Welcome to Elk Island Guided programs Camping Stargazing Contact information

Enjoy a true wilderness experience Enjoy drop-in programs and events Sleep under the stars Lose yourself in the wonder Visitor Information Centre & Gift Shop: 780-922-5790 35 minutes east of FREE with paid park entry Share stories around the campfire as the stars in the night of a star-filled sky pc.pnelkisland-elkislandnp.pc@.ca Visitor Guide sky twinkle above. Reserve your campsite today for parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland A short drive east of Edmonton lies Elk Island National Programs include: Park, a year-round oasis where roam freely, sun camping dates between May 17 and October 14, 2019: • Bison Backstage tours • Stargazing Campground Follow us glistens off lakes, and stars light-up the night sky. Learn and Map • Pemmican making • Bird watching reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca Reservation Service: on Twitter: the story of how bison were saved from the brink of @ElkIslandNP • Pond-dipping • Campfire programs 1-877-737-3783 1-877-737-3783 extinction, hike or bike more than 80 km of trails, paddle reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca 2019/20 around the islands in Astotin Lake, or gaze at a night sky ASTOTIN THEATRE ASTOTIN LAKE CAMPGROUND full of stars. Emergency Stop by the Astotin Theatre to watch a documentary, Nestled in the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, this 911 – Police, fire, and ambulance To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, plan your speak with Parks Canada staff, borrow a Discovery Kit, campground is walking distance to the beach, boat 1-877-852-3100 – Parks Canada Dispatch visit and pack appropriate equipment: or pick-up an Xplorer book. rentals, playground, golf course, and theatre.

PLAN PRIVATE PROGRAMS Astotin Lake Campground offers: DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM EDMONTON • Visit parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland for the latest info Parks Canada interpreters are enthusiastic and • Potable water • Hot showers Travel east on Highway 16. The park entrance is on park activities, events, and conditions. knowledgeable. Private programs are available for school • Flush toilets • Picnic shelters located on the north side of Highway 16 approximately • Select a trip which best suits the group’s abilities, groups, organizations, and families. 35 minutes east of Edmonton. • Firewood (fee) • RV dump station Navigate the sky of the Dark Sky Preserve experiences, interests, equipment, and time available. Stop by the Visitor Information Centre or visit from Elk Island National Park; without the glow of city The first large Elk Island National Park sign on • Inform friends or family of travel plans and file a trip parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland for seasonal oTENTiks lights around, you’ll see more than you knew existed. Highway 16 marks the park boundary. Continue plan with them. program schedules. For an easy and 7 km further east to reach the main park gate. • Check weather and road conditions. The Astotin Lake Recreation Area and the Bison relaxing camping Loop area are open spaces ideal for viewing the Come prepared with a full tank of gas as there • Learn what to do if encountering wildlife. experience try night sky above. Bring a blanket and experience is no gas station in the park. • Stop at the Visitor Information Centre for park updates an oTENTik. This seasonal meteor showers, the northern lights, and and to purchase your entry pass. A-frame tent and shooting stars. cabin in one offers PACK a unique blend of STARGAZING TIPS Natural hazards exist in any national park. Being prepared homey comfort and can minimize risky situations; be sure to pack the basics: a taste of outdoor 1. Find an open dark area with few obstructions. Save the date adventure. oTENTiks View as much of the sky as possible. Weather appropriate Navigation and can sleep up to six 2. Use a red light to preserve night vision. Standard clothing communication devices people in comfort. white lights disrupt night vision. Visitor guide and map Flashlight Elk Island National Park is home to a First aid kit Food, water, and EQUIPPED CAMPING 3. Know when to look. Season, time, and weather all number of exciting events every year Sun protection equipment to be No gear? No problem! An equipped campsite comes impact what is visible in the night sky. Check the BISON FESTIVAL – June 1, 2019 self-sufficient with a tent, propane stove, camp chairs, and sleeping weather forecast and astronomy calendars online. Insect repellent CANADA DAY – July 1, 2019 pads for up to six people. Some activities require additional gear. 4. Use a star chart or app. Have the proper tools to PARKS DAY – July 20, 2019 Visit adventuresmart.ca for more information help identify constellations. OSTER LAKE BACKCOUNTRY CAMPGROUND MILKY WAY DAY – September 1, 2019 on how to stay safe and what to pack. Aussi disponible en français. This hike-in only (4 km) campground provides a truly unique Contact the Visitor Information Centre or visit FAMILY DAY – February 17, 2020 camping experience on the west shore of Oster Lake. parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland for information on dark sky programs taking place throughout the year. Visit parkscanada.gc.ca/elkisland for event details.

