Bison, Boardwalks and Dark Skies: A Long Weekend Day Trip to Elk Island
Larch season has wrapped up, the mountain crowds are thinning, and Thanksgiving long weekend is almost here. If you're looking for a fall adventure that doesn't involve a long drive to the Rockies, one of Alberta's best outdoor escapes is hiding in plain sight just east of Edmonton.
Elk Island National Park sits less than an hour from the city along Highway 16 (the Yellowhead), and it's open every day of the year. In October, it's quiet, golden, and full of wildlife. Here's how to make the most of it this Thanksgiving.
Why Elk Island Is Perfect in October
Elk Island protects a piece of the aspen parkland, one of the most endangered habitats in Canada. In fall, that means trails lined with golden aspen, crisp air, and the satisfying crunch of leaves under your boots. If you're lucky, you might even hear the haunting bugle of a bull elk echoing across the meadows.
Without the summer crowds, the park feels peaceful and wide open. It's an easy day trip from Edmonton, which makes it a great option for the extra time on the long weekend.
Trails Worth the Drive
Elk Island isn't mountainous, and its trails have very few steep climbs, which makes it a great choice for families, new hikers, and anyone looking for an easy-going long weekend walk. A few favourites to consider:
Shirley Lake Trail is a moderate hike through aspen forest and open meadows, and it's a good spot for viewing plains bison, moose and elk. Hayburger Trail is an easier option that crosses aspen forest, meadows and spruce bog. Moss Lake Trail offers both a moderate and a more difficult loop through mixed wood forest, with chances to spot beaver and waterfowl. For little legs, the Living Waters Boardwalk and the boardwalks of Amisk Wuche Trail are short and sweet.
We personally love to bring our bikes and cycle our way around the park.
If you want to see wood bison (a different subspecies from the plains bison north of the highway), head to the Wood Bison Trail on the south side of Highway 16. Before you go, check Parks Canada's trail conditions page, since fall weather can change quickly.
Be Bison Wise
Spotting a bison from the trail is unforgettable, but it's important to remember that these are large, powerful wild animals. Trails at Elk Island are shared by hikers, trail runners, cyclists, horseback riders and wildlife, so stay alert, keep plenty of distance, and never approach or feed any animal.
Wildlife is often most active around dawn and dusk, which is also when visibility is lowest, so take extra care at those times. Follow Parks Canada's guidance for being bison wise, and report any aggressive wildlife to park staff. Remember that harvesting plants, mushrooms and other natural items isn't permitted in national parks, so leave everything as you found it.
Stay for the Stars
Elk Island is part of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, and one of the best parts of a fall visit is how early the stars come out. With shorter days, you don't have to stay up until midnight to catch a stunning night sky, which makes October a great time to introduce kids to stargazing. Sign up to the Aurora Watch Subscription Page to find out when might be a great time to pack the car and go watch the skies dance.
Bring a thermos of something warm, a blanket, and an extra layer, and find a safe pullout or picnic area to settle in as the sun goes down.
Stock photo.
Your Thanksgiving Trail Pack
Fall in Alberta can bring sunshine and snow in the same afternoon, so pack for both. Dress in layers, bring a warm hat and gloves, and carry a headlamp since daylight fades early. Pack plenty of water, even if it's cool out, and bring snacks that won't freeze solid or crumble in your pocket.
There is a fee to enter the park, so have your Parks Canada pass or plan to pay on arrival, and check road conditions on Alberta 511 before you head out.
Pack the Dark Chocolate Explorer Box for your Day Out
A day at Elk Island has a way of stretching longer than you planned: one more loop around Astotin Lake, one more stop to watch the bison, one more "five more minutes" from the back seat. Instead of cutting the day short when everyone gets hungry, bring the Dark Chocolate Explorer Box along and let each family member choose their own summit. Everest pairs 64% dark chocolate with goji berries and Himalayan salt, Aconcagua adds golden Inca berries and crunchy cacao nibs, Vinson brings a crisp lift of natural peppermint, and Carstensz gives the grown-up driving home a little espresso boost. Every bar in the box is dairy-free and ready to go, so there's nothing to prep or keep cold. Tuck it in the daypack and keep the adventure going until the sun goes down.
Shop the Dark Chocolate Explorer Box
