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Astotin Lake - Elk Island National Park

Camrose-Lloydminster, Alberta  >  Canada

Astotin Lake is situated within Elk Island National Park, an area known for Wood Bison and for a number of interesting bird species.

Added* by A. F.
Most recent update 3 junij 2024

Description

Elk Island National Park consists of a mixture of lakes (of which Astotin Lake is the largest), aspen parkland and boreal forest. Covering an area of 75 square miles (194 sq km) it is one of the smallest national parks in Canada. This pristine park is renowned for its diverse wildlife with animals like Wood Bison (particularly active from July to August), Moose and Elk and over 250 bird species.

American White Pelican are known to breed on islands in Astotin Lake. The lake is also a good spot for viewing Barrow's Goldeneye, Red-necked Grebe as well as Western Grebe. Paved paths run along parts of the lakeshore. Typical ducks are common as well as warblers and other passerine birds of the area within the forested areas.

Details

Access

Elk Island National Park is located just southeast of the central point in Alberta, a 35-minute drive east of Edmonton. Elk Island National Park’s main entrance, the south gate, is located approximately 48km from Edmonton’s city centre, via Highway 16 East (Yellowhead Highway). The park is open year-round. Admission fee is $ 9 (2024). A car park is available free of charge once inside Elk Island National Park. Paved roads traverse the national park. Click on a P in the map for directions to a car park.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , Lake , Beach , Canyon/cliff

Conditions

Mountainous , Hilly , Rocky , Wet , Sandy

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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