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

The Canada Strong Pass is back! Enjoy free admission and 25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada from:

  • December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 
  • June 19 to September 7, 2026

Hiking

Enjoy a hike on a park trail!

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

Wildlife watching

Keep an eye out for wildlife!

Wildlife safety

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

A group of girls snowshoe along the Tawayik Lake Trail in Elk Island National Park

Winter Adventures

Winter is a fabulous time to enjoy the wilderness of Elk Island National Park.

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.

Winter Safety

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

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

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
Information Permits and licences
Picnic area Picnic area
Picnic Shelter Picnic shelter
Playground Playground
Canoe rental Rentals
Restrooms Restrooms
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