Hiking Paddling Wildlife viewing Rule of thumb Discovery Kits

Animals in the park are wild Pick up a pack to fun Explore the park at a slower pace Moose and may react to perceived Wildlife viewing tips threats when startled, With over 80 km of trails to explore, a memorable Visit the Astotin Theatre or the Visitor Information • Visit at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. threatened, or protecting experience awaits. Watch a busy beaver construct Centre to borrow a free Discovery Kit. These themed Be alert as females and their young travel at these times. their young. Protect its dam, listen to songbirds sing a tune, or take in a backpacks are loaded with tools such as binoculars, • Slow down. Bison and often travel the parkway. yourself and wildlife by breathtaking sunset over Astotin Lake. Most trails have animal identification guides, pond dipping kits, • Get wet. Moose and waterfowl are most active in rainy weather. giving animals space. To parking, viewpoints, washrooms, and garbage facilities. star charts, GPS units, and other items to suit park • Be patient. Stop and look around, kick back and wait determine if you are at a exploration interests. Trail descriptions and locations are listed on the to see what wanders by. safe distance use back of this guide. the rule of thumb: Choose between the: • Nature kit • Pond-dipping kit Elk Wolf White-tailed Deer 1. Hold your fist straight out in front of you, 2. Raise your thumb, • Geocaching kit • Dark sky kit 3. Cover the animal with your thumb.

Cycling If the animal is totally covered by your thumb, you are a safe distance away (about 100 m). If your thumb does not cover the animal you are too close and should retreat. Feel the breeze as you pedal through nature Bring a bike and breathe in the fresh air while cycling Geocaching A canoe or kayak is the best seat Black Bear Beaver along trails or roadways in the park. in the house TRAIL RIDING Paddling is a great low-impact way to discover the Hide and seek Watch for wildlife as you cycle through forest and natural wonders of the park. across open grasslands on more than 75 km of trails. Geocaching is a fun Bring a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard or rent one at the high-tech adventure ROAD CYCLING Astotin Lake Recreation Area. Gas and electric motors where participants With ample wildlife viewing opportunities, are not permitted. use a GPS (Global paved roads in Elk Island National Park are a great Positioning System) For information on watercraft rentals, visit option for road cyclists. Travel the parkway (20 km Bring your binoculars: over 250 species of birds can be spotted in Elk Island throughout the year! to hunt for containers one-way) or the administration road (5 km one-way). haskincanoe.ca or call 780-922-4324. called “caches.” Stay safe and protect wildlife Caches range from easy finds with CYCLING SAFETY PADDLING SAFETY Golfing vehicle access to • Fast, quiet travel increases the chance of • Wear a Canadian approved personal floatation • Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Follow the rule of thumb. • Avoid startling wildlife. Be aware of surroundings and travel in groups. challenging half-day finds on longer trails. sudden wildlife encounters. Slow down, device (PFD). • Do not approach or entice wildlife. Store all food, garbage • Stay in the vehicle when driving by wildlife. Only stop to observe if Designed by Stanley Thompson, the 9–hole Elk Island Try to locate them all! Golf Course blends nature and recreation. Enjoy a round stay alert, and make noise. • Check the forecast and monitor changing and scented items when not in use. it is safe to do. Move on after a few moments to prevent traffic jams. or grab refreshments at the clubhouse. • Pair up with a motor vehicle to navigate through weather conditions. • Give wildlife the right of way. When encountering elk, moose, • Follow posted speed limits. Slow down and be aware of surroundings. Visit geocaching.com or pick up the bison herds gathered near the road. • Carry essential safety equipment on board, as or bison on a trail, make noise to alert animals. Wait for them to • Keep dogs on leash and under control at all times. Pets cause Elk Island Guide to Geocaching brochure For more information or to book a tee time • Wear a helmet and high visibility clothing. required by Transport Canada. move on or slowly back away. stress for wildlife. at the Visitor Information Centre. visit elkislandgolf.com or call 780-998-3161.

Trail information Astotin Lake Recreation Area Bison conservation

Legend Millions of bison once roamed across the continent Trail Road Legend from to Mexico. However, within a single Hiking Accessible human lifetime, bison in North America were hunted Cycling Easy Forest Grassland Water Beach from the tens of millions to less than a thousand. Washrooms Picnic area Moderate When almost all hope for bison seemed lost, Outhouse Picnic shelter Difficult a few people saved the species from extinction. The Picnic Area Canadian government purchased one of the last Larger trail numbers on map indicate trailheads. herds of bison and between 1907 and 1912 over Picnic Shelter All trailheads outside the Astotin Lake Recreation Area 400 wild bison were shipped by train to Elk Island have parking, outhouses, and garbage facilities. Firewood National Park.

Red Chairs • Today, there are more bison in Elk Island National Hayburger Trail Group Slow down and relax camping Park than there were in the whole of North 11.6 km (3-4 hours) – Flat terrain in 1 of the 5 pairs of Red America in 1890. Recreational Chairs in Elk Island. Red Used as a wagon path by the Hayburger family until vehicle camping Chairs are placed in areas • Elk Island National Park is the only national park the 1930s, this trail winds through open forest and with great views. that maintains herds of both subspecies of North meadows. Keep an eye out for bison and moose Boat launch ; Wood Bison on the south side of where the trail crosses a black spruce forest. Highway 16 and Plains Bison on the north side. Recreational Astotin Lake Simmons Trail vehicle dump Campground • Wood bison are the largest land mammal station Kiosk in North America. 4 km (1-2 hours) – Rolling hills This trail makes its way through aspen forest and • Elk Island National Park provides bison to rolling hills. Open areas along the trail offer the conservation initiatives around the world. opportunity to watch beavers and muskrats in action. Walk-in Canoe/kayak camping Note: This trail begins on the north side of Tawayik Road rental 100 m east of the Tawayik parking lot. ASTOTIN LAKE CAMPGROUND Shirley Lake Trail 10.9 km (3-4 hours) – Rolling hills Numerous shallow lakes and ponds are nestled Playground between aspen forest and meadows. Listen for the calls of frogs filling the air and watch for nesting waterfowl. Note: This trail intersects with Tawayik Lake Trail; Astotin Pay attention to trail markers and maps at intersections. Theatre

