Elk Island

Let your Smartphone be your guide at Elk Island National Park!

Own a smartphone or iPhone? Come check out Explora. Going for a guided hike is as easy as downloading an app and lacing up your hiking boots! Take the original Elk Island tour - explore the park's first access road (now disguised as a park trail) and uncover stories of the past while wandering the Astonin Lake Area. Your phone will guide you through your adventure, highlighting unique heritage buildings and breathtaking scenery while telling Elk Island's stories through pictures, audio, and video. Pairing this gentle 3km hike with a picnic is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Don't have a smartphone? Don't worry! We have a number of explora devices that you can borrow from the park. Explora will launch May 22nd during our Centennial kick-off at the Astonin Lake Theatre. For more information contact 780.992.2950 or elk.island@pc.gc.ca.

Calling all New Canadians

Have you ever dreamed of hiking through the woods, camping out under the stars, or roasting marshmallows over a cozy fire? Now’s your chance! On June 18th, Parks Canada Agency, partnering with the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association and Mountain Equipment Coop, will be holding a ‘no experience necessary’ over-night camp-out at Elk Island National Park. Up to twenty-five new Canadian families will enjoy ‘how to camp’ seminars, interpretive programs, fun group activities, and great food.

Campers will learn how to set up different camping equipment through demonstrations. Participants will only need to bring sleeping bags and personal items; tents and sleeping mats will be provided.

Interested in participating? Contact Alyssa at 780.992.2955 or alyssa.salloway@pc.gc.ca.

Forget your Tent!

Beginning June 24th, enjoy an authentic Plains Cree Teepee camping experience in the Sandy Beach Campground!  Teepees sleep up to 6 people and sit on raised wooden platforms.  Each of the three Teepee campsites are equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.  A rustic communal fire ring and seating is also available for larger groups to enjoy.

Looking for a great group camping experience? Teepee camping can accommodate up to 18 people and while offering you your own private camping area. It’s a perfect place for a family reunion!

Book through the Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service at 1.877.RESERVE (1.877.737.3783) or www.pccamping.ca. Teepee rates are $55.00/night.

Pack Elk Island on Your Back!

Want to get the most out of your Elk Island visit? Borrow one of our activity packs. Whether you’ve visited us before or are brand new to Elk Island National Park- Pack Elk Island on Your Back promises you a great experience. Our backpacks are full of fun family activities, interesting trip ideas, binoculars for bird watching, an Elk Island field guide, a pond dipping kit, and information about other local attractions. Whether you want to take it on a hike or just wander around the picnic areas Pack Elk Island on your Back has something for everyone.

Pick up a backpack at the Visitor Centre, Sandy Beach Campground kiosk or Astotin Lake Theatre starting July 15th.

For more information contact 780.992.2950 or elk.island@pc.gc.ca.

Xplore Elk Island

Get your kids packed in the car and ready for fun. Drop in at our Visitor Centre or Astotin Lake Theatre and pick up the Xplorer booklet packed full of exciting activities, fun facts, and interesting ways to discover Elk Island. Geared towards kids aged 6-11 completion of the booklet offers participants an opportunity to earn a certificate and take home a cool souvenir.

Parks Canada’s Xplorers booklet will help your child get the most out of their visit, provide your family with a great experience, and give you the inside track on this amazing park. Elk Island is one of 40+ Parks Canada sites offering this new kids adventure program. Be at Elk Island on Canada Day (July 1st) as we launch Parks Canada’s Xplorers across the nation.

For more information call 780-992-2950.