Elk Island NP

53.62392 , -112.86126

Canada

Elk Island National Park lies due east of Edmonton in the Beaver Hills region of Alberta, a landscape formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age. Founded in 1906 to protect one of the last elk herds in the region, the park was the first wildlife refuge in Canada. The park contains a rich network of habitats including lakes, woodland and grassland. The land lies within the Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 53.6239/-112.8613 (2021-05-14 15:46:19 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Elk Island NP" (2021-05-14 15:46:19 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-31 12:00:43
Elk Island National Park lies due east of Edmonton in the Beaver Hills region of Alberta, a landscape formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age. Founded in 1906 to protect one of the last elk herds in the region, the park was the first wildlife refuge in Canada. The park contains a rich network of habitats including lakes, woodland and grassland. The land lies within the Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-10 21:21:50
Elk Island National Park lies due east of Edmonton, Alberta.of Edmonton in the Beaver Hills region of Alberta, a landscape formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age. The park contains a rich network of habitats including lakes, woodland and grassland. The land lies within the Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-10 01:15:03
Elk Island is a National Park lying due east of Edmonton.lies due east of Edmonton, Alberta. The park contains a rich network of habitats including lakes, woodland and grassland. The land lies within the Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:36:25
Elk Island is a National Park lying due east of Edmonton. A rich The park contains a rich network of habitats including several lakes, woodland including lakes, woodland and grassland. The land lies within the Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:01:27
Elk Island is a National Park lying due east of Edmonton. A rich network of habitats including several lakes, woodland and grassland. The land lies within the Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)
Sora (Porzana carolina)
Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia)
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri)
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus)
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-13 09:13:51)

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-13 09:13:24)

Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-13 09:12:38)

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-10 01:24:29)

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-10 01:23:19)

Sora (Porzana carolina) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-10 01:20:39)

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 13:33:51)

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 13:33:35)

Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 13:33:15)

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:16:46)

Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:16:39)

Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:08:24)

Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:08:14)

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:08:06)

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:07:40)

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:07:07)

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:06:57)

Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-05-09 12:06:44)

  • Timing and strategy

The site is mostly visited between April and October, when the avifauna is enriched by migrants and breeding visitors. Given the size of the park, at least a half day or full day is recommended. A convenient starting point is Astotin Lake, where trails of varying lengths begin and camping is available.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-15 10:50
The site is mostly visited between April and October, when the avifauna is enriched by migrants and breeding visitors. Given the size of the park, at least a half day or full day is recommended. A convenient starting point is Astotin Lake, where trails of varying lengths begin. begin and camping is available.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-15 10:50
The site is mostly visited between April and October, when the avifauna is enriched by migrants and breeding visitors. Given the size of the park, at least a half day or full day is recommended. A convenient starting point is Astotin Lake, where trails of varying lengths begin.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-13 09:09
The site is mostly visited between April and October.October, when the avifauna is enriched by migrants and breeding visitors. Given the size of the park, a half day or full day is recommended. A convenient starting point is Astotin Lake, where trails of varying lengths begin.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:25
The site is mostly visited between April and October. Given the size of the park, a half day or full day is recommended. A convenient starting point is Astotin Lake, where trails of varying lengths begin.
  • How to get there

The park is 35 minutes' drive from Edmonton via Highway 16 East (Yellowhead), or about an hour's drive from Edmonton International Airport.

On Saturdays and Sundays there is a seasonal bus service from Edmonton, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/visit/parkbus

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-06-01 10:55
The park is 35 minutes' drive from Edmonton via Highway 16 East (Yellowhead), or about an hour's drive from Edmonton International Airport. On Saturdays and Sundays there is a seasonal bus service from Edmonton, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/visit/parkbus
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:13
The park is 35 minutes' drive from Edmonton via Highway 16 East (Yellowhead), or about an hour's drive from Edmonton International Airport.Airport. On Saturdays and Sundays there is a bus service from Edmonton, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/visit/parkbus
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:03
The park is 35 minutes' drive from Edmonton via Highway 16 East (Yellowhead), or about an hour's drive from Edmonton International Airport.

