Activities and experiences

Elk Island National Park

Fill your cups with hot chocolate and look up at the stars or go behind the scenes of bison conservation at a bison handling facility. Elk Island National Park offers something for everyone looking to connect with the natural world around them, from day picnickers to overnight campers.

Free admission and discounted overnight stays

Parks Canada is offering free admission and discounted overnight stays at participating locations, from June 20 to September 2, 2025 inclusive.


Blue-green algae advisory

Parks Canada is advising visitors that blue-green algae is currently present in the waters of Astotin Lake. Avoid contact with the water in the lake or near the shores of this lake at this time.

More information

A young man looks out of his tent while a women reads a book at Oster Lake Backcountry Campground in Elk Island National Park.

Camping

Enjoy the nostalgia of camping in the very heart of Elk Island National Park.

a bison grazes beside the road in Elk Island National Park

Wildlife safety

Important information about staying safe while enjoying Elk Island National Park.

Visitors capture pictures of bison from a safe distance... Elk Island National Park

Wildlife watching

Keep an eye out for wildlife!

A couple captures photographs from the Living Waters Boardwalk... Elk Island National Park

Hiking

Enjoy a hike on a park trail!

A Parks Canada interpreter shows visitors a bison skull... Elk Island National Park

Tours and programs

Guided tours, programs, workshops, and learning experiences.

Silhouettes of a group of people on Astotin Beach at sunset. An island and a paddler are visible in the background.

Beaches

Astotin Lake offers a peaceful lakeside setting for your next picnic or family outing.

Keep the "wild" in wildlife.

Know how to prevent and handle encounters with them. For more information, visit Safety and Guidelines.

Camping and overnight accommodations

Camping Astotin Lake Campground
Camping Astotin Lake Group Camping Area
Camping Camping
Camping Learn to Camp
Back-country camping Oster Lake Backcountry Campground
oTENTik oTENTik
Camping Winter camping

Things to do

Interpretation All Activities
Wildlife viewing Animal watching
Back-country camping Backcountry camping
Beaches Beach
Sea birds Bird watching
Bison viewing Bison traffic jam
Interpretation Calendar of events
Camping Camping
Canoeing Canoeing
Cross-country skiing Cross country skiing
Bicycles Cycling
Dogs on leash Dog walking
Geocaching Geocaching
Golf Golf
Hiking Hiking
Ice skating
Kayaking Kayaking
oTENTik oTENTik
Photo Opportunity Photography
Picnic area Picnicking
Playground Playground
Lookout Red chairs
Sailboating Sailboating
Lookout Scenic Driving
Snowshoeing Snowshoeing
Stargazing
Theatre Theatre
Bison viewing Top 5 things to do
Interpretation Tours and programs
Wind surfing Windsurfing
Snowshoeing Winter Adventures
Exhibit Youth Programs
Interpretation Volunteering

Services and amenities

Accessible Facilities Accessible services
Beaches Beaches
Electric car charging station Electric car charging station
Bus parking Bus parking
Camping Camping
Dogs on leash Dogs on leash
Gift Shop Gift shop
Information Information
Lookout Lookout
Bus parking Parkbus
Parking Parking
Picnic area Picnic area
Picnic Shelter Picnic shelter
Playground Playground
Canoe rental Rentals
Restrooms Restrooms
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