Elk Island National Park
Spend the day surrounded by free-roaming bison, expansive prairie skies, and pristine boardwalk trails
This season, join Parkbus for an unforgettable free day trip to Elk Island National Park—Canada's premier bison sanctuary and a unique prairie ecosystem just outside Edmonton. Experience the thrill of seeing massive plains and wood bison roaming freely while exploring pristine boreal forest and grassland landscapes on accessible boardwalk trails.
Surrounded by rolling hills, pristine lakes, and vast open skies, this journey combines wildlife viewing, cultural education, and peaceful hiking through one of Canada's most important conservation success stories. You'll witness North America's largest land mammals in their natural habitat while learning about Indigenous culture and conservation efforts.
What's Included
- Round-trip coach transportation from downtown Edmonton
- Elk Island National Park admission and parking
- Expert-guided wildlife viewing and interpretation
- Access to all boardwalk trails and hiking paths
- Indigenous cultural education programs
- Professional park naturalist guide services
- Wildlife photography guidance and safety briefing
Experience Highlights
- Free-Roaming Bison Herds – See both plains and wood bison in natural habitat
- Accessible Boardwalk Trails – Explore diverse ecosystems on well-maintained paths
- Indigenous Cultural Education – Learn about traditional relationships with bison
- Prairie Wildlife Viewing – Elk, deer, over 250 bird species
- Conservation Success Story – Discover how the park saved bison from extinction
- Pristine Boreal Forest – Explore untouched wilderness ecosystems
Pickup Location
MEC Edmonton Downtown (11904 104 Ave NW)
We recommend getting there 15 minutes early to make sure you have enough time for the bus.
Departure
8:30 AM
estimated return
5:45 PM
How does it work?
Guests must reserve a seat by registering online at Parkbus.ca. A $15 deposit (per person) is required and will be refunded to participants who arrive on-time for their scheduled departure. Regular park entry fees apply ($8.50 per adult, $7.25 per senior), and will be deducted automatically from the deposit - unless you have Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Parks Canada Discovery Pass holders must bring their pass on the bus.
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.
