Elk Island National Park

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Elk Island National Park

An official Parks Canada page. Français : http://ow.ly/XIqz50LYAQ5
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Cette page est aussi disponible en français à https://www.facebook.com/Parc-national-Elk-Island-102511268848648

05/30/2026

🐻 Yes! Black bear families live in Elk Island!

Wild animals thrive on natural food sources, so when visiting , never share your food, whether intentionally or through unsecured attractants.

Help keep wildlife safe and wild:
✅ Pack out all garbage and food scraps
✅ Store food and scented items properly
✅ Keep campsites and picnic areas clean

Remember, your behaviour today can shape an animal’s behaviour tomorrow. Wildlife that gets human food or garbage may start to seek it out, putting themselves and other visitors at risk.

Let’s do our part to keep wildlife wild and our parks safe. 🌿

05/27/2026

“Wherever you go, I go.” 🦬💛
Caught on trail camera at : a bison calf staying glued to mom. Cute? Very.

But this is one family you’ll want to admire from a distance.

Bison calves are never alone for long. Their mothers are always close by and extremely protective. Getting too close can be dangerous for visitors and stressful for wildlife.

📏 Give bison families space
✔️ Watch quietly from far away
❌ Don’t approach for photos
👀 If a bison changes its behaviour with your presence, you’re too close

Let calves follow mom where she goes, without us in the way.

Respecting their space helps keep them wild, safe, and growing strong.

05/20/2026

🐻 Yes! Black bear families live in Elk Island!

📸 Caught on camera: two black bear cubs exploring the park.

Wildlife thrives on natural food sources, so when visiting , never share your food, whether intentionally or through unsecured attractants.

Help keep wildlife safe and wild:
✅ Pack out all garbage and food scraps
✅ Store food and scented items properly
✅ Keep campsites and picnic areas clean

Remember, your behaviour today can shape an animal’s behaviour tomorrow. Wildlife that gets human food or garbage may start to seek it out, putting themselves and other visitors at risk.

Let’s do our part to keep wildlife wild and our parks safe. 🌿

05/17/2026

Planning a day in ? A little courtesy helps keep these shared spaces enjoyable for everyone.

When spending time in day-use areas, please remember:

🔇 Skip the speakers and keep the volume low. Nature already has the best soundtrack.

🧺 Share picnic tables and common areas. Don’t reserve picnic tables like pool chairs at a resort.

🚫Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in the park on long weekends.

🐕Keep your pet on a leash and under control at all times.

🌭Keep a clean site: Properly store all food, garbage, and scented items as these can attract wildlife. Never leave them unattended!

🚮Clean up as you go. Even the tiniest wrappers and food scraps belong in the garbage bins!

🍽️Use the outdoor wash stations to wash dishes properly

Thanks for helping keep the park safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone! For more visitor guidelines, visit the website:

https://ow.ly/ptPJ50YOFwY

05/16/2026

We thought it would never come, but paddling season is back, baby!🛶

As you prepare for another summer on the water, make sure it’s a safe one by following these tips for Safe Boating Week:

🦺 Carry essential safety equipment on board as required by Transport Canada, including an approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Forgot your PFD? Rent one at Ridge Wilderness Adventures , located in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area. https://ridgewilderness.com/rentals/

✅ Complete a pre-departure checklist and take a boating safety course to learn how to operate watercraft safely.

🗺️Share a trip plan with family or friends and know your equipment so minor problems don’t turn into emergencies.

🌦️Check the weather before you leave shore and prepare for the unexpected – strong winds can turn a lake from serene to dangerous quickly.

For more information about how to stay safe on the water while visiting , visit: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/securite-safety/leau-water

05/15/2026

Spring is here, and is ready to welcome you! 🌿 Expect busy conditions on warm weekends, so plan-ahead. Arrive before 11 a.m. or visit midweek for a calmer experience (and better wildlife viewing!).

For a quieter visit, consider:

🚴 Early morning bike rides along a quiet parkway
🥾 Morning forest hikes as the park wakes up
🛶 Gentle morning paddles on Astotin Lake
☕ Breakfast picnics with a view
🌅 Midweek getaways or after-work picnic dinners to unwind

If visiting during peak times, consider exploring other beautiful destinations within the Beaver Hills Biosphere nearby.

05/14/2026

📣 Event Update: New Date Announced!

Due to a chilly weather forecast, Elk Island National Park’s Wahkotowin Indigenous Craft Market has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 6, 2026 📅

Please join us in supporting local Indigenous artisans at the Historic Barn adjacent to the Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre from 10 am to 4 pm 🕑

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you for a wonderful day of community, culture, and creativity! 🌿✨

Here's to hoping for sunnier skies ahead.☀️

05/13/2026

Did someone say May Long Weekend?

Here’s what you need to know before you head out to :

🚗It’s expected to be busy, especially at park gates and campground kiosks. We’re all excited to get outside after a snowy spring! Arrive early to avoid line-ups and maximize your time in Elk Island.

🐻 Keep wildlife safe: Stay 100 m away from wildlife (especially with calving season starting) and do not leave wildlife attractants unsupervised, even for a minute.

🐶 Know where dogs are allowed in the National Park and always keep your pets on a leash!

‼️ Check the Important Bulletins page for up-to-date closure information and activity restrictions before you go to avoid surprises.

⏰Starting tomorrow, the Wahkotowin Visitor Centre hours are changing for the season! Open weekdays from 9:30am to 6:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 7:30pm until September 8, 2026.

For more information, visit: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland

05/11/2026

📣 Event Update: New Date Announced!

Due to a chilly weather forecast, Elk Island National Park’s Wahkotowin Indigenous Craft Market has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 6, 2026

****

Elk Island National Park is proud to host the Wahkotowin Indigenous Outdoor Market.

Join us in supporting local Indigenous Artisans at the Historic Barn adjacent to the Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre on Saturday, May 16 📅 from 10 am to 4 pm 🕑

05/10/2026

A mama bear and her little ones, caught on trail-cam, bumbling along to their next adventure. 🐻🍑💛

Yes! Black bears live in Elk Island National Park!
Remember: if cubs are nearby, mom is too and she won’t hesitate to defend them.

To avoid bear encounters, be Bear Aware:
🔊 Make noise as you go
👥 Travel as a group
🌿 Stay on official trails
🐾 Keep pets leashed
🌞 Hike during daylight
💨Carry bear spray (yes, even at Elk Island)

Stay loud, stay alert, and give bear families the space they need to stay wild and safe.

Visit the website to learn more bear awareness tips: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/securite-safety/ours-bears

Address

1/54401 Range Road 203
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
T8L0V3

Telephone

+17809225790

Website

https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland

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