Hiking
Elk Island National Park
Trail Condition Report
Find current trail conditions at Elk Island National Park.
Hayburger Trail
Hayburger Trail crosses aspen forest, meadows and spruce bog. An easy hike where bison, birds and moose may be observed
Simmons Trail
The Simmons Trail makes its way through aspen forest and rolling hills. This is a short but challenging cross-country ski trail
Shirley Lake Trail
Shirley Lake Trail: moderate hike through aspen forest and meadows. Good for viewing plains bison, moose and elk
Moss Lake Trail
Moss Lake Trail has a difficult loop and a moderate loop through mixed wood forest. Great for viewing beaver, waterfowl, elk and plains bison
Amisk Wuche Trail
The diversity of the moderate Amisk Wuche trail is ideal for keeping children interested. Boardwalks through marsh and forest
Lakeview Trail
The easy Lakeview Trail offers a panoramic view of Astotin Lake and illustrates the sharp contrast between aspen forest and black spruce bog
Beaver Pond Trail
The easy Beaver Pond Trail is characterized by evidence of beaver activity along its length. Good for viewing plains bison, moose, beaver and waterfowl
Living Waters Boardwalk
A boardwalk trail that loops out onto the water of Astotin Lake giving an excellent view. This short trail is ideal for families with small children
Tawayik Lake Trail
Encircling Tawayik Lake and beyond, this trail offers a beautiful view of the landscape and the occasional herd of grazing bison
Shoreline Trail
Shoreline Trail: easy hike through mixed-wood forest, with good view of islands, beaver and waterfowl that leads to Beaver Bay picnic area
Wood Bison Trail
Wood Bison Trail: Great for viewing moose, elk and birds. The only trail on which you can see wood bison. Difficult hike through aspen forest
Stroll through a shadowed landscape of a black spruce bog; the tangy smell of spruce trees mixes with the earthy scent of moss and peat under foot. All seems quiet and still, but then the shade of the spruce trees opens up to a bright and sunny aspen forest canopy. The trail narrows as the mossy ground gives way to wild rose and beaked hazelnut shrubs. Get lost in the sound of autumn leaves crunching under foot then thrill at the haunting sound of the bugle of a bull elk in the distance. Hike at Elk Island National Park: new scents, sights and sounds await all year round. Check trail conditions and important bulletins before arrival.
Share the trail. Trails are shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders and wildlife alike. Respect other users and yield the right of way to ensure safety. Use extra caution when cycling. Cyclists can quickly and quietly startle wildlife.
| # | Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty |
| 1 | Hayburger Trail Spruce bog, aspen forest and meadows. Good for viewing bison and moose. |
11.6km (loop) | 3 to 4 hours |  Easy |
| 2 | Simmons Trail Aspen forest, meadows and beaver ponds. Good for viewing bison, moose and elk. |
2.6 km | 1 to 1.5 hours |  Moderate |
| 3 | Shirley Lake Trail Aspen forest and meadows. Good for viewing bison, moose and elk. |
11.6 km (loop) | 3 to 4 hours | Moderate |
| 4 | Moss Lake Trails Two connected loops through mixed wood forest. Great for viewing beaver, waterfowl, elk and bison. |
4.8 km (loop) 12.6 km (loop) |
1.5 to 2.5 hours 3.5 to 4.5 hours |
Moderate  Difficult |
| 5 | Amisk Wuche Trail Boardwalks through marsh and forest. Rich in birds and aquatic life. |
2.7km (loop) | 1 to 1.5 hours | Moderate |
| 6 | Lakeview Trail Poplar and spruce forest, great views of Astotin Lake, islands, beaver and waterfowl. |
3.7km (loop) | 1 to 2 hours | Easy |
| 7 | Beaver Pond Trail Aspen forest and sedge meadows. Good for viewing bison, moose, beaver and waterfowl. |
3.6km (loop) | 1 to 2 hours | Easy |
| 8 | Living Waters Boardwalk Floating boardwalk and exhibits. Great view of Astotin Lake, islands, beaver, waterfowl, and aquatic life. |
400m (loop) | 15 to 30 minutes | Easy |
| 9 | Tawayik Lake Trail Aspen forest and meadows. Great for viewing elk, plains bison and waterfowl. A portion of the trail is shared with Shirley Lake Trail. |
15.1km (loop) | 4 to 5 hours | Difficult |
| 10 | Shoreline Trail Mixed-wood forest, good view of islands, beaver and waterfowl. Beaver Bay picnic area found on peninsula with good view of the lake. |
3km (one-way) 6km (return) |
2 to 3 hours | Easy |
| 11 | Wood Bison Trail Aspen forest. Great for viewing wood bison, moose, elk and birds. |
15.6km (loop) | 4 to 5 hours | Difficult |
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