Elk Island National Park

Winter Activities

Winter, naturally

Crisp Morning Escapade
Get here early to see the frost-covered trees sparkle as the sun rises. Make your way up the parkway and keep a lookout for sleeping bison, moose, deer and elk nestled in the snow along the road. Can you spot where the animals have made paths in the snow? Keep your camera handy for those perfect winter shots like hoar frost on the trees and snowflake designs. Try Tawayik Lake Trail (16.5 km) or Oster Lake Road (12 km) for a brisk morning ski. Warm up those tender toes with a well deserved picnic in our warming shelter.

Alternative Afternoons
Snowshoe the afternoon away! Head out to Amisk Wuche trail for a fun 2.5km hike. The rolling snow covered landscape is something to see. Feeling more adventurous? Try snowshoeing out to one of Astotin Lakes 21 islands. Spend the rest of your afternoon tobogganing, throwing snowballs and searching for animal tracks. End the afternoon with a warm fire in one of our cook shelters.

Winter Challenge
Plan on entering the Berkebiner cross-country ski festival or just looking for a challenge on the trails? Come ski Tawayik Lake (16.5 km), Hayburger (10 km), Shirley Lake (10.5 km), and Moss Lake Trails (13 km) to complete 50 of the 60+ km of ski trails in Elk Island. Tawayik Lake’s warming shelter is a great way to get warm and unwind after a long ski.
Winter camping is free in Elk Island... dare to brave the elements?