerous, so keep a safe distance and never approach them. Follow the park's Be Bison Wise guidance.
