Free Shuttle to Elk Island National Park
Step off the bus and into a world that feels impossibly close to the city and impossibly far from it at the same time. Elk Island National Park is rolling aspen parkland, glassy lakes reflecting wide-open sky, and the deep quiet of a place where bison have grazed for over a century. Around any bend in the trail, you might lock eyes with a plains bison, unhurried, massive, completely at home.
Around 400 plains bison and 300 wood bison roam here alongside elk, moose, deer, and more than 250 species of birds. Hike one of 11 trails through forest and native grassland. Paddle the islands of Astotin Lake by canoe or kayak. Pack a picnic for the beach. Let the kids loose on the playground. Pop into the Astotin Theatre to chat with a Parks Canada interpreter. Or just sit on the dock and watch the light change over the water.
The park is also part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve and a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve.
Free Admission This Summer
Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, admission to all Parks Canada sites is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026. No pass or ticket required. Just show up.
Getting There Could Not Be Easier
The Parkbus Elk Island Shuttle gets you from downtown Edmonton to the heart of the park and back, completely free. Board the bus in the morning, arrive by mid-morning, and spend the full day exploring before heading home in the late afternoon. No car, no parking, no planning. Just book a seat and go.
On arrival, the shuttle stops at the Visitor Information Centre, where the Parks Canada team welcomes passengers with an orientation. From there, you'll be transported to the Astotin Lake Recreation Area for approximately four hours of free time to hike, paddle, picnic, and explore.
Backstage Bison Tours
On select dates, Parkbus riders get access to something most visitors never see. The Backstage Bison Tour is an exclusive one-hour walking tour led by Parks Canada interpreters that takes you behind the scenes at the Plains Bison Handling Facility. You'll visit the historic Heritage Barn, walk through the corrals and chutes where staff manage the herd, and learn how Elk Island became the cornerstone of bison conservation in Canada. The park's bison have been used to establish herds everywhere from Grasslands to Banff. If you see a bison in a Canadian national park, chances are its lineage traces back here.
The tour covers approximately one kilometre over uneven grass and gravel. Wear sturdy shoes.
Backstage Bison Tours will take place on the following trip dates:
- June 27
- July 9
- July 18
- July 25
- August 6
- August 15
- August 22
- September 19
NEW this year, trip dates will become available for registration two weeks in advance. This is a change from previous years where all dates were available at the outset of the season. This process gives everyone a chance to book trip dates in a more equitable way.
Generously supported by TD and CPAWS Northern Alberta
Pickup Locations
Royal Alberta Museum
We pick travellers from the Royal Alberta Museum (9810 103a Ave NW). We recommend getting there 15 minutes early to make sure you have enough time for the bus.
Estimated arrival
Departure
8:45 AM
Elk Island National Park Visitor Information Centre
Upon arrival to Elk Island National Park, the TD Elk Island Express will stop at the Elk Island National Park Visitor Information Centre where Parks Canada team will meet the passengers and offer a one-hour behind the scenes tour! Guests can also learn about the history of the park, browse local Indigenous artisan crafts and official Parks Canada merchandis
Estimated arrival
9:00 AM
Departure
4:30 PM
What to Bring:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Bag lunch
- Snacks
WHERE WILL THE BUS STOP?
Upon arrival to Elk Island National Park, the TD Elk Island Express will stop at the Elk Island National Park Visitor Information Centre where Parks Canada team will meet the passengers and offer a one-hour behind the scenes tour! Guests can also learn about the history of the park, browse local Indigenous artisan crafts and official Parks Canada merchandise. Following this stop, TD Elk Island Express guests have the opportunity to watch for wildlife as they are transported 20 minutes north to the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, where they will spend the rest of the time of the visit.
Guests have approximately four hours to enjoy a range of self-directed activities in this area: join an interpretive program, enjoy a picnic on the beach, play on the brand new playground or watch birds and other wildlife from the Living Waters Boardwalk.
Behind the Scenes Tour
On the following dates riders will be treated to a one-hour behind the scenes special Backstage Bison tour from the Parks Canada Staff. Following the tour you will continue on to Astotin Lake for the day.
- June 27
- July 9
- July 18
- July 25
- August 6
- August 15
- August 22
- September 19
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