Moss Lake Trail 12.6 km (3.5-4.5 hours) – Rolling hills Listen to the call of songbirds as the trail winds up and down hills, around ponds, and through mixed Oster Lake backcountry wood forest. The west side of the trail passes through campground grassland habitat ideal for spotting bison, elk, and deer. 500 meters Amisk Wuche Trail Join a park program or stop at the Visitor Information 2.7 km (1-1.5 hours) – Moderate to steep terrain Golf course & café Centre for more information on bison conservation. This diverse trail winds through aspen, birch, and spruce stands. A series of floating boardwalks cross small kettle lakes and beaver ponds. Part of the trail follows ridgelines, providing elevated views Safety information Winter of forest and grassland habitat.

Lakeview Trail 3.7 km (1-2 hours) – Limited steep sections Safety is a shared responsibility Come play Discover changing vegetation as the trail bends • Trails and beaches are not patrolled. Use at through aspen and black spruce forest. With panoramic own risk. in the snow views overlooking Astotin Lake, this trail provides Mud Lake • Be self-reliant: prepare to be self-sufficient in all Experience a whole wonderful photo opportunities. viewpoint weather conditions and emergency situations. new adventure with Beaver Pond Trail • Create and share a trip plan with a friend or a winter visit to Elk Island National Park. 3.6 km (1-2 hours) – Flat terrain family member. Follow wildlife prints • Stay alert. Be aware of surroundings and avoid Open aspen forest and sedge meadows along this through the snow, hike using headphones. trail are ideal for spotting birds or beavers in the across pristine snow- summer and observing bison grazing in the winter. • Respect wildlife: wildlife encounters are possible. covered meadows, Learn more on the other side of this guide. share stories around Living Waters Boardwalk • Check the weather forecast: conditions can a crackling campfire, 400 m (15-30 minutes) – Boardwalk change from minute to minute and place to place. or enjoy the following Starting just behind the Astotin Theatre, this boardwalk • Check for closures and restrictions: review the winter activities: loops over the water of Astotin Lake. Watch beaver website or contact the visitor information centre. • Snowshoeing • Tobogganing and waterfowl break the surface or peer into the water • Stay hydrated: bring enough water and food to to see various aquatic life. • Skating • Winter programs last through an emergency or unexpected delay. • Stargazing • Winter camping Tawayik Lake Trail • Do not rely on a cellular telephone: cell 15.1 km (4-5 hours) – Rolling hills coverage varies and may not be available in all Visit parkscanada.gc.ca/ElkIsland or contact areas of the park. the Visitor Information Centre for more on Winding through aspen forest and meadows, this trail winter activities and program schedules. is great for watching bison graze and waterfowl forage. Visit adventuresmart.ca for more safety information Take advantage of fire pits and picnic tables at the and trip planning templates. trailhead. Be sure to stop by the bench commemorating WINTER SAFETY the 1984 visit of Saint John Paul II near the trailhead. Winter weather can present additional hazards to Note: Portions of this trail are shared with Shirley Lake Trail DO NOT FEED OR park visitors. Consider cold temperatures, storms, and a staff only access road. Pay attention to trail markers and maps at intersections. APPROACH WILDLIFE. challenging travel conditions, and short daylight hours when planning a winter visit to Elk Island Shoreline Trail National Park. 6 km return (2-3 hours) – Flat terrain KEEP DOGS ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES. • Dress in weather appropriate clothing and footwear. This paved trail follows the original road around Astotin Lake. Short paths off this trail lead to clearings that • Bring extra clothes in case of changing are great for observing waterfowl or picnicking on the Slow down for winter conditions. NO CAMPFIRES OUTSIDE OF shore of Astotin Lake. everyone’s safety. • Exercise caution and watch for icy sections, DESIGNATED FIRE PITS. deep snow, and fallen trees. Wood Bison Trail • Assess ice thickness and never go onto ice alone. 15.6 km (4-5 hours) – Rolling hills NO DRONE ZONE! Thin ice may exist on water bodies at any time. Spot wood bison, the largest land mammal in North All Parks Canada places are “no drone zones.” Leave drones at home and enjoy Elk • Drive appropriately for winter road conditions. America, from the only trail south of Highway 16. Island National Park from the ground! • Travel with a full tank of gas in case of This challenging trail crosses through aspen forest, unexpected delays or emergencies. wetlands, and along ridges.