The Infinis PathwayCoast to Coast, from AlbertaPlan a Trip

Elk Island National Park

Elk Island National Park · Hwy 16

Highlights

  • Free-roaming plains and wood bison herds — among the most reliable bison viewing in Canada
  • The Bison Loop Road wildlife drive
  • Astotin Lake and its shoreline trails
  • A Dark Sky Preserve, one of the first designated in the world

Itinerary

7:30 AM

Pickup & drive north

Pickup at Calgary Airport (YYC), north via Edmonton to Elk Island National Park.

11:30 AM

Bison Loop Road

A slow wildlife-watching drive along the Bison Loop Road, with stops wherever bison are spotted.

1:00 PM

Astotin Lake

Lunch on your own at Astotin Lake, with time for the shoreline trail.

3:30 PM

Return drive

Drive back south via Edmonton to Calgary.

7:00 PM

Arrive back

Drop-off back at Calgary Airport (YYC) in the evening.

Route & Distances

  1. Calgary Airport (YYC)Edmonton≈ 300 km
  2. EdmontonElk Island National Park≈ 50 km
  3. Elk Island National ParkCalgary Airport (YYC)≈ 350 km

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

Check Availability

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

Regular departures run Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Booking is by request, not instant confirmation — contact us to confirm the exact date and seat availability.

What's Included

Includes

  • Round-trip transport from Calgary Airport (YYC) in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking driver-guide (Vietnamese on request, subject to availability)

Excludes

  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Parks Canada day pass
  • Gratuities for your guide

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

  • Parks Canada day pass≈ $11 CAD / person / day

Cancellation Policy

CancelledRefund
21+ days before departureFull refund
7–20 days before departure50% refund
Less than 7 days before departureNo refund

Good to Know

  • Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
  • Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
  • Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
  • Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bison sightings guaranteed?

Elk Island has one of the highest concentrations of free-roaming bison in Canada, so sightings along the Bison Loop Road are very likely, though never 100% guaranteed.

Can we combine this with an Edmonton city day?

The drive passes right by Edmonton, but we run this as its own dedicated day given the distance and time spent in the park — ask us about scheduling both on a longer Alberta stay.

Is stargazing part of this tour?

Not on this daytime itinerary — Elk Island is a Dark Sky Preserve, so let us know if you're interested in an evening stargazing add-on and we'll see what we can arrange.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to book and share your trip.

Booked this tour? Log in to leave a review →

From $150 CADper person, CAD
Check Availability

More in Alberta