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ADVENTURE LOG / DAY HIKING / FIELD NOTES

A FEW DAYS AT ASTOTIN LAKE | ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

I respectfully acknowledge that the land in and around Elk Island National Park is located within the Treaty 6 Territory, the ancestral and traditional territories of the Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ), ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Michif Piyii (Métis), Cree people.
Source: native-land.ca

Over the last few days, Josh and I have headed out to Astotin Lake at Elk Island National Park a number of times to soak up the gorgeous spring days that have felt more like summer. It was way too hot to hike each time we had gone, so we just hung out by the lake and explored the lake shore. Hoping next time we go, we can finally finish the Lakeview Trail! (We’ve attempted it twice already, first being the end of winter and was too wet and melty, and the second being ridiculously hot…) 

Upon arrival to the Living Waters Boardwalk, I was pleasantly surprised that the boardwalk had been redone since the last time I was there! (It is MUCH sturdier!) I spent the majority of my time walking up and down the boardwalk at various times of the day – watching the muskrats, mallards, american coots, grebes, and great blue heron frolic in the marshy waters. I’d have to say my favourite time of day here (so far – I haven’t been here first thing in the morning yet for first light) is just as the sun is starting to set and there is a golden hue in the sky, the air gets cooler and the frogs start croaking.

Living waters boardwalk Elk Island National Park Alberta
Living Waters Boardwalk Sunset Astotin Lake Elk Island National Park Alberta
Muskrat Elk Island National Park Alberta
Muskrat Elk Island National Park Alberta

Just before the Living Waters Boardwalk, there was a squirrel hanging around that was following us being a little ham – playing peek-a-boo, running up the trees peeking around the corner, and even walking along side with us down the gravel road for a while. He was curious, and fun!

Other sights included Canadian geese (this photo is by Josh!), pelicans, and of course – bison. (One was rolling around in some dirt, got up and charged at my Jeep while I was waiting patiently for another to cross the road. It was really scary! Thankfully he didn’t get too close, but my heart was POUNDING!)

Canada Goose Elk Island National Park Alberta
Pelican Astotin Lake Elk Island National Park Alberta
Bison Elk Island National Park Alberta

And last but not least, the gorgeous views of Astotin Lake, and the beautiful sunset! I absolutely love the colours in the sky here! (And yes, I drove out JUST to catch the sunset one night! And it turned out to be one of my favourite photos so far this year! – It is the one of Josh standing on the dock.) 

Sunset Astotin Lake Elk Island National Park Alberta
Sunset Astotin Lake Elk Island National Park Alberta
Sunset Astotin Lake Elk Island National Park Alberta

Photos were taken over the course of three different outings to Elk Island National Park (May 11, 13, 15th 2018)
Don’t forget to bring bug spray with you when you go – the mosquitos were horrible the last day we were there (even during +28c!)

Until next time, chase the stoke!
– Tracey

Chase the Stoke Mountains

INFORMATION

  • You will need a Parks Canada Pass or daily admission to enter into Elk Island National Park.
  • More park information can be found on the Living Waters Boardwalk page on the Parks Canada website.
  • When photographing wildlife, please keep your distance. Parks Canada recommends 30 meters from large animals and 100 meters from bears. Never bait, call, crowd, chase, or capture an animal to take a photo.

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