The main entrance is on Elk Island Parkway which branches to the north off Highway 16. Another access point is the western entrance, approached from Fort Saskatchewan via township road 544.

Elk Island National Park is open daily all year round, although some services and facilities are open only during the summer season.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-31 12:02
The main entrance is on Elk Island Parkway which branches to the north off Highway 16. Another entrance is access point is the western entrance, accessed approached from Fort Saskatchewan via township road 544. Elk Island National Park is open daily all year round, although some services and facilities are open only during the summer season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-10 01:26
The main entrance is on a signposted road branching Elk Island Parkway which branches to the north off Highway 16. Another entrance is the western entrance, accessed from Fort Saskatchewan via township road 544. Elk Island National Park is open daily all year round, although some services and facilities are open only during the summer season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:11
The main entrance is on a signposted road branching north off Highway 16. Another entrance is the western entrance, accessed from Fort Saskatchewan via township road 544. Elk Island National Park is open daily all year round, although some services and facilities are open only during the summer season.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:08
Elk Island National Park is open daily all year round, although some services and facilities are open only during the summer season.
  • Other attractions

The National Park is famous for its herds of Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat. Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly.

A few miles away to the southeast is the Ukrainian Cultural ViIlage, which recreates a Ukrainian settlement from the years 1899 to 1930. Closely connected ecologically to the National Park, the site has substantial lakes and is a productive birding venue in its own right. 

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-10-04 11:03
The National Park is famous for its herds of Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat. Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly. A few miles away to the southeast is the Ukrainian Cultural ViIlage, which recreates a Ukrainian settlement from the years 1899 to 1930. Closely connected ecologically to the National Park, the site has substantial lakes and is a productive birding venue in its own right. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-07-31 12:04
The National Park is famous for its herds of Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat. Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly. A few miles away to the southeast is the Ukrainian Cultural ViIlage, which recreates a Ukrainian settlement from the years 1899 to 1930. Ecologically Closely connected ecologically to the National Park, the site has substantial lakes and is a birding venue in its own right. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-15 10:54
The National Park is famous for its herds of Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat. Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly. A few miles away to the east southeast is the Ukrainian Cultural ViIlage, which recreates a Ukrainian settlement from the years 1899 to 1930. Ecologically connected to the National Park, the site has substantial lakes and is a birding venue in its own right. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-13 09:10
The National Park is famous for its herds of Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat. Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly. A few miles away to the east is the Ukrainian Cultural ViIlage, which recreates a Ukrainian settlement from the years 1899 to 1930. The Ecologically connected to the National Park, the site has substantial lakes and is a birding venue in its own right. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-10 01:29
The National Park is famous for its herds of Plains Bison, of Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat. Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly. A few miles away to the east is the Ukrainian Cultural ViIlage, which recreates a Ukrainian settlement from the years 1899 to 1930. The site has lakes and is a birding venue in its own right. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:07
The National Park is famous for its herds of Plains Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat.  Over  Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly.damselfly. A few miles away to the east is the Ukrainian Cultural ViIlage, which recreates a Ukrainian settlement from the years 1899 to 1930. The site has lakes and is a birding venue in its own right. 
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 12:53
The National Park is famous for its herds of Plains Bison, Elk and Moose. Other resident mammals include Mule Deer, Snowshoe Hare, Beaver and Muskrat.  Over 50 species of butterfly occur in the park, as well as around 30 species of dragonfly and damselfly.

A visitor centre is located just outside the south entrance, just north of the Yellowhead Highway. Camping is available, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/camping

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-06-01 11:00
A visitor centre is located just outside the south entrance, just north of the Yellowhead Highway. Camping is available, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/camping
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:35
Camping is available, see https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/camping

Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/securite-safety/comportements-guidelines

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-05-09 13:16
Guidelines for visitors are provided at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/securite-safety/comportements-guidelines
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Elk Island NP - Orniverse