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Elk Island National Park
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Kevin Hogarth
©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
Group viewing Bision.
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Kevin Hogarth
©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
RV campers, Sandy Beach Campground.
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Kevin Hogarth
©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
Photographer in kayak on Astotin Lake.
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Kevin Hogarth
©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
Women getting gear from tent, Sandy Beach Campground.
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Kevin Hogarth
©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
Young couple sitting on bench at sunrise, Astotin Lake
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©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
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©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
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Kevin Hogarth
©Parks Canada/Elk Island National Park
Family in Canoe on Astotin Lake.
Submitted Article
Hear roaring in the summer and whistling in the fall. Sound like a strange experience for a national park? It is. The lion-like roars of the bull bison in summer and the high-pitched whistling of rutting elk in the fall are sounds you’re unlikely to forget.
Elk Island provides amazing opportunities to see wildlife – less than an hour from Edmonton! Watch for elk, white tailed deer and moose that roam freely within the park. As you explore, see plains and wood bison herds grazing in their natural habitat. Observe the antics of the industrious beaver building a lodge at Beaver Bay. Spot one of 250 bird species flying overhead.
Enjoy a true Canadian camping experience at the Sandy Beach campground. Overlooking a picturesque marsh, Sandy Beach is a spectacular place to make camp and watch sunsets. Nestled in the Astotin Lake Area, the campground is close to the beach, soccer field, playground, golf course and theatre. Sites are unserviced, have picnic tables, fire pits and are located close to shower and washroom facilities. The campground is open annually from May 10 to October 13 (weather permitting.)
With 80 km of trails, camping, picnic sites, lakes to paddle, wildlife beyond measure and starry skies, there are endless ways to enjoy the magic of Elk Island National Park. Be sure to stop in at the gift shop, located at the Visitor Centre, and pick up a souvenir to remember your trip.
Top 5 Activities:
1. Go behind the scenes on the Bison Transfer Experience tour with park interpreters and learn about the amazing conservation work that is happening today. Interpretive programs are offered throughout the summer.
2. Drive the scenic Bison Loop road – a 1 km loop that winds through open prairie and herds of bison.
3. Hit the links or enjoy a tasty meal at the historic Elk Island Golf Course designed by renowned Canadian golf architect Stanley Thompson.
4. Geocache and earn a special Elk Island collector coin by discovering all eight official Elk Island geocaches.
5. Rent a canoe and paddle into the sunset on the calm waters of Astotin Lake.
For more information:
· To reserve a campsite, please visit http://reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or
call 1-877-737-3783 (1-877-RESERVE)
· Check out our website www.parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland.
· Contact us at elk.island@pc.gc.ca or call 1-780-922-5790