Tours and programs

Interpretive programs

Parks Canada interpreters will help you create memories and inspire connections to Elk Island National Park through a variety of daily programs. We engage, entertain, and educate, while helping you experience all Elk Island has to offer.

Summer public programs, June 26 to August 30, 2026

Daily

Astotin Theatre

Location: Astotin Lake Recreation Area
Open hours: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

Discover artifacts, talk to a Parks Canada interpreter, and watch movies on the big screen. Create your own memories and inspire a deeper connection in this interactive space.

CBC X Parks Canada Indigenous Film Screening Series

CBC and Parks Canada are partnering to offer a series of free screenings that celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and voices of Indigenous peoples across the country.

Location: Astotin Theatre

Dates:

•  July 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 2026
• August 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 2026

Times:

• English film showtime: 2 pm
• French film showtime: 3 pm
• Additional film screenings are available between July 6 and August 31, 2026. Ask for them at the Astotin Theatre.

Films:

English film: Creator Network Compilation

A compilation of Indigenous stories by the Creator Network, with opening and closing remarks by CBC Cree journalist Vanna Blacksmith:

Miyo-Kiyokâwin (Visiting in a Good Way)

Set against the backdrop of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, ‘Miyo-Kiyokâwin (Visiting in a Good Way)’ follows Lexie Obey, a Plains Cree-Métis woman, as she considers her connection to the land through outdoor pursuits. As she navigates the demands of objective-driven sports like trail running, climbing, and skiing, Lexie embraces both the physical and spiritual elements of the mountains while reflecting on what it means to be an Indigenous woman living in a small mountain community far from her traditional territory. A passionate advocate for Indigenous youth in outdoor spaces, Lexie’s story challenges the fast-paced, competitive culture of mountain sports, offering a perspective rooted in respect, reciprocity, and ancestral teachings.

Farmers at Tea Creek grow Indigenous food sovereignty with ancient varieties of potatoes

For farmer Jacob Beaton, the humble potato is not just an important crop but a key pathway towards Indigenous food sovereignty. Beaton, an Indigenous food sovereignty activist, grows many varieties of potatoes and other crops at Tea Creek, a farm located near Kitwanga in northern British Columbia. Collaborating with Indigenous seed steward Tiffany Traverse, Beaton sets out to grow several Indigenous varieties of potato that are not only delicious but are also resilient to the impacts of climate change.

This artist decolonizes climate conversations with stunning salmon beadwork

This film opens with a creative imagining of a phone call to Carissa's grandmother, Linda Waugh, who died in 2012. When salmon numbers dropped perilously low in the Yukon, Carissa Waugh started beading salmon pins. Waugh is a storyteller, artist and advocate who brings her beadwork to climate talks around the globe. It’s her way of decolonizing climate conversations while healing her relationships to salmon, her ancestors and future generations. Produced by Creator Network for CBC North.

Indigenous land stewardship is key to the survival of this rare ecosystem

The Garry oak ecosystem is home to hundreds of species, many of which are endangered and are not found anywhere else. These meadows exist today because of the stewardship of Indigenous peoples. In this video, wildlife conservationist Connel Bradwell and filmmaker Emily Robertson meet two Indigenous stewards PEPAḴIYE (Ashley Cooper) and ŚW̱,XELOSELWET (Tiffany Joseph), as they explain the importance of the Garry oak meadows for traditional food, medicine, culture and biodiversity. Indigenous peoples continue to steward these meadows today and are ensuring that they survive for future generations. Featuring: PEPAḴIYE Ashley Cooper - PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ ȽTS Program Director ŚW̱,XELOSELWET Tiffany Joseph - Language & Cultural Revivalist Connel Bradwell - Co-Director & Host Emily Robertson - Cinematographer, Editor, Co-Director & Host

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Films offered with Closed Captions and Described Video

French film : Manaachihtow : À la rescousse des animaux sauvages

Épisode 1: Le castor, les hiboux moyens-ducs et les polatouches

Kwé! Follow your guide Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash, facilitator of Manaachihtow, which means rescued or fished out in Méchif, the language spoken by the Métis of North America! With her, you will discover the secrets of Wildlife Haven Centre, an animal shelter and hospital in Manitoba. At the centre, veterinarian Dr. Fanny and her team work passionately to provide the best care to their patients, who can be funny and endearing or even majestic and imposing. There's no denying that helping wildlife is in their nature! (Vidéo en français)

• Duration : 23 minutes
• Available with French subtitles for the hearing impaired

Talk Back Panel

Join us on Sunday, July 26th, for a special showing of the films, followed by a panel discussion with a CBC/Radio-Canada journalist and guest speakers!

Fridays

Bison Conservation Toss

Location: Astotin Lake Recreation Area
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm

Take part in this fast-paced, family-friendly activity inspired by Elk Island’s bison conservation efforts. Drop in for a few minutes or stay longer as you help guide bison from Elk Island to their new homes, while navigating the historic challenges these iconic animals have faced in their fight for survival.

Weekends

Bison Backstage Tour

Location: Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre
Times: 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm

Bison Backstage is the exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at bison conservation at Elk Island. Visitors will be led through the Plains Bison Handling Facility and, along the way, will learn about the history of bison, how they affect the prairie landscape around them, and how park staff continue their role in bison conservation efforts. This is a 1-hour walking tour that covers approximately 1 kilometre over uneven ground.

Saturdays

Beaver Town

Location: Astotin Lake Recreation Area, near the Living Waters Boardwalk
Time: 2 pm to 5 pm

Uncover the land and water that is shaped by busy beavers. Why are beavers considered “ecosystem engineers”? What does the presence of a beaver mean to the rest of their neighbourly companions? Dig up the answers to these questions and more!

Explore a wetland shaped by beavers and become a beaver buddy!

Dark Sky Stories

Location: Astotin Lake Recreation Area
Time: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Settle in next to a campfire to hear dark sky stories that have fascinated people for generations. Arrive early to save your spot!

Sundays

Stones ‘n’ Bones
Location: Astotin Lake Recreation Area
Time: 2 pm to 5 pm

Experience the stories and adaptations of the people who have called Amiskwaciy home over the last thousands of years, through the lens of archaeology.

Engage with replica tools and artifacts and practice an ancient method that was used to hunt bison.

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays

Daily Discoveries

Location: Astotin Lake Recreation Area
Time: 10:30 am to 1 pm

Stop by for fun daily activities! From bison poop and current ecosystem monitoring programs to pemmican, stop by for a different activity each day.

Saturday, Sundays, and Wednesdays

Tiny Hikes

Location: Meet at the Astotin Theatre
Time: 11 am and 11:30 am

Join a Parks Canada interpreter for a short (around 20-minute), family-friendly walk in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area. Discover the fascinating stories of the park through rotating topics such as plants, geology, birds, and archaeology. Each Tiny Hike offers a new perspective. Come explore with us!

Teachers: Be sure to visit our School Programs page.