Bison Backstage Tour

Elk Island National Park

Bison Backstage is a behind-the-scenes look at bison conservation at Elk Island.

Description

Visitors touch a bison pelt. — Feel a bison pelt.

Step behind the scenes and discover the extraordinary story of bison conservation at Elk Island.

Journey through the remarkable history of North American bison, exploring how these iconic animals support grassland ecosystems, their perilous decline, the ongoing conservation work that protects them today, and the deep, ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities and partners who help guide this stewardship.

Walk through the Historic Barn and experience the Plains Bison Handling Facility, where conservation comes to life.
Feel a bison pelt and connect with this iconic species.

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times

Public and private tours are available for this program. Public tours are offered at set times from the May long weekend to the September long weekend and are open to anyone. Private tours are available throughout the year and will offer a tailored experience for your group only.

Tours are subject to the Interpretation Program Severe Weather Policy. Public and private tours may be postponed, adapted, or cancelled due to severe weather, including severe smoke, lightning, tornado warnings, or extreme cold.

Public tours are available Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from the May long weekend to the September long weekend.

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
3:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Private tours are available throughout the year.

Private tours are unavailable in the winter every other year due to bison handling operations.

Duration

1 hour

Location

The tour starts at the Visitor Information Centre and travels to the Historic Barn and Plains Bison Handling Facility. There is approximately 1 km of walking over uneven grass and gravel surfaces, with an option to go onto a metal catwalk.

Group sizes

Up to 30 people per tour

Languages

English
French

Age requirements

This program is suitable for public tours, school groups, tour groups, and other private groups.
Schools: The content of the program is most relevant to the Alberta curriculum for grades 9 and 10, as well as adult audiences.
Supervisor to student ratios:

A minimum of 1 supervisor for every 10 elementary students is required.
A minimum of 1 supervisor for every 15 secondary students is required.

What to bring

Bring appropriate clothing for the weather. Approximately 60% of the tour takes place outside.
Snacks and a water bottle. A water fountain is available inside the Visitor Centre during operational hours. There is no food available to purchase.

Spring and summer tours

Sturdy walking or hiking shoes.
Layered clothing and appropriate outerwear, such as a rain jacket or insulated jacket, for forecasted weather conditions.

Winter tours

Layered clothing and outerwear that will keep you warm for at least 1 hour outside.
Sturdy shoes for walking through snow, such as waterproof winter boots.

Reservations and payment

Prices

Program fees at Elk Island National Park

How to book

You must reserve private bookings at least 2 weeks in advance.

Email interp.elkisland@pc.gc.ca

Public tours do not require a reservation. Arrive at the Visitor Information Centre a few minutes before the tour time you’d like to attend.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation is required a minimum of 24 hours in advance for private bookings.

Facilities and services

Washrooms

Washrooms are located outside the Visitor Information Centre along a paved path.

There are six (6) gender-inclusive single washrooms. They are all fully enclosed with a locking door. The doors are not powered.
Each washroom includes a toilet, sink, mirror, feminine hygiene disposal bin, and a hand dryer. Two washrooms are equipped with child change tables.

Washrooms are available at the start and end of the tour. There are no public washrooms on the tour.

Parking lot at the Visitor Information Centre

2 designated accessible spaces
Paved surface
Motorcoach parking available

Gift shop and interpretive exhibits are available inside the Visitor Information Centre during regular hours of operation.

Accessibility considerations

Distance from the parking lot and description of the route

1 kilometre round-trip over uneven grass and gravel
Paved floor inside the Historic Barn and Plains Bison Handling Facility. There is a 2-inch threshold off the ground at both entrances of the Historic Barn.
An optional portion of the tour includes metal stairs to a catwalk.

There are two sections with seven steps each, for a total of 14 steps one way, to reach an elevated catwalk.
The stairs are perforated metal. The material is shiny and rough with large holes.
A section of the handrail is rough wood and requires caution to use. The other section of the handrail is metal.
This portion of the tour can be removed by request. Talk to your interpreter at the start of the tour to remove this portion.

Program location and seating

The tour meets at the Visitor Information Centre. The tour takes participants through the Historic Barn and Plains Bison Handling Facility, a total distance of about 1 kilometre over uneven grass and gravel.
Benches without backrests and four single chairs with backrests and armrests are available inside the Historic Barn, about 200 metres from the parking lot.
One chair with a backrest and armrests is available inside the squeeze building of the Plains Bison Handling Facility, about 500 metres from the parking lot and 300 metres from the Historic Barn.

Equipment

Refer to the facilities and services available at Elk Island National Park.

All the equipment listed on that page may be borrowed for free for use in this program.
Advance equipment reservation is highly recommended. Ask us at the time of program reservation.

Sound and sensory considerations

The tour takes place mostly outdoors, with two indoor portions in the Historic Barn and Plains Bison Handling Facility’s squeeze building.
The Historic Barn is old. There may be animals inside, like squirrels, mice or birds. There may also be dust and dirt. The building is not climate-controlled (no air conditioning or heating).
The Plains Bison Handling Facility is a working facility. There may be large machines working nearby.
The squeeze room in the Plains Bison Handling Facility is small and can be a tight space for larger groups.

Less busy times and areas

May and June weekdays are usually busier with school groups.
July and August weekdays are usually less busy than weekends.
Public tours can be very busy. If you’d like a quieter experience, we recommend booking a private tour.
Late fall and winter are often quieter times to experience Elk Island. May through October are typically the busiest months.

Travel trade

Suitable for small groups: 1 to 15 people
Suitable for large groups: 16 to 30 people
Suitable for FIT (Fully Independent Travelers)

Commercial rates

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