Accessibility and easier access visits
Elk Island National Park
Parks Canada is committed to improving accessibility so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to enjoy Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. Elk Island National Park offers activities, programs and services for people with different interests, abilities and accessibility needs.
Easier-to-access experiences
Start your trip at the Visitor Centre
The Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre is open year-round and located at the south entrance to the park via Highway 16. Check for current hours of operation before your trip. Parks Canada staff members can provide you with up-to-date information on events, programs, and much more. The Visitor Centre also has text displays with information on the history of Elk Island National Park, Indigenous connections, and bison conservation. There are interactive items that visitors can touch, too.
You can purchase something to take home from the Parks Canada shop and crafts from local artists, including Indigenous artisans.
- The parking lot at the Visitor Centre is paved and has a wheelchair accessible ramp.
- Two designated parking stalls are located near the wheelchair accessible ramp.
Explore history and bison conservation on a Bison Backstage tour
Step behind the scenes and explore the remarkable world of bison conservation. This guided experience stretches 1 kilometer of gravel road and includes indoor and outdoor stops, opportunities to rest along the way and an optional catwalk section, allowing visitors to tailor the tour to their comfort level.
Drive down the parkway for a chance to spot wildlife
Take a scenic drive on the 20 km Elk Island Parkway. View wildlife in their natural habitat from the comfort of your vehicle on a scenic drive on the Elk Island Parkway. The parkway is 20 km long and stretches from north to south with road pull-off sites for viewpoints.
Picnic at Astotin Lake
Bring food and friends to the Astotin Lake day use area to enjoy a meal or spend the day outdoors. The day use area has an accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible washrooms and picnic tables designed with an overhang to accommodate wheelchair users.
Hike the park
The Shoreline Trail is a fully paved trail that travels along parts of Astotin Lake and small ponds. It provides chances to see bison, beavers, many species of birds, and more! There is a metal pull gate 239.2 m down the trail that is sometimes used for moving equipment or in the event of a closure.
Elk Island National Park offers many other trails with different terrain, including natural trails, boardwalks, pavement, and well-maintained gravel.
- Trail difficulty levels range from easy to moderate
Spend the night camping
Astotin Lake Campground offers several different accessible campsite options.
The campground contains an oTENTik with a wheelchair accessible ramp and on-site parking. The accessible washrooms are located 150 m from the site, going uphill on a gravel road.
Landscape and seasonality
Elk Island National Park is located in a grassland and forest environment. Generally, snow is absent from May to October.
Contact the Visitor Centre in fall, winter and spring to find out what areas are cleared of snow.
How to get around here
Pay your admission, get safety information and a site map to help plan your day from the gates or the Wahkotowin Visitor Centre. Once you reach the Visitor Centre parking lot, travel up the wheelchair accessible ramp and continue along the paved sidewalk to the facility's entrance. Take time to visit the exhibits and gift shop before heading outside to explore.
Elk Island National Park is very busy during the summer months. It's essential to plan ahead before visiting. It is recommended to visit Monday through Friday before 11 a.m.
Washrooms
The Astotin Theatre and Visitor Information Centre washrooms are wheelchair accessible.
The main beach at Astotin Lake has one accessible non-gendered washroom with a changing table, and both the men’s and women’s washroom have one wheelchair accessible stall.
There is one accessible non-gendered washroom with a changing table at the Astotin Lake Group Camping Area.
Adaptive equipment and access features
A wheelchair is available for visitors to borrow, free of charge. It is a 18W (wide) 18D (depth) Ultralight Move wheelchair with a weight capacity 250 lbs. This chair has integrated push handles and easy propulsion.
This chair is intended to be used on paved and flat terrain, it is not an off-road wheelchair and should not be used on unpaved trails
To reserve this wheelchair, please contact the Visitor Centre by phone at 780-922-2790 or email at pnelkisland-elkislandnp@pc.gc.ca.
The wheelchair is available from July 1 through October 14 at the Astotin Lake Campground Kiosk.
Free entry for support persons
Parks Canada offers free admission and access to programs for support persons travelling with a visitor who has a disability and depends on the support person to travel and experience a Parks Canada destination.
Support people may be family members, friends or aides from an external organization.
Many people with disabilities are independent and may make use of assistance from travelling companions but are not dependent upon it, in which case regular fees are applied.
Contact us
If you need information or assistance before or during your visit, please contact us. We're happy to help!
- Phone: 1-780-922-5790
- Email: pnelkisland-elkislandnp@pc.gc.ca
- Date modified :