Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park is located just southeast of the central point in Alberta, Canada. The park covers an area of 75 square miles (194sq km).

The holds historical and cultural significance with over 200 separate archaeological locations that reveal tool-making remnants as well as campsites or some type of living.

The park is comprised of fescue grasslands, aspen parkland, and boreal forest that blanket a prairies plateau creating a habit that is rich and substantive for an array of wildlife.  Of course, elk account for the largest population of ungulates in the park and serve as the namesake.

The wildlife is one of the key features of this biologically rich ecosystem.  This prairie plateau is home to the largest population of hoofed mammals in all of Canada. These include bison, elk, moose, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. There is no denser population anywhere in the country.

Other large wildlife species roaming about the park boundaries include black bear, coyote, lynx, and timber wolf. Some of the smaller species include beaver, porcupine, and other typical prairie species.

There are over 250 species of birds that either nest or migrate through the park.  The great blue herons and red-tailed hawks are two of the popular bird sightings. One of the unique facets of the park is that it is home to the largest terrestrial mammal in North America, the wood bison, while also being home to the smallest with the pygmy shrew.

Photos

Elk Island National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

Without question, the abundance and array of wildlife in the national park is the highlight for most people.  Most travelers venture into Elk Island for the purpose of seeing elk and many other species.

Ungulates

Elk Island has the densest population of hoofed animals across the entire country.  Collectively, the relatively small national park is thriving with these magnificent creatures. The estimates for these include:

• Over 600 elk
• Approximately 300 moose
• Exceeding over 500 deer
• Over 300 wood bison

Elk Island has been tremendously successful in ungulate population growth.  This success has been leveraged to export groups of different species to reintroduce and populate other regions of North America that had declined.

The herd of elk in the park represents the densest population of the varied ungulate species. Although the moose is the largest, some would argue that the elk is the most regal presenting of all the ungulates.

Elk Island National Park Trails

There are over a dozen trails providing aspects to the terrain and prairie plateau habit of the park.  These trails provide hikers with a chance to see wildlife while hiking through the wilderness. The trails are mostly easy to moderate rated with a fair balance between the two.

Beaver Pond Trail

This is one of the easy rated loop trails that covers a distance of 2.1 miles (3.37 km) which provides hikers with a chance to see wildflowers, wildlife, and views of a lake.  The trail meanders through the forest out to Beaver Pond.

Astotin Lake Shoreline Trail

This is a longer easy 4-mile (6.43 km) that meanders along the shoreline of the lake.  There is a chance to experience wildlife, particularly birds, as well as wildflowers. The trail is family-friendly and accessible to almost everyone.

Wood Bison Trail

This moderate rated loop trail travels 9.9 miles (15.9 km) through the dense forest and around a lake.  The elevation gain is 561 feet (170.99 m) with scenic views out over the lake.  There are opportunities to enjoy wildflowers and potentially see birds and other wildlife.

Tawayik Lake Trail

This is another moderate rated loop trail that circles around Tawayik Lake. The journey covers a distance of 9.5 miles (15.2 km) and features an elevation gain of 643 feet (195.99 m). The varied forest, prairie, and lake terrain offer a chance to see birds and larger wildlife species while also experiencing wildflowers and views of the lake.

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